Abbott entitled to view: Turnbull

Tony Abbott, who says the Islamic faith needs to undergo a reformation, is entitled to make public comment on the subject, says Malcolm Turnbull.

Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.

A new poll shows support for Malcolm Turnbull's government has dropped two points in a month. (AAP) Source: AAP

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has no problem with Tony Abbott making public comment about Islam.

Mr Abbott, who was ousted by Mr Turnbull in September, says the Islamic faith needs to undergo its own reformation - in the same way as Christianity - in order for it to better fit in to modern society.

Mr Turnbull said people "read a lot" into Mr Abbott's comments, but the former prime minister was entitled to his opinion.
The vast majority of Muslims were appalled by extremism and the leaders of the major Muslim nations such as Indonesia had strongly spoken out against terrorism, he said.

Indonesia demonstrated that the Muslim faith could be compatible with a democratic, open and tolerant society.

"The one thing we need to be very careful not to do, and I'm sure Tony agrees with this, is play into the hands of our enemies and seek to tag all Muslims with the responsibility for the crimes of a few," Mr Turnbull told ABC radio on Wednesday.
The prime minister said he was keeping in touch with Mr Abbott, who has said he will make a decision on his parliamentary future around April next year.
"I had a very good discussion with him a week or so ago and I'm sure I will meet with him again in the future," Mr Turnbull said.

"There's no lack of connection if you like."


Share
2 min read

Published

Updated

Source: AAP


Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world