00:00We thought that with development, with progress,
00:04with knowledge, we'll have more wisdom.
00:08We have more tolerance between,
00:11of course in the Muslim world, between religious leaders
00:18of various denominations.
00:22And we believe this can happen.
00:24But this is not the case.
00:26This is a period of great tragedies befalling humanity
00:30at large and in Muslims in particular.
00:34From Gaza, from parts of Europe, the growing,
00:37the rise of fascism and racism, the intolerance,
00:41the dehumanizing actions, atrocities perpetrated
00:46of people, not only in Palestine and Gaza in particular,
00:49but also in many parts of the world.
00:52Our duty is of course to promote this sort
00:54of new understanding of tolerance, of tassamu,
00:57of rahmah and ihsan and humanity,
01:00because that's what Islam stands for.
01:02And it's important that we use these sort of conferences
01:07to reflect that sort of message.
01:12The challenges are there and real.
01:15Islamophobia remains a persistent and pernicious issue
01:20manifesting across continents and cultures.
01:25In Europe, for example, despite its progressive ideals
01:29of liberty, fraternity, egality,
01:36shogun during the French Revolution,
01:39but in recent years have witnessed a troubling rise
01:42in targeted acts against Muslim communities.
01:47Mosques have been discredited.
01:49Here in Malaysia we have a case, a small case,
01:53an attempt by some Muslim fanatics
01:56to desecrate a church.
02:01We were swift, the ulama, the political leaders are swift
02:07in condemning this, taking action against the perpetrators,
02:12because that is our Islamic belief and national ideology.
02:16Islamic belief and national ideology.
02:20More than two decades ago, we found
02:25a Hindu temple being desecrated.
02:29The moment we took over as a government
02:32in that particular state, we resolve to rebuild the temple
02:41out of our recognition that every single citizen
02:46has a right to practice their faith.
02:51What we are calling for is a consistent, coherent message
02:55by other countries.
02:57We want to have a showcase that we are tolerant.
03:00This is a Muslim majority country.
03:02Islam is the religion of the Federation.
03:05We take all measures possible to make sure
03:07that Muslims adhere to their faith.
03:10Istajibu lillah wa lirrasul idha da'akum lima yuhyikum.
03:15But at the same time, we show extreme tolerance
03:20and patience and respect for the dignity
03:23of men and women of all faith.
03:27This is a message I think it is relevant and pertinent,
03:32not only for the Muslim world,
03:34but for the international community.
03:37In North America, the shadow of global conflicts
03:41has intensified suspicion and mistrust towards Muslims.
03:46Hate crimes have surged in countries
03:50where there is so much sophistication,
03:53so much access to knowledge,
03:56but troubling link between international events
04:00and local prejudices.
04:03Social media, while a powerful connector,
04:08has often amplified Islamophobic sentiment.
04:13They have enabled the spread of false narratives
04:17at the speed of light.
04:21So we have to deal with the issue of Islamophobia,
04:24including this conference,
04:29towards inclusivity and understanding.
04:33Governments must introduce and enforce
04:37anti-discrimination laws.
04:40And civil society, religious leaders, media platforms
04:43have a role in challenging stereotypes
04:46and fostering dialogue.
Comments