The Malaysian Foreign Ministry (Wisma Putra) summoned the Swedish Embassy’s Charge d’Affaires ad interim in Kuala Lumpur this morning to reaffirm the country’s strong condemnation of a Swedish far-right politician’s “vile act” of burning the Holy Quran in Stockholm.

“The minister expressed Malaysia’s concern and disappointment with the Swedish authorities’ continued unwillingness to take action, allowing Rasmus Paludan to engage in his nasty antics, including a repeat occurrence in April 2022, despite loud international criticism,” the ministry said in a statement.

According to the statement, the ministry encouraged Swedish authorities to take significant efforts to counteract all forms of violence and hatred directed at Muslims in Sweden.

It went on to say that if Islamophobia and xenophobia continue to prevail, the spirit of peaceful cooperation among multi-religious societies could be weakened.

While Wisma Putra notes the briefing session hosted by Swedish Deputy Foreign Minister Jan Knutsson on January 23, which was attended by representatives from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member countries, including Malaysia, it also urges the Swedish government to take concrete steps to streamline their position in respecting the Muslim community as a whole.

“The Charge d’Affaires ad interim of the Swedish Embassy in Kuala Lumpur has taken note of the Malaysian Government’s protest and will relay it to Stockholm,” the statement continued.

Paludan, the leader of the Danish far-right party Stram Kurs (Hard Line), was allowed to burn the Quran outside the Turkish Embassy in Stockholm on Saturday, infuriating the Muslim world.

Info source – Bernama