Malaysia strongly condemns hate speech, provocative acts against Islam, says Hishammuddin

KUALA LUMPUR – Minister of Foreign Affairs Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said that Malaysia has expressed serious concern on the rising open hostilities against Islam and condemns hostilities towards those who are trying to defame it.

He added that Malaysia is committed to upholding the freedom of speech as a fundamental human right as long as these rights are being exercise in order to not violate the rights of others.

Hishammuddin’s remarks came in after a backlash across the Islamic world over the French President Emmanuel Macron’s statement defending the right to publish caricatures of Prophet Muhammad, which is considered blasphemous in the Islamic faith.

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The Minister of Foreign Affairs added that Malaysia, as democratic and moderate Islamic party, promotes and maintains harmonious relations and peaceful co-existence with people of different faiths as well as convictions in the context of the diverse global community.

He added that the country will continue to work with international community that promotes mutual respect amongs religions and prevent religious extremism at all levels.

Meanwhile, the Muslim Youth Movement of Malaysia (ABIM) has urged the muslims to boycott French products.

ABIM president Muhammad Faisal Abdul Aziz said that Macron has made an allegation of Islamophobia by hiding in the guise of ‘freedom of expression’. While ABIM condemns the brutal murder of Samuel Paty, it strongly criticises the remarks of the French president by saying that religious sensitivities should be respected and religious diversity should lead to harmony and unity.