The Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand is appalled by the racist remarks made by Mr Richard Prosser, a List Member of Parliament of the New Zealand First Party in his column in the "Investigate" magazine.

In remarks clearly directed towards the Muslims of New Zealand Mr Prosser has made comments that we judge to be ignorant, ill-informed and irresponsible. It is a sad day for New Zealand when a Member of Parliament can demonise a community and can do so without due regard to the part played by that community and to the economic interests of New Zealand itself.

We live in an inter-connected world and Mr Prosser has chosen to ignore the consequences of that fact. Globally Muslims represent some one-fifth of the world's population and as trading partners with New Zealand countries with large Muslim populations account for billions of dollars in New Zealand's export earnings - earnings that steadily growing as a result of the links built up over many years. Mr Prosser chooses to put all of this at risk.

The Muslim community in New Zealand is made up of approximately 60 different ethnic groups including Maori and Pakeha and as such, has always seen itself as part and parcel of the wider New Zealand society. New Zealand Muslims contribute to the diverse and vibrant fabric of modern New Zealand and continue to work alongside their fellow New Zealanders to achieve peace, harmony and good neighbourliness within our society. Seen in this light, Mr Prosser's remarks are both offensive and divisive.

We call upon the good people of New Zealand to stand together to recognise the ignorance of such remarks and to reject them and to support our call for Mr Prosser's colleagues - in Parliament and in his own Party - to denounce his remarks in the clearest possible terms.

The Federation also hope that this may serve to further remind us of the need to respect and appreciate each other's differences while building a better future for us all.

Dr Anwar-ul Ghani

President