Foreign Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said as a matter of principle, Malaysia strongly condemns any inflammatory rhetoric and provocative act that seeks to defame Islam, as the world has recently witnessed in the forms of populist speeches and the publication of blasphemous caricatures depicting Prophet Muhammad.
“Malaysia is committed to upholding freedom of speech and expression as fundamental human rights, as long as these rights are exercised with respect and responsibility in order to not infringe on or violate the rights of others.”
“In this context, to denigrate and tarnish the Prophet and to associate Islam with terrorism are certainly beyond the scope of such rights.”
“Such acts are provocative and disrespectful towards Islam and more than two billion Muslims all over the world.”
He said in a statement last night.
As a democratic and moderate Islamic country with a multi-ethnic and multi-religious society, Hishammuddin said Malaysia continues to promote and maintain harmonious relations and peaceful co-existence.
This, he said, is done not only among Malaysians of different faiths and convictions, but also in the context of the diverse global community.
“Malaysia will continue to work with the international community to promote mutual respect among religions and prevent religious extremism at all levels.”
Source: New Straits Times
