Aftab Malik named as Special Envoy to Fight Islamophobia in Australia

The Albanese Labor government plans to appoint Aftab Malik as the new Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia.

On September 30, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that every Australian should feel safe without facing discrimination.

“The ongoing conflict in the Middle East continues to deeply impact communities across Australia,” he remarked.

“The appointment of Mr. Malik is a crucial part of the government’s strategy to ensure all Australians feel safe and included, following extensive consultation with the community,” he added.

Malik, a British-born scholar, has collaborated with various Australian Muslim organizations, including the Lebanese Muslim Association, the British Council, and the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations.

He has previously denounced violent acts carried out in the name of Islam.

As a special envoy, Malik will be responsible for engaging with and listening to the Muslim community in Australia, reporting to the prime minister and Minister for Multicultural Affairs Tony Burke.

Albanese highlighted that “Mr. Malik is recognized as a global expert on Muslim affairs by the U.N. Alliance of Civilizations, and has spent almost a decade promoting social cohesion and countering hate and extremism in the New South Wales Premier’s Department.”

The announcement coincides with the naming of Jillian Segal as the Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism.

Malik’s appointment is for a three-year term, commencing on October 14.

Muslim Women Most ‘Targeted’

Minister Burke, in an interview with ABC Radio National, expressed concerns about the targeting of Muslim women wearing hijabs in Australia.

He also expressed full confidence in Malik, addressing worries about appointing a foreign citizen to the position.

Burke emphasized the significance of the role in combating Islamophobia nationwide.

Concerns about Islamophobia and anti-Semitism have heightened globally following recent events in the Middle East.

Political Cartoonist Questions Role

Veteran political cartoonist Paul Zenetti raised doubts on the appointment of a special envoy, citing the absence of visible Islamophobia in Australia and questioning the motive behind the move.

Zenetti pondered whether the decision was a strategic move by the Labor Party to gain support in Western Sydney.