KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today (Dec 11) called for a unified global effort to combat the rising of intolerance, racism, and Islamophobia.
Speaking at the annual meeting of the Russia-Islamic World Strategic Vision Group, the prime minister said governments must introduce and enforce anti-discrimination laws.
He said Islamophobia and hate crimes have become persistent challenges faced by the Muslim world and humanity at large, including the tragedies unfolding in Gaza and the rise of fascism and racism in various regions.
He said the values of tolerance, compassion and humanity must guide the Muslim world in addressing global challenges.
"We thought that with development, with progress, with knowledge, we'll have more wisdom, we'll have more tolerance in the Muslim world, between religious leaders of various denominations and we believed this could happen.
"But this is not the case... this is a period of great tragedies befalling humanity at large and Muslims in particular.
"From Gaza to parts of Europe. The rise of fascism, racism, the intolerance, the dehumanising actions, atrocities perpetrated of people, not only Palestine and Gaza in particular, but also many parts of the world.
"Our duty is of course to promote this sort of the new understanding of tolerance of the rahmah and ihsan and humanity, because that's what Islam stands for and it's important that we use this sort of conferences to reflectthat sort of message," he said.
Anwar said, to move towards inclusivity and understanding, governments must introduce and enforce anti-discrimination laws and civil society, religious leaders, media platforms have a role in challenging stereotypes and fostering dialogue.
He cited Malaysia and its ulama and political leader's swift action against an attempt by some Muslim fanatics to disaggregate a church to demonstrate the country's commitment to upholding the dignity of all faiths.
"We were swift... the ulama, the political leaders were swift in condemning this, taking action against the perpetrators because that is our Islamic belief and national ideology.
"What we are calling for is a consistent, coherent message by other countries. We want to have a showcase that we are torrent.
"This is a Muslim majority country, Islam is the religion of the Federation. We take all measures possible to make sure the Muslims adhere to their faith but at the same time, we show tolerance and patience and respect for the dignity of men and women of all faiths.
"This is a message I think is relevant and pertinent... not only for the Muslim world but for the international community," he said.
The ongoing meeting held in the federal capital today and tomorrow attended by over 200 delegates from 32 countries.
It aims to serve as a platform to explore opportunities for global collaboration while addressing pressing issues faced by Muslim communities and beyond.
Also present were the group's chairman and Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu and Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan.