OIC member states’ collective responsibility to counter Islamophobia, says Zahid

PUTRAJAYA: Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi stated that it is the collective responsibility of Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member states to counter Islamophobia by promoting dialogue, raising awareness, and spreading a positive message about Islam to the world. The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized the importance of engaging with the international community, the United Nations Human Rights mechanisms, and other international organizations to address Islamophobia. He urged for the true teachings of Islam as found in the Al-Quran and Hadith to be highlighted. Ahmad Zahid made these remarks during a dinner event with 29 heads of missions and representatives from OIC member states in Putrajaya on August 29. Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Mohamad Alamin was also present at the event.

Ahmad Zahid commended the gathering as a reflection of OIC’s shared values and commitment to protecting the interests of the Muslim world while promoting international peace and harmony. He called for continuous condemnation of Israel’s actions towards the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Occupied Palestinian Territory, describing them as barbaric acts and violations of international law. Ahmad Zahid emphasized the need for OIC member states to actively engage with the international community and urge them to intervene in Israel’s actions. He held the Israeli government accountable for its brutality and called for an end to unlawful killings, forced displacement, abusive detention, movement restrictions, and settlement expansion in the occupied territory.

Ahmad Zahid expressed concern about Jewish colonialists’ efforts to incite religious conflict by imposing temporal and spatial divisions at the Al-Aqsa Mosque, which he deemed a threat to international peace and security. He highlighted that these actions by Israeli forces violated the Status Quo Agreement initiated in 1757 and called for increased efforts from OIC members to hold Israel responsible for its unacceptable behavior. He emphasized the need for Israel to comply with international law and warned that failure to do so would perpetuate injustice and impunity. Ahmad Zahid called for a proactive and practical approach from Muslim nations in protecting Al-Aqsa, stressing the importance of unity, strong leadership, and shared values derived from their faith.

Ahmad Zahid reiterated Malaysia’s commitment to addressing Islamophobia and supporting OIC’s agenda, particularly in relation to Al-Aqsa. He stated that Malaysia’s resolve in this matter is unwavering. – Bernama