'Multiculturalism existed before me': Imam confused by Hanson comments

Imam Alep Mydie has voiced his bewilderment at Australian Senator Pauline Hanson's recent call for a monocultural Australia, asserting that multiculturalism has been a reality in his community for decades. Mydie, who has lived in Katanning, Western Australia, for 56 years, stated that his town has been multicultural long before his arrival.

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Even in the place I call home, which is Katanning, I have been here for the past 56 years, multiculturalism has existed before I arrived here

Senator Hanson, leader of One Nation, controversially declared multiculturalism a "failed policy" during an address, arguing that while Australia is multiracial, it should strive to be monocultural. This stance has drawn criticism, particularly from those who see the benefits of diversity in Australian society. Katanning, a regional town of about 4,000 people, is home to residents from over 40 nationalities, with Mydie himself moving there from Christmas Island.

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the policy of multiculturalism in Australia was "utterly flawed"

Federal Multicultural Affairs Minister Anne Aly strongly refuted Hanson's claims, emphasizing that diversity is not only ancient to Australia, even predating Indigenous cultures, but also economically and socially advantageous. Aly argued that difference is a strength, not a weakness, and is integral to the nation's fabric. Shire president Kristy D'Aprile echoed this sentiment, highlighting Katanning's pride in its diverse community and its history of welcoming new Australians, attributing the town's economic sustainability to its multicultural workforce.

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I would like to sit with Ms Hanson and talk to anybody who has the view of that ideology