Malaysia strongly condemns the provocative action of Rasmus Paludan, leader of the far-right Stram Kurs party, who burned copies of the Koran in front of the Turkish Embassy in Stockholm, Sweden.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stressed that Rasmus Paludan’s Islamophobic actions were a major provocation to Muslims around the world.
He urged the Swedish government to take immediate action and ensure efforts were made to tackle the alarming rise in Islamophobia in Sweden.
According to Anwar, the blatant desecration of Islamic scriptures by politicians and the government’s inaction amounts to fueling Islamophobia and is a major provocation to sensitivities.
“Not only for the Turkish people, but also for more than two billion Muslims in the world,” said Anwar, Sunday (22/1/2023).
Anwar added, Malaysia condemns repeated hate crimes targeting Muslims in the world as well as all forms of incitement to hatred and fanning racism in word or deed.
Malaysia is also very concerned about the increasing tide of hate speech against religion or ethnicity.
Furthermore, Anwar reiterated the importance of upholding the principles of dialogue, involvement and mutual respect in resolving disputes.
Anwar called on the international community to reject attacks on race or religion under the guise of freedom of expression.
Rasmus Paludan burned copies of the Koran on Saturday (21/1). Rasmus Paludan has staged this action several times, including in April last year.
Swedish PM: Rasmus Paludan Very Insolent Swedish
Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson also condemned Rasmus Paludan’s action, calling it “rude”.
Rasmus Paludan’s move has deepened tensions between Sweden and Turkey amid Stockholm’s desperate efforts to seek Ankara’s approval to join NATO.
Kristersson acknowledged that freedom of expression is a fundamental part of democracy.
According to him, burning holy books for many people is a very impudent act.
“I want to express my sympathy for all Muslims who are offended by what happened in Stockholm,” Kristersson tweeted.
Outraged that Rasmus Paludan’s stunt was authorized by the Swedish police, Ankara reportedly canceled the visit of the Swedish defense minister and summoned the country’s ambassador.
Morocco to Indonesia Condemns Rasmus Paludan
A number of Muslim countries also voiced their anger. Morocco expressed astonishment at the authorities allowing Rasmus Paludan’s action to take place in front of Swedish order troops.
Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates also strongly condemned Rasmus Paludan’s actions. So too with the Gulf Cooperation Council and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
“Indonesia strongly condemns the burning of the holy Qur’an by Rasmus Paludan, a Swedish politician, in Stockholm,” said a statement from the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs via its official account on Twitter on Sunday.
“This act of blasphemy has hurt and tarnished religious tolerance. Freedom of expression must be exercised responsibly,” added the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia.
