On 17th January 2025, the Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Relations (IDFR), in collaboration with the Asian Strategy and Leadership Institute (ASLI), hosted the launch of the book “From Hate to Hope – A Holistic Approach to Address Hate Speech” at the Treaty Room, IDFR. The event brought together scholars, policymakers, and thought leaders, including YAM Tunku Zain Al-‘Abidin ibni Tuanku Muhriz, who attended as the guest of honour.
The event commenced with welcoming remarks by Mr. Harvinder Singh Ramday, Acting Director of the Centre for Political Studies and Economic Diplomacy (PSED), followed by opening remarks by Mr. Danial Abdul Rahman, CEO of ASLI. The forum, moderated by Mr. Gerard Ratnam, Head of English Programs at Bernama TV, featured robust discussions with Dr. Murni Wan Mohd Nor, Expert Researcher at IDFR, and Associate Professor Dr. Sabariah Mohamed Salleh, Head of Media and Communication Program at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).
Dr. Murni, who authored the book, shared her personal journey that inspired her work. Having experienced hate speech both as a child growing up in the United States and later during her university years in Malaysia, she developed a deep commitment to combating hate speech and fostering understanding. With over 13 years of expertise in this field, her book serves as both a reflection of her experiences and a practical guide for addressing hate speech through a holistic approach.
The panel discussions explored the dangers of hate speech, the role of diplomacy in promoting inclusivity, and actionable strategies for countering polarization. The audience engaged actively during the Q&A session, contributing to a meaningful exchange of ideas on fostering resilient and inclusive communities.
The highlight of the event was the official launch of the book, officiated by Mr. Harvinder Singh Ramday, accompanied by Mr. Danial Abdul Rahman and Dr. Murni Wan Mohd Nor. The launch included a video presentation encapsulating the book's themes and significance.
The event concluded with a networking session over light refreshments, providing an opportunity for further discussions and meaningful exchanges among attendees.
As an international centre for training and research in diplomacy and international relations of global standing, IDFR is committed to making research findings widely accessible to the public. As such, the free PDF copy of the book is made available at the IDFR website.
Prepared by:
Mr. Ahmad Muziru Idham Adnan
Centre for Political Studies and Economic Diplomacy (PSED)
