THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS SUMMONS THE CHARGE D'AFFAIRES AD INTERIM OF THE SWEDISH EMBASSY IN KUALA LUMPUR

THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS SUMMONS THE CHARGE D'AFFAIRES

AD INTERIM OF THE SWEDISH EMBASSY IN KUALA LUMPUR

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Charge d'Affaires ad interim of the Swedish Embassy in Kuala Lumpur this morning to reaffirm the Malaysian Government's strong condemnation over Rasmus Paludan's vile act of burning the Holy Quran in Stockholm on 21 January 2023.

The Ministry conveyed Malaysia's objection and disappointment with the Swedish authorities' continuous refusal to take action, allowing Paludan to indulge in his foul antics, including a similar incident in April 2022, despite strong protest from the international community. The Ministry urged the Swedish authorities to undertake serious measures to combat all forms of violence and hatred against Islam in Sweden as it would seriously undermine the spirit of peaceful coexistence among multi-religious society if Islamophobia and xenophobia continue to prevail.

WhiletheMinistrytakesnoteofthebriefingsession hosted by His Excellency Jan Knutsson, Deputy Foreign Minister of Sweden on 23 January 2023 at the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which was attended by the representatives from the Embassies of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member countries in Stockholm, including Malaysia, the Ministry further urges concrete initiatives by the Swedish Government to streamline their position in respecting the Muslim community as a whole.

TheCharged'Affairesad interim of the Swedish Embassy in Kuala Lumpur took note of the Malaysian Government's protest and would convey them to Stockholm.

PUTRAJAYA

26 January 2023