The Nationalist Party today condemned what is said were discriminatory comments that Glenn Bedingfied, the Prime Minister's Personal Assistant, posted on Twitter against Islam.  In his comments, Bedingfield compared Islam to Nazism, through the implication that Nazism is more moderate than Islam.

The current situation regarding religion-linked terrorism is delicate enough.  Having the Prime Minister's Personal Assistant utter such comments, clearly does not help, the PN said in a statement.

 

L'unica differenza tra il Corano e Mein Kampf è che il secondo è più "moderato". @gasparripdl @magdicristiano @a_meluzzi @ferrarailgrasso

— Stop Islam 2 (@Islamlie2) February 16, 2015

The Prime Minister should announce whether he agrees with what his Personal Assistant believes.  If not, the Prime Minister should take action against Glenn Bedingfield and not choose to ignore such a situation.  

In another tweet, Mr Bedingfield apologised for his comment.

 

Apologies if my retweet offended people of goodwill, especially Muslim brothers/sisters who cannot be associated to any terrorist action

— Glenn Bedingfield (@GlenBedingfield) February 17, 2015

People for Change Foundation ‘shocked’ over Bedingfield’s tweet

The People for Change Foundation said it is shocked and appalled that a public servant and an individual who holds an office so close to the decision-making process of this country would make such a comment about a religious text so important to the Muslim population.

The foundation was referring to the Prime Minister’s aide, Glenn Bedingfield’s tweet.

“While the violence carried out by ISIS in several countries is appalling and should be condemned without reservation, and those involved brought to justice, this faction is not a representation of Islam as a religion, or of Muslims as a population of believers. To equate the two is both an erroneous and irresponsible act, which can only lead to contempt between different parts of the Maltese population.

“While an apology has been issued, this does not explain, nor does it reject, the views previously expressed.”

The statement further read: “People in offices such as that held by Mr Bedingfield have a responsibility to avoid instigating such contempt, and instead to promote equality and social cohesion.

“Statements such as these contradict the various positive steps taken by the government aimed at promoting equality, including on the basis of religious belief. Such measures include positive movement towards policies on migration, human rights and integration, which we hope will allow for a broader process of consultation and inclusion of the diverse population of Malta. Members of parliament from the Labour Party, as well as MEP candidates from PN, PL and AD, have signed a pledge for dignity and  against racism, proposed by the People for Change Foundation.