Islamophobia Must Be Tackled At International Level Says Anwar

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Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is on a three-day official visit to Saudi Arabia. (Bernama pic)JEDDAH: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has urged the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to take decisive action in dealing with the issue of Islamophobia.
This was among the views he voiced during a courtesy call from OIC secretary-general Hissein Brahim Taha and his delegation here.
“Islamophobia is an extreme stance of hatred and anti-Islam which is unreasonable and insane because it takes a rather hateful attitude towards all Muslims, and looks down on and insults the religion and beliefs of its followers.
“And so we are asserting that there must be readiness at the international level (on this matter),” he said at a press conference after the courtesy call, which was also attended by foreign minister Zambry Abdul Kadir and communications and digital minister Fahmi Fadzil.
The prime minister and his delegation arrived here earlier today for a three-day official visit to Saudi Arabia.
Anwar gave his assurance that Malaysia would continue to play a role not only as an active member of the OIC, but also in dealing with various issues faced by Muslims globally.
“Turkey, meanwhile, will work together with Malaysia to highlight the issue of Islamophobia so that it is (better) understood… we should not allow the attacks of some groups in the West who hate the religion, but we should take an approach of giving firm answers,” he said.
Anwar also said that he had raised the issue of Palestine by stating Malaysia’s commitment to continue supporting the struggle of Palestinians, in addition to wanting close cooperation between Malaysia and the OIC on the matter.
At the same time, he briefed the delegation on Malaysia’s efforts and willingness to mediate issues in southern Thailand as well as those involving Muslims in the southern Philippines.
He said the OIC also informed him of an international women’s conference which would be organised by the Saudi Arabian government to emphasise the importance of women’s education. - FMT

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