PUTRAJAYA: The government will print a million copies of Al-Quran to be distribute around the world, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said today.
He said the move was part of a stern response against Swedish politician Rasmus Paludan for burning a copy of the Muslim holy book in Stockholm, Sweden.
"The most efficient way to counter this crazy and barbaric action is to continue with efforts that have been made.
"We are determined to print and distribute one million Al Quran across the globe immediately.
"It will follow with several programmes on understanding and appreciation of the Al-Quran with clear message and content," he said after launching the Quranic Arts Festival at Nasyrul Quran Complex, Putrajaya today.
Anwar said the printing and distribution process would be done in stages.
"The programme has started and we will start contacting other Islamic countries to streamline
the distribution.
"Most of the allocation is from the government. We will seek the local religious councils and contact our friends in other Muslim nation (for distribution)," he said.
Last Saturday, Paludan, the leader of the Danish right-wing political party Hard Line burned a copy of the Al Quran during a protest in front of the Turkish Embassy in Stockholm.
Yesterday, 500 people held a rally in front of the Hampshire Place building in Kuala Lumpur, which houses the Swedish embassy protesting the action of Paludan and called on the Swedish government to take action against the politician.
Among the organisers of the rally were Angkatan Bersatu Anak Muda (Armada), Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia along with component members of Perikatan Nasional as well as Islamic non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
The scandalous move was also condemned by other Muslim nations such as Bangladesh, Pakistan, Morocco, Jordan, Iran, Kuwait, Oman and the United Arab Emirates.