PUTRAJAYA, June 30 — Malaysia strongly condemned the actions of the Swedish authorities who allowed the provocative act of burning the holy Quran in Stockholm on Wednesday.

Malaysia has urged the Swedish government to take immediate action against the perpetrators of this brutal crime and take serious steps to combat the growing Islamophobic sentiment in Sweden.

"The desecration of the holy book, while Muslims around the world are celebrating Eid Al-Adha, is nothing more than an insult to Muslims worldwide and violates the universal principle of respect and understanding towards all religions and their holy scriptures,” said the Foreign Ministry (Wisma Putra) in a statement today.

A Swedish citizen of Iraqi origin reportedly tore up a copy of the Quran and burnt it in front of a Stockholm mosque during a demonstration authorised by the Swedish authorities.

The despicable act has sparked anger and condemnation from Muslims and Muslim countries around the world.

Malaysia strongly believes that the Swedish authorities’ inaction to contain this provocative act could bring unwanted repercussions on its relations with Muslims around the world.

"The decision by the Swedish court to allow such a despicable act to be repeated is sadly not a progressive move in our efforts to enhance mutual respect and understanding for the betterment of mankind,” it further said, adding that it is tantamount to legally sanctioning a hate crime and a crude provocation to spread religious hatred and incitement to violence.

This marks the second time such a vile act took place in Sweden this year, after the first incident in January 2023.

Malaysia reiterated its call for the United Nations (UN), the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and the Human Rights Council (HRC) to take drastic action in promoting the full respect and protection of religious scriptures worldwide as well as combatting the worrisome rise of Islamophobia around the world. — Bernama