STATEMENT BY
MR. SOFIAN AKMAL ABD. KARIM
DEPUTY PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE/ CHARGÉ D'AFFAIRES a.i.
PERMANENT MISSION OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS
AT THE HIGH-LEVEL COMMEMORATIVE EVENT ON THE
INTERNATIONAL DAY TO COMBAT ISLAMOPHOBIA
FRIDAY, 10 MARCH 2023, GENERAL ASSEMBLY HALL, UNHQ
Mr. Chair,
It is almost a year since we adopted the landmark Resolution 76/254 commemorating 15 March as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia. The resolution came at a critical time, when racism, religious discrimination and xenophobia against Muslims, continue to intensify in the wake of the 11 September 2001 attacks. For more than two decades, the Muslim ummah is battling intense misinformation, negative stereotypes and unfounded suspicions, further fuelled by the advent of social media. The discrimination and hostilities we face is astounding. Unfortunately, since the adoption of our landmark resolution, Islamophobic acts continue to persist. In the streets of certain cities, the Holy Qur’an was burned in the name of freedom of speech and expression. In some countries, Muslims are prevented from freely practicing their religion, or worst still, targeted by right-wing extremists because of their faith.
2. Malaysia unequivocally condemns Islamophobia. It is a perversion of the truth and a manifestation of intolerance that feeds into extremism. While acknowledging that the exercise of freedom of speech and expression is a fundamental human right, we strongly disagree with the notion that the defamation of religion is not an infringement of human rights. The defamation of any religion constitutes a derogation of the right to freedom of religion or belief and is intimately linked to the incitement of racial and religious hatred. Rights should not be in competition with one another, nor should one right be seen as superior to another.
3. We call on all individuals, organisations and States to reject Islamophobia. Such ignorance and bigotry have no place in civilised society. We call for proactive efforts to combat the spread of false narratives, slander and untruths concerning Islam. Allowing lies about Islam to fester is akin to condoning the violation of human rights of individuals professing the Muslim faith. It is crucial that we promote mutual respect among religions as well as harmonious relations and peaceful coexistence among peoples of different faiths and beliefs.
4. We have a long way to go in this uphill task of combating Islamophobia. Malaysia will continue to fight against the ignorance and continued prejudices against Islam and Muslims, and counts on the support of all members of the international community to combat this racist, xenophobic, prejudicial and intolerant phenomenon.
I thank you, Mr. Chair.
