PETALING JAYA: The Swedish charge d’affaires has been summoned by Wisma Putra in response to the desecration of the Quran in Stockholm on July 20. The Malaysian Foreign Ministry expressed objection and disappointment over the Swedish Government’s approval and allowance of such derogatory acts towards the Quran, citing freedom of speech as a pretext. While the burning of the Quran failed in this incident, the provocation of stomping on the Holy Book caused immense distress and offense to millions of Muslims worldwide. The ministry emphasized the importance of responsibly exercising freedom of expression, taking into account the religious sensitivities of diverse global communities. They warned that acts of disrespect towards any religion have the potential to incite religious hatred and undermine harmony between people of different faiths. The ministry urged the Swedish government to reassess the fairness and equal application of freedom of speech and take immediate measures to address what they called “structural Islamophobia.”
Following the incident, the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) adopted a resolution on “countering religious hatred constituting incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence” on July 12. Among the council members, 28 member states, including Malaysia, voted in favor of the resolution, while 12 opposed it and seven abstained. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim expressed support for the UNHRC resolution, applauding the progressive step taken against Islamophobia. However, he also highlighted the unfortunate fact that for every step forward, acts of hatred emerge from those who hide behind the masks of free speech and expression.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
