Malaysia reaffirms fight against Islamophobia, online hate

Malaysia has reaffirmed its commitment to combating Islamophobia, religious discrimination and the spread of hate speech, including online.

Speaking at a high-level meeting of the Group of Friends of the United Nations Alliance of Civilisations (UNAOC), foreign minister Mohamad Hasan said Malaysia could not ignore the alarming global rise in intolerance, xenophobia and religious discrimination, including Islamophobia.

He said the country welcomed the appointment of the UN special envoy to combat Islamophobia, saying it aligned with Malaysia’s own appointment of a special representative to combat Islamophobia.

Mohamad also warned of the growing role of digital platforms in spreading hate speech.

“We call upon tech companies, civil society and member states to foster a responsible digital ecosystem, to ensure that the digital sphere remains a safe space for constructive dialogue rather than a breeding ground for division and alienation,” he said.

Mohamad also cited Malaysia’s participation in the Global Conference on Promoting Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue and Tolerance in Countering Hate Speech, co-organised by Morocco, the UN Office on Genocide Prevention and the UNAOC.

He said Malaysia was ready to work with the UNAOC and members of the Group of Friends to bridge divides, counter hateful narratives and build a world where diversity was protected as a source of shared strength.