Calls To Ban Azan In Uk The Rise Of Right Wing Sentiments That Bears Similarities To Malaysia

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RIGHT-WING sentiment has been on the rise in the UK.
Stemming principally from the fear of uncontrolled immigration as well as perceived threat to the British way of life from “foreign invaders”, some citizens have resorted to hoisting the Union Jack as a form of protest or patriotism depending on how one looks at it.
In another example of thinning tolerance in the British Isle, residents are complaining about local mosques broadcasting the call to Muslim prayers a.k.a. azan on loudspeakers.
Yes, that’s right. The refrain being peddled is incredibly similar to words used by right wing nationalists here in Malaysia to silence or denounce minority groups.
An example of such right-wing sentiment can be gleaned from a post on X by rightist journo British Intel (@TheBritishIntel) who argued such practices were a reflection of “two-tier justice” in modern Britain.
Highlighting that mosques in the UK are now allowed to broadcast the azan as “community and cultural expression” despite repeated complaints from residents, the poster also compared the scenario to Christians who have been arrested for preaching in UK streets.
“One rule for some – another for everyone else. This isn’t equality, it’s submission” was the passionate argument.
Similar sentiments can be gleaned from the comments that reflect growing unease at what is perceived as alien and foreign cultures infiltrating (and threatening) the cherished British way of life.
Does any of this sound familiar to the rhetoric being peddled by right wing groups in Malaysia?
Instead of embracing or celebrating diversity, these mosques are described as noise-polluting nuisances. Many simply contended that they should NOT be allowed to broadcast the call to prayers five times a day.

Some also queried why church bells weren’t allowed to be rang but the Muslim call to prayer on loudspeakers was.

Instead of applauding the British system that celebrates equality, diversity and merit, one commenter took aim at British Asian politicians such as the London mayor Sir Sadiq Khan and Secretary of State Shabana Mahmood. Again, does this line of argument sound familiar?
Even British premier Keir Starmer was dragged into the polemic by virtue of his Labour Party’s leniency. Anyone recall the infamous speech by PAS lawmaker Siti Mastura Muhammad that sought to link DAP members with communists by dint of a common surname?

One observer went on to claim that this was further evidence that “London is now a Muslim city”. One can also hear such paranoid declarations in local nationalists’ tirades that the country was being taken over by foreign forces.

In language that is eerily similar to right-wingers in Malaysia, one commenter asked who will erupt first – the “tolerant British citizens” or those from a “backward hateful culture”?

Many hurtful and offensive words are being used in the discussion above alongside messages of outright hate.  The target in the UK in this example are Muslims and their right to practice their religion as guaranteed under the British constitution.
Compare with the local scenario when the likes of UMNO Youth chief Datuk Dr Muihamad Akmal Saleh continually provokes racial tensions with non-stop inflammatory remarks.
The latest incident has a PAS lawmaker – Ahmad Marzuk Shaary – equating non-Muslims in Malaysia as Zionists that threaten Bumiputera rights.
The parallels are frighteningly similar.
The UK example of citizens displeasure at the broadcast of the Muslim call to prayer should underline how extreme and unpleasant right-wing views are for minority groups.
It is hoped that the likes of Akmal and Marzuk as well as their rabid followers gain a sense of perspective and realise their pronouncements are neither clever nor constructive. –  Focus Malaysia

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