NZ Muslim leader: Trump presidency not an issue for Kiwi Muslims

  • 10/11/2016
Islamophobic rhetoric was part of the Mr Trump's campaign, including accusing US Muslims of harbouring terrorists
Islamophobic rhetoric was part of the Mr Trump's campaign, including accusing US Muslims of harbouring terrorists

A Muslim leader doesn't think the Islamic community in New Zealand needs to worry Donald Trump is the US President-elect.

Islamophobic rhetoric was part of the Mr Trump's campaign, including accusing US Muslims of harbouring terrorists.

But president of the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand Hamiz Arafeh says he's confident there won't be an issue in New Zealand.

"All the Muslims in New Zealand are law-abiding citizens," he says. "This is New Zealand; it's totally different to the States. So far our society has been a very peaceful one."

During his campaign, Mr Trump has called for a total shutdown of Muslims entering the United States. Mr Arafeh says it's too early to know if Mr Trump will follow through.

"We're just going to have to wait and see what policies is he going to follow in dealing with the Muslim minority in the States."

Mr Arafeh says it is hard to know what will happen.

"The American public have spoken. They've made up their mind. They have decided that Trump is the President.

"I suppose we're going to have to wait and see what sort of policies is he going to adopt in dealing with the Muslim community in the States."

Newshub.