*Reposting from The Rakyat Post
UMNO can use its close relationship with the Chinese government to speak up for Uyghur Muslims in a constructive manner, said Dr Abdul Razak.
A political security analyst, Dr. Abdul Razak Ahmad, said the government should seriously consider appointing a special envoy to combat Islamophobia.
He said the move is imperative as discrimination and racism continue to take an unacceptable toll on Muslim communities worldwide.
"Islamophobia is a pattern that is repeating in nearly every part of the world. As a model Islamic country, Malaysia must do its part in upholding religious freedom and human rights at the international level."
Dr. Abdul Razak to TRP on the need to appoint a special envoy on Islamophobia
He pointed out that even Western countries, such as Canada, France and Germany have been working on various measures to combat Islamophobia, hate crimes and all forms of racism.
Citing an example, he said Islamophobia had been used to justify a large-scale, invasive violation of human rights over the Uyghur people in China. The troubling violations include mass incarceration, surveillance and cultural erasure.
"China has been accused by the world of genocide and crimes against humanity against the Muslim minority group."
Dr. Abdul Razak to TRP on Uyghurs being victims of Islamophobia
Dr. Abdul Razak was speaking at a conference on Global Muslim Response To The Uyghur Crisis in Istanbul recently.
Hosted by Uyghur Human Rights Project (UHRP) with support from the Turkish government, the event was attended by NGOs from countries all over the world including Malaysia.
Malaysian NGOs that participated included the International Women’s Alliance for Family Institution and Quality Education (WAFIQ), Malaysian Consultative Council Of Islamic Organization (Mapim), Malaysia4Uyghur (M4U), Allied Coordinating Committee of Islamic NGOs (ACCIN) and Muslim Youth Movement Malaysia (Abim).
Dr. Abdul Razak (in white) addressing delegates at the conference. (Credit: M4U)
Backdoor Diplomacy
Dr. Abdul Razak, who is the founder of Nahel Endownment for Peace, added that UMNO enjoys a constructive friendship with the China government.
He said their relationship is very strong and UMNO had been invited to various Communist Party of China’s related programmes. Conversely, CCP officials are also invited to UMNO's annual general assembly.
As such, UMNO can use the party to party channel to address sensitive and delicate issues, said Abdul Razak, who had accompanied party officials on private meetings with high-level CCP officials.
Pragmatism is crucial in such pursuit and the ‘Asian ways’ must be embraced. Using the language of genocide may not be suitable if Malaysia wants to be effective in delivering an outcome.
Dr. Abdul Razak to TRP on how UMNO can reach out to the Chinese government
He also said that since Malaysia is now a member of the UN Human Rights Council for 2022 to 2024, it is important for Malaysia to deliver a stronger position on issues of human rights affecting Muslim minorities globally.
From Empathy To Action
Malaysia4Uyghur (M4U), a coalition of multifaith & multiracial NGOs advocating for Uyghur dignity, said Malaysians have been supportive to the Uyghurs in many ways.
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