Leeds anti-Muslim protests recall Paris attack memories for Malaysian resident

SHAH ALAM - A recent anti-Muslim protest in Leeds city centre has rekindled unsettling memories for a Malaysian resident in the United Kingdom, reminiscent of the 2015 Paris bombing attack.

The UK has a history of anti-Muslim sentiments, leading to Islamophobic discrimination, particularly affecting visibly Muslim individuals.

The current protests, which have persisted for six days, have intensified, with demonstrators targeting new groups such as asylum seekers and mosque-going Muslims.

Reports indicated attacks on mosques and asylum hostels, causing a sense of insecurity among the Muslim community.

The unrest is believed to have been sparked by a violent incident on July 29 in Southport, Liverpool, where three young girls—Bebe King,6; Elsie Dot Stancombe,7; and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, 9 — were tragically killed in a mass stabbing by Alex Rudakubana.

Rumours quickly spread on social media falsely identifying Alex as a Muslim, which along with existing Islamophobic and anti-immigrant sentiments, fueled the ongoing riots.

A Malaysian resident who wished to remain anonymous has lived in the UK for over a decade.

She expressed concern about the anti-Muslim protests that occurred in Leeds city centre last Saturday.

"I changed my plans to dine with my non-Muslim friends at a restaurant further from the city centre," she told Sinar Daily when contacted.

Her friends have been supportive, advising her to be cautious when going out.

Recalling previous incidents of Islamophobia, she compared the current situation to the aftermath of the Paris attacks.

"The Islamophobic movement back then was frightening, but it eventually subsided.

"I expect this will also pass," she said.

The Paris attacks involved a series of bombings and shootings, resulting in at least 138 deaths.

The Malaysian resident noted that the current protests were exacerbated by recent political changes in the UK, which emboldened previously silent Islamophobes to voice their bigoted views.

She also slammed the delay in police communication, pointing out that it took time to clarify that the stabber was not Muslim.

"This delay played into the hands of those with a fixed false belief system about Islam," she added.

Despite the rise in anti-Muslim rhetoric, she highlighted the support from many British citizens who oppose Islamophobia.

Saddened by the attacks on mosques, she stressed the importance of not abandoning places of worship, recalling Islamic teachings that stress protecting all places of worship.

As a precaution, she avoids high-risk areas and limits her outings to essential locations.

"At work, I feel safe, but I avoid public spaces as much as possible," she clarified.

She called on authorities to provide timely information to prevent the escalation of such incidents.

Looking ahead, she expressed her intention to leave the UK soon due to the ongoing Islamophobia.

"I've learned and experienced much here, but this is not and will never be my country," she said.

The Malaysian doctor currently works at St James Hospital and is preparing for her departure from the UK.

In response to the escalating violence, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has pledged full government support to the police force to take action against "extremists" attempting to "sow hate".