The Islamic Council of Australia is demanding an in-person apology from Premier Mark McGowan after he described threats made against him as being like “Islamic fundamentalists”.

It comes as two men were charged for leaving threatening phone calls on the Premier’s phone, in which they threatened to behead him.

Keysar Trad, CEO of the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils, said there was no reason for the Premier to mention Islam.

“His choice of terms ‘Islamic fundamentalist’ … he wouldn’t even contemplate using that term with any other religious community,” he said on 6PR Mornings.

“But knowing that Muslims have suffering a great deal of Islamophobia, and knowing that this type of comment will enflame and distract, he used that comment”.

Mr Trad said the Premier must offer an apology in person.

“In all fairness, a letter in this case is a coward’s way of trying to put the issue aside,” he said.

“A courageous person would go and meet the people that he has hurt and he would express is regret in person.”

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