Anti-Muslim Crusade on agenda of New Australian party

Canberra – Running on the agenda of fighting Muslim immigration into the country, a new party was launched in Australia with an anti-multicultural, pro-Christian platform. “True Muslims are radicals, unfortunately,” Daniel Nalliah, founder of Rise Up Australia Party, SBS reported.

 “If they practice the Qur’an, they're radicals.” Launched by a Sri Lankan migrant, the new party is based on the agenda of opposing Muslim immigration into Australia. The party also preaches against multiculturalism. “Rise Up Australia Party, which is committed to keeping Australia for Australians, is utterly and completely opposed to multiculturalism,” Nalliah said. With a minor support of about 1500 members around the country, the party plans to draw more support in the upcoming federal elections.

It will be putting forward 52 candidates in the Lower House and a dozen in the Senate in the upcoming federal election. If elected, the new party eyes to restrict the number of Muslims calling Australia 'home'. The party founder argues that he is seeking to stand against political correctness to ‘keep Australia Australian’. “We must now take a stand for our nation or our children and grandchildren will pay a heavy price to re-take what we have lost,” Nalliah said in a media release. “We cannot and must not miss this opportunity. The 2013 federal election is an opportunity we cannot miss as the people have lost hope in our politicians in Canberra. “We can bring back hope, get rid of dishonest politicians and be the voice of the people in parliament.”

The anti-Muslim message by the new party is finding attentive ears among some Australians. “If we're not careful, we're going to lose this country,” said a supporter. “I don't want to see Shari`ah Law in Australia,” said another. The party’s message is also having backing from some international figures. “If you come here, then follow Pastor Danny's example and enjoy it and celebrate it and do not seek to destroy it,”said Christopher Monckton from the UK Independence Party. But the message is inviting the anger of the Muslim community in Australia.

 “Nobody wants to impose Shari`ah law in Australia, I mean, far from it,” Ikebal Patel, President of the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils, said. “That's the last thing that anybody wants to do.”

Muslims, who have been in Australia for more than 200 years, make up 1.7 percent of its 20-million population. Islam is the country's second largest religion after Christianity. In post 9/11-era, Australian Muslims have been haunted with suspicion and have had their patriotism questioned. A recent governmental report revealed that Muslims are facing deep-seated Islamophobia and race-based treatment like never before.