I think I do remember Abbott making that remark, but, of course, you have to read such remarks in its context, which you deliberately omitted.Here is what he said. from the Guardian:
'On Monday Abbott
delivered a speech on national security, in which he said: “I’ve often heard western leaders describe Islam as a ‘religion of peace’. I wish more Muslim leaders would say that more often, and mean it.”
In actual fact, in the light of today's events, they were, indeed, prophetic words.
In these dangerous times, Dave, you should be more careful with your public utterances
