MALAYSIA CONDEMNS THE ISLAMOPHOBIC ACT OF BURNING THE HOLY QURAN IN STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN
MALAYSIA CONDEMNS THE ISLAMOPHOBIC ACT OF BURNING THE HOLY QURAN IN STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN
Malaysia condemns in the strongest terms, the Swedish authority for granting approval to the provocative act of burning the Holy Quran on 28 June 2023 in Stockholm, Sweden. The desecration of the Holy Book, while Muslims around the world are celebrating Eid Al-Adha, is nothing more than an insult to Muslims worldwide and violates the universal principle of respect and understanding towards all religions and their Holy Scriptures.
This marks the second time such a vile act took place in Sweden this year, after the first incident in January 2023. The decision by the Swedish court to allow such a despicable act to be repeated is sadly not a progressive move in our efforts to enhance mutual respect and understanding for the betterment of mankind. Rather, it is tantamount to legally sanction a hate crime and a crude provocation to spread religious hatred and incitement to violence, which are detrimental towards the advancement of peace and civilization.
Malaysia urges the Swedish government to take immediate action against the perpetrator of this heinous crime and to undertake serious measures to combat all forms of violence and hatred against Islam in Sweden. Malaysia strongly believes that the Swedish authorities’ inaction to contain this provocative act could bring unwanted repercussions on its relations with Muslims around the world.
Malaysia reiterates its call for the United Nations (UN), the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Human Rights Council (HRC) to take drastic action in promoting the full respect and protection of religious scriptures worldwide as well as combatting the worrisome rise of Islamophobia around the world.
PUTRAJAYA
30 June 2023