Writing in today’s Australian newspaper, Assistant Minister for Multicultural Affairs Concetta Fierravanti-Wells described such comments as simplistic and lacking an understanding of the basic facts about Islam.Senator Fierravanti-Wells, who did not refer to Mr Abbott by name, said “megaphone politics” were a potentially dangerous distraction.”Recently we have seen calls for a reformation of Islam. This requires a reality check and some basic facts being instilled into the debate,” she said.”Our neighbour [Bali] is the largest Muslim country, where not only does moderate Islam prevail but the coexistence of the diversity of faiths and tolerance is a good example for others to follow.Media player: “Space” to play, “M” to mute, “left” and “right” to seek.VIDEO: Watch an excerpt of Tony Abbott’s interview (ABC News)”Megaphone politics not only distracts from this, but has implications for our relationships with our neighbours.”
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