Malaysia Expresses Concern Over Rising Islamophobia, Urges Collective Action

Strategic Insights -

Malaysia has expressed deep concern over the alarming rise of Islamophobia worldwide, warning that the normalization of anti-Muslim sentiment is being used to justify attacks against Muslims. Speaking at the 51st Session of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers Meeting in Istanbul, Turkey, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan emphasized that incidents of discrimination and attacks against Muslims have reached unprecedented levels. He urged for a strong partnership between the UN Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia and the Special Envoy of the OIC Secretary-General to promote understanding across faiths and fight against bigotry.

Key Takeaways:

  • Malaysia has expressed concern over the rise of Islamophobia worldwide, warning that normalization of anti-Muslim sentiment is being used to justify attacks against Muslims.
  • Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan has urged for a strong partnership between the UN Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia and the Special Envoy of the OIC Secretary-General to promote understanding across faiths and fight against bigotry.
  • The minister has 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.
  • Malaysia has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting human rights, with an emphasis on economic, social, and cultural rights, and has been elected as a member of the Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC) of the OIC for the 2025-2028 term.
  • The minister has expressed confidence that Malaysia's representative to the IPHRC, Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr Aishah Bidin, with her vast experience and valuable expertise, will make a meaningful contribution towards achieving the goal of promoting human rights.

Statistics:

  • Over 40 foreign ministers from OIC's 57 member states and representatives from 30 international organizations attended the two-day CFM meeting.
  • The meeting took place in Istanbul, Turkey.
  • The theme of the meeting was "The OIC in a Transforming World".
  • Malaysia has been elected as a member of the Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC) of the OIC for the 2025-2028 term.

Sources:

  • Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)
  • Malaysian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
  • The Star Online