Malaysia warns of rising Islamophobia

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is deeply concerned over the rise of Islamophobia, says Foreign Minis­ter Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan (pic).
He warned that the normalisation of anti-Muslim sentiment is increasingly used to justify attacks against Muslims worldwide.
Speaking at the 51st Session of the Organisation of Islamic Coope­ration (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) meeting in Istanbul, Turkiye, he said incidents of discrimination and attacks against Muslims have reached unprecedented levels.
'Normalised Islamophobia has become the main justification of Israel's crimes against Palestine and Iran, as well as of the persecution of Muslims in some countries,' Mohamad said while deli­vering Malaysia's national statement at the meeting on Saturday, Bernama reported.
He urged for a strong partnership between the UN special envoy to combat Islamo­phobia and the special envoy of the OIC secretary-­general, in focusing on promoting understanding across faiths and fighting against bigotry.
He also called on the international community to take stronger action against Israel's systemic atrocities on Palestine and its recent illegal aggression against Iran, which resulted in the deaths of innocent Iranian civilians.
He warned that the interna­tional community's inaction only lends substance to Israel's belief that it is immune from consequence.
'The UN Security Council's paralysis over Israel's atrocities is utterly embarrassing. There can be no peace without justice.
'The very notion of justice demands that we confront the ridiculous and impossible conditions being placed on Palestinian statehood,' he said.
Mohamad said Malaysia remains steadfast in its solidarity with the Palestinian people while urging the global community to exert all efforts to realise an independent state of Palestine, based on pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as the capital.
'We stand at a critical juncture. The OIC's relevance depends on the strength of our institutions, including the Independent Per­ma­­nent Human Rights Commis­sion (IPHRC),' he added.
He said the theme of the meeting, 'The OIC in a Transforming World', has called for member states to advance peace and socio-­economic development, and collectively tackle the multiple crises facing our world.
On the IPHRC, Mohamad reaffirmed Malaysia's commitment to promoting human rights, with an emphasis on economic, social and cultural rights.
Malaysia has been elected as a member of the IPHRC of the OIC for the 2025-2028 term on the sidelines of the CFM meeting.
'These form the bedrock of sustainable development. By focusing on these areas, we can enable resilient and enduring socio-­economic growth.
'Malaysia stands ready to forge an enduring partnership that brings lasting benefit, and a more promising future for our ummah,' Mohamad said.
He also expressed confidence that Malaysia's representative to the IPHRC, Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr Aishah Bidin, with her vast experience and valuable expertise – including in the realm of sustainable development – will make a meaningful contribution towards achieving this goal.
Aishah will serve on the commission for the said term beginning this August, according to a statement from the Foreign Ministry.
The two-day CFM meeting was attended by more than 40 foreign ministers from OIC's 57 member states and representatives from 30 international organisations, underscoring the importance of the meeting in addressing urgent regional geopolitical situations.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Focus Malaysia

an hour ago

• Focus Malaysia

Malaysia's moral dilemma in Mid-East crisis: Condemn Israel but softly ticks off US for bombing Iran

HAVING long positioned itself as a champion of the Palestinian struggle for dignity and statehood, Malaysia cannot afford to adopt a wishy-washy stance on the on-going war between Israel and Iran. To make matters worse, the US under the leadership of President Donald Trump has entered the fray by throwing its weight behind Israel and intensifying the conflict. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim – once regarded as one of the most vocal supporters of the Palestinian cause – now appears to be retreating into ambiguity. His recent calls for a cessation of hostilities fall short of the bold advocacy he was once known for. The bravado he exhibited in the past seems to have vanished into thin air. While Anwar has condemned Israel, he has notably refrained from censuring the US for its role in fuelling the war. Is he afraid of confronting the so-called global superpower? He is only able to offer a mild criticism on the world's biggest economy by describing Washington's interference in the Iran-Israel conflict as potentially worsening the situation and undermine regional stability as well as the global economy. Selective condemnation 'Now, with the involvement of external powers, including the US, the situation will only become more volatile. If the Straits of Hormuz is blocked, it will pose a major problem to the global economy,' he told reporters after a session with the Sarawak PKR Leadership Council yesterday (June 22). But this is a slap on the wrist at best. What Malaysia needs now is decisive leadership. Anwar should urgently convene a special session of Parliament to allow MPs to debate the conflict a conflict with potentially severe regional and global consequences. Will Anwar dare to hold Israel and the US accountable for their diabolical roles in this escalating war? And will he also have the political courage to condemn Iran for its on-going involvement in proxy wars across the Middle East? It is one thing to denounce Israel – a country with which Malaysia has no diplomatic relations – but quite another to challenge the US, especially under an erratic administration. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is a staunch supporter of the Palestinian cause (Image credit: Anwar Ibrahim/Facebook ) Anwar knows well that it is the US that sustains Israel's military dominance. Yet he appears unwilling to speak the truth. Malaysia's support for the Palestinians risks becoming mere political rhetoric – empty gestures which lack substance and resolve. Flying in a few injured Palestinians for treatment – while compassionate – is not enough to sustain the momentum of their decades-long fight for freedom and sovereignty. Wake up, Malaysia. Your voice matters – now more than ever. – June 23, 2025 Former DAP stalwart and Penang chief minister II Prof Ramasamy Palanisamy is chairman of the United Rights of Malaysian Party (Urimai) interim council. The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia. Main image credit: Al-Jazeera English/YouTube

Malay Mail

2 hours ago

• Malay Mail

Malaysia intensifies efforts for peace in Myanmar, urges OIC to boost relief aid and support ceasefire

KUALA LUMPUR, June 23 — As Asean Chair, Malaysia has called for enhanced collaboration between Asean and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to address the deteriorating situation in Myanmar, with a focus on ending violence, alleviating the humanitarian crisis, and supporting long-term peace in the country. Delivering a statement at the OIC Contact Group on Rohingya Muslims of Myanmar in Istanbul, Turkiye on Sunday, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said Malaysia is deeply concerned about the situation in Myanmar, particularly the plight of displaced Rohingyas, and stressed the need to ensure their safe, dignified and sustained return to Rakhine State. He added that it is crucial to create a safe, secure and enabling environment for the timely and effective distribution of aid to all affected communities, following the serious humanitarian crisis caused by the March 28 earthquake. 'Malaysia is committed to taking a constructive approach to address the situation in Myanmar. We have identified three key priorities, which are to promote inclusive political dialogue; ensure the cessation of violence; and to scale up humanitarian assistance. 'Malaysia encourages greater engagement between the OIC Member States and the stakeholders, while focusing on ending the violence, (and) alleviating the humanitarian crisis with a view of supporting peace in Myanmar,' he said. Mohamad said Malaysia, through the Asean Special Envoy, Tan Sri Othman Hashim, has intensified efforts to engage inclusively with all stakeholders; however at present, there are many stakeholders in Myanmar. He said such inclusive engagement would lay important groundwork for deeper cooperation on shared priorities, particularly in advancing humanitarian assistance. 'In this regard, Malaysia would like the OIC Contact Group and our Special Envoy to identify fields of collaboration that could further complement efforts in supporting a peaceful and inclusive resolution,' he said. On the humanitarian crisis following the deadly earthquake in Myanmar, Mohamad urged all parties to move towards a more permanent ceasefire and to work collectively towards a sustainable resolution to the crisis. At present, he said the conflicting parties had announced a unilateral temporary ceasefire. 'Despite these encouraging developments, funding for humanitarian efforts remains critically insufficient. 'We encourage members of the OIC to continue their support for relief efforts,' he said. Malaysia has contributed 30 tonnes of humanitarian aid consisting of essential supplies, deployed the Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART), and set-up a field hospital immediately after the earthquake — in Sagaing City, the area most affected by the earthquake. — Bernama

The Star

4 hours ago

• The Star

Leaders slam US strikes on Iran

Call for restraint: (From left) Anwar, Mahfuz and Abdul Hadi denounced US attacks on Iran, calling it a violation of international law and a threat to global peace. PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Malaysian political leaders stood together in their condemnation of the military strikes by the United States on Iran, describing the attacks as a violation of international law and a threat to global stability. The leaders are calling for immediate international action, including intervention by the United Nations and the Organi­sation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). During a function in Kuching yesterday, Anwar urged the international community to apply pressure on Israel to stop its provocative and aggressive actions. He said lasting peace could only be achieved if Israel ceases its violent conduct towards other countries. 'For genuine peace to be rea­lised, Israel must be pressured to stop being provocative and violent towards other nations,' he said. Anwar said Malaysia has taken a fair and balanced stance on the issue. 'When you launch attacks and kill people, of course, there will be retaliation from Iran,' he said. He also said the continued killing of civilians in Gaza, including women and children, and the la­test strikes on Iran, have wor­sened the situation, especially with foreign involvement from countries like the United States. 'Now they are attacking Iran, and Iran has chosen to fight back. The intervention by external powers such as the United States will only escalate the conflict further,' he added. He also warned that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz will have serious implications for the global economy. Anwar said Malaysia must continue to speak out in defence of human rights and justice. 'For me, the most important thing is the sanctity of human life and justice. Stop the violence. 'People say Iran should not respond, but why is Israel allowed to act with such impunity? 'Malaysia is compelled to voice our position. We must not allow a sovereign and independent nation to be silenced when it comes to speaking out about human rights and justice,' he added. Amanah vice-president Datuk Mahfuz Omar urged Putrajaya to convene an emergency parliamentary sitting to discuss the attacks. He said the sitting should discuss Malaysia's official stand and diplomatic response to the conflict; the potential geopolitical and economic impacts on the country, including supply chains, oil prices and regional security; and possible humanitarian assistance that Malaysia could extend to Iranian civilians affected by the violence. 'Parliament should be the platform through which the voice of the Malaysian people is conveyed in a lawful and dignified manner. 'Malaysia has a responsibility to continue playing an active role in promoting global peace through our involvement in the UN, the OIC, the Non-Aligned Movement and Asean. 'I call on the Prime Minister to urgently consider the need for a special parliamentary sitting in defence of the values of justice and universal humanity,' he said. PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang urged the UN Security Council and the OIC to take firm action to stop what he called an uncivilised act of aggression. He warned that failure to act could further destabilise the region and endanger the prospects of global peace. 'The attack not only violates Iran's sovereignty but also constitutes a war crime that clearly breaches international law and the UN Charter. 'PAS is calling for strong and immediate action from the UN Security Council and the OIC to halt this aggression and to condemn the arrogance of the United States, which remains a staunch ally of the illegitimate Israeli regime,' he said.