Malaysian PM Puji Resolution UNHRC Regarding Al Quran Burning In Sweden

JAKARTA - Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim praised the resolution of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in response to permits for the burning of the Al Quran outside the Stockholm central mosque, Sweden, during the celebration of Eid al-Adha 1444 Hijriah.

UNHRC's resolution against hatred against religion is incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence.

In a media statement as reported by ANTARA, Friday, July 21, Anwar also regretted every progressive step taken against Islamophobia.

According to him, there is a fire of hatred burning among those hiding behind masks of free speech and expression, as shown by member states of different opinion.

He said the use of freedom of speech as a shield without shame is very vulnerable to misuse to justify hatred and cruelty rather than defy tyranny.

Similar to the rejection of extreme totaliterism, according to him, an idea of extreme freedom is equality that harms society, which can lead to violations of the rights of others to be able to live and survive.

Anwar said Islamophobia is a poison that threatens Western countries as well as threatens Muslims in any country they live in. It's a contradiction, along with all unreasonable hatred and xenophobia, in achieving the goal of sharing a common society.

"We cannot resolve every issue by burning and tarnishing each book, but by reading it and having a dialogue," said Anwar.

On Wednesday (12/7), the UNHRC adopted a resolution condemning a recent incident, namely the burning of the Al Quran, although many countries chose not to support the resolution for fear it could violate free speech.

Of the 47 council members, 28 of them supported resolutions, while the other 12 countries voted against and the seven member countries abstained.