New Delhi: Queensland senator Fraser Anning on Friday received widespread criticism for saying Friday’s mosque attacks in New Zealand were a result of the country’s immigration program “which allowed Muslim fanatics to migrate in the first place.”“Whilst this kind of violent vigilantism can never be justified, what it highlights is the growing fear within our community, both in Australia and New Zealand, of the increasing Muslim presence,” he reportedly said in a statement.SBS News on Friday tracked responses to senator Anning’s statement on social media, highlighting criticism emanating from across the political spectrum.Scott Morrison, the current prime minister of Australia and leader of the Liberal Party since 2007, took to social media and said the senator’s remarks were “disgusting.”New Zealand, like Australia, is home to people from all faiths, cultures and backgrounds. There is absolutely no place in either of our countries for the hatred and intolerance that has bred this extremist, terrorist violence and we condemn it.— Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) March 15, 2019Similarly, former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull called the remarks “contemptible.”Fraser Anning’s comments today are contemptible. He is a disgrace to the Senate and what is worse by spreading hatred and turning Australians against each other he is doing exactly what the terrorists want.— Malcolm Turnbull (@TurnbullMalcolm) March 15, 2019The backlash wasn’t just confined to Australia, but came from abroad as well with Piers Morgan expressing ‘blind fury’ to senator Anning’s statement.Are you f*cking kidding me???? This guy is an Australian senator? SHAME on you @fraser_anning.I hope your fellow Australians respond to this disgusting statement with the same blind fury I am feeling. pic.twitter.com/W2XuX3fWkZ— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) March 15, 2019Home secretary of the United Kingdom Sajid Javed also took to twitter calling senator Anning a “racist man.”At a time for grieving and reflection, this Australian senator @fraser_anning fans the flames of violence & extremism. Australians will be utterly ashamed of this racist man. In no way does he represent our Australian friends https://t.co/uzezIeNjbN— Sajid Javid (@sajidjavid) March 15, 2019This is not the first time senator Anning has been rebuked for making such divisive comments.In August 2018, in his first parliamentary speech, senator Anning called for a ban on Muslim immigration and demanded the return of the White Australia policy.He was also criticised for attending an ultra-nationalist rally in Melbourne in January.