YADIM calls for responsible use of the term Islamophobia, warning against politicising it to attack differing political views in Malaysia.
PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Islamic Da’wah Foundation (YADIM) has urged all parties not to politicise the term “Islamophobia” by using it to portray differences in political views as attacks on Islam.
In a statement today, YADIM chief executive officer Zamri Zainal Abidin said the foundation viewed seriously the growing tendency among certain quarters to accuse the government of spreading Islamophobia solely because of differing political positions.
“YADIM believes that differences of opinion in a democratic system should not be equated with Islamophobia. Criticism of government policies, political rivalry, or ideological differences does not, in itself, constitute hatred towards Islam.
“We urge all parties to exercise greater responsibility when using the term ‘Islamophobia’. It refers to irrational fear, hatred, prejudice or discrimination against Islam and Muslims, which results in the denial of rights, unfair treatment and the perpetuation of negative stereotypes about the religion,” he said.
Zamri said the most appropriate way to determine whether a government is Islamophobic is by examining its policies and actions.
He noted that Islamic institutions in Malaysia continue to be strengthened through various agencies under the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs), covering areas such as development of the ummah, Islamic education, mosque empowerment, zakat administration, dakwah initiatives and Islamic research.
At the same time, he said, the government continues to adopt an inclusive approach by implementing programmes that benefit all Malaysians regardless of race or religion.
These include welfare assistance, cost-of-living aid, disaster relief, education and healthcare initiatives, as well as the “MADANI Membantu” programme, which is implemented without discrimination based on recipients’ backgrounds.
Zamri also said it was inaccurate to label a government led by a multi-racial coalition as “anti-Islam” simply because it includes non-Malay political parties.
He stressed that the Malaysia MADANI agenda seeks to build a society with a deeper understanding of Islam, rather than one that fears the religion.
