Pauline Hanson: "I don't hate Asians, Muslims"
PAULINE Hanson has denied hating Muslims but says she will continue to fight to protect Australians from Islamic attacks.
The One Nation leader, in an interview with Nine's 60 Minutes, called on the Muslim community to work with her.
"What I'd like to see is ... these Muslims that are not the radicals, the ones that want to live their life in peace and harmony and quite happy to be here in Australia and love and embrace this nation, then work with me to find the answers," she told reporter Liz Hayes.
"I don't want to see another Australian lose their life or a loved one lose their life because of this," added Ms Hanson.
The former fish and chip shop owner confirmed she carried a copy of the Koran in her handbag for "reference".
Pauline Hanson says she's open-minded and willing to change her controversial views on immigration. #9Today https://t.co/NgsM1X63mv
— The Today Show (@TheTodayShow) August 28, 2016
Ms Hanson, who famously replied "Please explain" when 60 Minutes asked if she was xenophobic back in 1996, denied promoting hate of foreigners.
"That's stupid to say, you know, fear of foreigners. Not so.
"I don't hate Asians. I don't hate Muslims. I don't, you know, hate's a very strong word.
Despite insisting she is not xenophobic; Pauline Hanson does want a ban on Muslim immigration. #60Minshttps://t.co/JRPepsUT1n
— 60 Minutes Australia (@60Mins) August 28, 2016
The Senator had a long meeting with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull while Tony Abbott has offered to have coffee with her.
WATCH: Former Peter Slipper staffer James Ashby on Pauline Hanson
"People are drawn to her. They don’t want a handshake, they want a hug." | Is Pauline Hanson a celebrity? #60Minshttps://t.co/2AceQ4Vxfv
— 60 Minutes Australia (@60Mins) August 28, 2016
She previously said she "detested" Mr Abbott because she believed he played a role in her imprisonment for electoral fraud.
"You can't live on hate," she said. "Don't forget, I'm like a bloody old elephant, and I don't forget, but the whole fact is he has a job to do, I have a job to do. I'm not a vindictive person. I'm there to do work for the people."
"What I would say to the Australian people is that I will always try to be upfront, honest and accountable to them.
"People need hope. And if you've got hope, then you can actually say ... Give them that confidence to say, "At least someone's there, thinking about us. I hope they just give me a fair go.
"Judge me on my performance and my achievements. I'm not perfect. I've never claimed to be perfect. But if anyone wants to criticise me, then at the next election, put your name forward. You have every right to stand for parliament. And I'd like to see what sort of job you do."
