During our extended family gathering for dinner on Eid Day, Monday 31 March, hosted by my niece, Shakeeba Siddiqui, and her husband, Khalique Sajjad, in Edmondson Park, there was a robust discussion about the upcoming federal election with invited guests Nathan Hagarty MP, state member for Leppington and Charishma Kaliyanda MP, state member for Liverpool.

Amidst Eid greetings and consumption of special dishes of the feast, both Nathan and Charishma appealed for Muslim voters to exercise their vote carefully in a strategic manner to safeguard the interests of the Muslim community and not to undermine Labor.

As Australians head to the polls on 3 May, Muslim voters are rightfully angry. The devastation in Gaza, the federal government’s weak responses and the perceived complicity of Labor have left many feeling betrayed.

But if that anger turns into reactionary voting — or, worse, voter apathy — it could hand the next government to Peter Dutton and the conservatives, whose track record and rhetoric are far worse when it comes to Muslim communities and Palestinian rights.

What’s unfolding now in Sydney’s western suburbs is deeply concerning. Grassroots pressure on Labor MPs has its place, and calling out political cowardice is justified.

But tactics like defaming, public shaming and hateful rhetoric against Labor politicians, while alienating allies and fracturing the Muslim voting bloc, has the risk to misfire and make matters worse.

The absence of politicians from Eid prayers wasn’t a win – it was a warning. We’re pushing away those who have, at the very least, opened doors and engaged with the community. Engaging with all sections of the community is important.

Let’s not repeat the mistake that helped elect Donald Trump in the US. Many Muslim voters in America, frustrated by Biden-era foreign policy and disillusioned with Democrats, either withheld their votes or split their support.

The result? A Trump administration that not only introduced the Muslim ban, but actively emboldened Islamophobia globally. Palestine certainly didn’t benefit from a situation in which there is a witch hunt for supporters of Palestine.

Dutton has already shown us who he is. His track record on immigration, national security, and Muslim communities speaks volumes.

A Dutton-led government would not just ignore Palestine – it would likely criminalise the solidarity movement further, and ramp up surveillance and division here at home.

We can hold Labor accountable without handing power to those who are overtly hostile to our existence.

Strategic voting doesn’t mean silence. It means choosing the battlefield wisely – and making sure our rage doesn’t become the right wing’s reward.

Republished from AMUST, 2 April 2025