PETALING JAYA: The foreign ministry summoned the Charge d’Affaires ad interim of the Swedish Embassy in Kuala Lumpur this morning to reaffirm the country’s strong condemnation over a Swedish far-right politician’s “vile act” of burning the Holy Quran in Stockholm.
“The ministry conveyed Malaysia’s objection and disappointment with the Swedish authorities’ continuous refusal to take action, allowing Rasmus Paludan to indulge in his foul antics, including a similar incident in April 2022, despite strong protest from the international community,” it said in a statement.
The ministry said it urged the Swedish authorities to undertake serious measures to combat all forms of violence and hatred against Islam in Sweden.
It warned that the spirit of peaceful coexistence in a multi-religious society could be undermined if Islamophobia and xenophobia continued to prevail.
“The Charge d’Affaires ad interim took note of the Malaysian government’s protest and said he would convey the views to Stockholm.”
Noting a briefing session was hosted by deputy Swedish foreign minister Jan Knutsson on Jan 23 and attended by the representatives from the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member countries in Stockholm, including Malaysia, the ministry called for concrete initiatives by the Swedish government to streamline their position in respecting the Muslim community as a whole.
Earlier this week, Swedish far-right politician Paludan’s burning of the Quran at a demonstration sparked outrage among Muslims around the world.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim today condemned Paludan’s act and called for action to be taken against the politician to check what he called an alarming rise of Islamophobia in Sweden.
“We in Malaysia will not tolerate the burning of the Quran, Bible and Hindu texts,” said Anwar.
“The burning of the Quran is aimed at provoking (Muslims) and causing discord,” he said. However, he said Muslims should counter anti-Islam movements through intellectualism. - FMT
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