Erdogan proposes Malaysia, Turkiye find way to overcome Islamophobia - Anwar

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said President Recep Tayyip Erdogan suggested that Malaysia and Turkiye jointly find a way to face the issue of Islamophobia.

The prime minister said the Turkiye president had suggested during a telephone conversation with him three days ago.

“He calls me often at least once a month to discuss various matters, family matters, or catch up with the latest development.

“It was during such a conversation that he suggested both of us find a way to increase efforts to overcome the issue of Islamophobia, he did not ask PAS. He does not know the Bersatu president either.

“He suggested we work together, so I said can, and I have asked him to prepare the mechanism.

“He proposed we meet in New York during the United Nations meeting in September,“ he said when speaking at the Negeri Sembilan Madani unity tour in Seremban last night.

Firm in religious issues

The prime minister added that such a suggestion came about because of Malaysia’s standing in the eyes of the world and the confidence that the world leader has towards Malaysia’s ability to fight the Western regime on the issue of burning the Al-Quran.

He assured Malaysia remains firm in religious issues and forbids any insult against any faith in the country.

“What was our first reaction to (burning the Al-Quran) was to protest such an act...the Foreign Minister called up the Swedish Ambassador to remind him of such an act.

“We ordered a million copies of the Al-Quran to be distributed worldwide and 15,000 copies in the Swedish language to be sent to Sweden. That is our response to such an act (burning of Al-Quran),” he said.

Strengthen unity

Meanwhile, Anwar, the Pakatan Harapan chairman said state elections campaign coordination between Harapan and Umno which enters the final stage, is a new effort to strengthen unity and safeguard the country’s status in the eyes of the world.

He added that this also ensures Malaysia becomes a nation that earns the respect of the world as a whole.

“In the discussion between Harapan and Umno, we decided that the principles of the constitution must be respected, Harapan agreed and Umno were in favour as well to save the nation and to bring about changes.

“We want to lift the status of the Malays and others, turn Malaysia into a leader in South East Asia. We need to migrate from the old ways, and that is what we are doing,” he said.

Anwar also urged voters to choose leaders fielded by the unity government so that all races can enjoy the benefits and ensure that no race will be sidelined by anyone.

- Bernama