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STATEMENT BY

H.E. SYED MOHAMAD HASRIN AIDID

PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS

 

AT THE HIGH-LEVEL EVENT IN COMMEMORATION OF

THE INTERNATIONAL DAY TO COMBAT ISLAMOPHOBIA

ORGANIZED BY THE OIC GROUP IN NEW YORK

 

NEW YORK, 17 MARCH 2021

 

 

Mr. Chair,

 

I join others in thanking you for organizing this timely High-Level event.

 

2.   This event is taking place at a time when the world is subjected to enormous challenges and pressures. A few months ago humanity was at the threshold of a worldwide crisis. The COVID-19 seemed to be an unstoppable wave, wrecking economies, threatening communities and impacting everything in its path. Millions of lives have been lost and millions as well have lost their jobs. Sad to say, we have also seen a surge in racism, hate speech, religious discrimination and xenophobia, including Islamophobia.

 

3.   Yet, we find ourselves with hope. As we speak, the COVID-19 vaccines are being rolled out. Despite this, the miracles of medical science cannot develop a vaccine against hate, racism and Islamophobia. The only prescription to fight these diseases are action itself.

 

4.   Today, Malaysia joins others in condemning Islamophobia and calling for stronger action to promote religious tolerance and peaceful co-existence. Every human being has the right to live in dignity, to profess and practice the religious belief he or she believes in, free of fear, coercion, violence and discrimination. In this context, the initiative to commemorate the International Day to Combat Islamophobia is a first step in the right direction.

 

5.   Islam perhaps is the most misunderstood religion among the major faiths in the world. This initiative would serve to provide greater understanding of Islam; the religion of peace, and eliminate any misunderstanding and in extension ~ Islamophobia. At the same time, we hope that the commemoration would also continue to promote mutual respect among religions and prevent the spread of misleading teachings and practices that deviate from the true meaning of Islam.

 

Mr Chair,

 

6.   In countering Islamophobia, it is of utmost imperative that the global community embraces diversity of religions, faiths and beliefs. We must continue to enhance sowing mutual respect, tolerance and understanding between different groups, faiths and beliefs in our peoples. These principles are the very essence of Malaysia as we strive towards creating a united progressive multi-racial and multi-religious nation.

 

7.   Islam teaches acceptance and appreciate diversity, distinctiveness, and uniqueness of others. The Holy Qur’ān itself states “O mankind, We have created you male and female, and appointed you races and tribes, that you may know one another” (49:13). While the official religion of Malaysia is Islam; ~ Buddhist, Hindu and Taoist temples and Christian churches can be seen everywhere. Religious festivals of the various faiths are national holidays and celebrated by all walks of Malaysians. Clearly, as can be seen in the case of Malaysia, Islamophobia is a perversion of the truth and of the religion's peaceful nature. Islamophobia therefore must be countered as its manifestation of intolerance feeds into extremism and terrorism. Such bigotry has no place in the pluralistic society of the world today.

 

Mr. Chair,

 

8.   As we continue to fight the COVID-19 pandemic and build back better, we must also fight back against the pandemic of Islamophobia, hate and fear. We must recognise that Islamophobia is not an issue faced solely by Muslims. It is an issue that concerns us all which requires a united action from all of us.

 

I thank you.