The Albanese government has appointed Aftab Malik, a British-Australian public servant, as the new special envoy to tackle Islamophobia in Australia. This decision follows months of delays and discussions surrounding the role, initially proposed in July alongside an envoy for antisemitism.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced both positions during a time of heightened tensions due to the conflict in Gaza. While lawyer Jillian Segal was quickly named as the antisemitism envoy, Malik’s appointment faced delays as several potential candidates reportedly turned down the role.
Malik brings nearly a decade of experience from the New South Wales Premier’s Department and has held leadership positions at the Lebanese Muslim Association and the Zaytuna Institute in California. Recognized as a “global expert” on Muslim affairs by the UN’s Alliance of Civilizations, he is set to begin his role on October 14, aiming to facilitate dialogue between the government and Muslim communities to address discrimination and promote social cohesion.
In his statement, Malik stressed the importance of fighting hate and enhancing community unity. “Promoting social cohesion and fighting against hate in Australia is more important today than it’s ever been,” he remarked, emphasizing his commitment to collaborating with antisemitism envoy Jillian Segal.
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Despite this, Malik’s appointment has stirred criticism from various Muslim community members. Dr. Yassir Morsi, an academic who has studied Islamophobia, expressed concerns about Malik’s prior involvement in countering violent extremism (CVE) initiatives. Morsi noted that these programs have often been seen as divisive and have positioned Muslim communities as security risks. He questioned Malik’s understanding of the unique challenges faced by Muslims in Australia, especially given his British background and lack of personal experience with significant events like 9/11 and the Cronulla riots, which have influenced local perceptions of Islamophobia.
Community leader Hanan Dover shared similar concerns, arguing that Malik’s ties to government agendas might hinder his ability to effectively represent the Muslim community. “He should not be the Islamophobia special envoy representative,” she stated on social media.
On the other hand, some community leaders view Malik’s appointment positively. Dr. Nora Amath, executive director of the Islamophobia Register, welcomed the new role as a crucial opportunity to address the specific challenges facing Muslim Australians and to combat the underlying causes of Islamophobia.
The decision to appoint Malik came after extensive discussions, during which worries about the envoy’s capacity to represent diverse voices within the Muslim community and to critique government policies were raised. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke reaffirmed the government’s commitment to opposing bigotry, emphasizing that all Australians should have the right to live freely and safely.
As Malik prepares to assume this important role, the Muslim community will closely observe how he addresses Islamophobia in Australia and fosters inclusive dialogue among various groups.
