Ed Husic attacked on Facebook over Koran Ed Husic officially sworn in by Governor General Quentin Bryce at Government House in Canberra. Picture: Penny Bradfield Source: Supplied LABOR MP Ed Husic says he is not going to "jump because of harsh words in dark corners" after a spate of racial abuse was levelled at him online. Mr Husic, who was yesterday sworn in as Australia's first Muslim frontbencher, today brushed off the racial abuse saying it was a "natural part of democracy" that people would not always agree. "There are people that are definitely extreme inside my faith and outside it and they will always seek ways to try and divide people," Mr Husic said. But it is important to not jump because of harsh words in dark corners. Mr Husic said he was asked by Kevin Rudd on Sunday night if he would serve in his ministry as a Parliamentary Secretary. He said he spoke to his dad, a Bosnian migrant, straight after and was so pleased that he was able to give back to the Australian community in public life. "It's incredible in one generation to be in a position to contribute in this way to public life," Mr Husic said. I think children of migrant parents always want to pay back and give back to Australia. Mr Husic said it was a "straight forward decision" to decide to be sworn in on the Koran. "Obviously I couldn't take my oath on a Bible - I am who I am," he said. Mr Husic has copped a spate of online abuse over his decision to be sworn in on the Koran at a ceremony at Canberra's Government House. OPINION: Attacking religion is 'un-Australian' Mr Husic, 43, was the first Muslim to be sworn into an Australian ministry and was appointed the roles of Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister and Parliamentary Secretary for Broadband. His wife and young son were present at the ceremony. The Blacktown MP describes himself as a "non-practicing" Muslim. Mr Husic was a key backer of Kevin Rudd and was widely tipped to be in line for a promotion. At yesterday's swearing in Governor-General Quentin Bryce made a point of recognising the significance of Mr Husic's appointment. "This is a great day for multiculturalism in Australia," Ms Bryce told the MP after he had been formally sworn in. To which all those present cried: "hear, hear." On his official Facebook page, Mr Husic last night posted he was proud to have taken on the new roles. Hundreds of users posted negative comments. "Labor you are disgusting, undermining our culture and country and constitution in this way," one person posted. Another posted: "I am totally disgusted!! Sharia Law next on your agenda is it?. On social networking site Twitter, many users have levelled vile abuse at the Western Sydney MP. One user yesterday said "OK that's wrong right there" when this reporter posted yesterday that Mr Husic would be sworn in on the Koran. Another this morning said: "Rudd, the Muslim Brotherhoods Man in Canberra ... Rudd is about to ---- Aust!." Earlier Tony Abbott appeared to not condemn the comments on Mr Husic's page. Asked about Mr Husic's use of the Koran at an official swearing in ceremony at Government House Mr Abbott simply said: "I respect his choice." "I'm not familiar with it," Mr Abbott said of the abuse. But as I said, I respect his choice and I think the Australian people should as well. In a statement to News Limited a few hours later the Opposition Leader said: "Any abuse of Ed Husic is completely unacceptable." Labor MP Michelle Rowland took to Twitter to slam Mr Abbott for not making strong comments on the abuse. Abbott's comments re Ed Husic are extremely weak. Why not condemn the racist abuse directed at him," Ms Rowland, also a Western Sydney MP, posted. Victorian Rob Mitchell posted: "Appalling behaviour against @edhusicMP shouldn't be tolerated at all. It's an embarrassment to decency, fairness and all we stand for. Labor MP for Bendigo Steve Gibbons said: "Those criticizing @edhusicMP for using the Koran at yesterday's swearing in ceremony run a strong risk of drowning in their own mind." Greens Senator Sarah Hanson Young urged Mr Husic to "just ignore the bigots." Congratulations @edhusicMP. Thankfully most Australians are proud we are a great democratic &multicultural nation, just ignore the bigots," Senator Hanson-Young posted. Mr Husic's regular sparring partner, and Jewish Liberal MP, Josh Frydenberg posted: "Criticism of @edhusicMP for being sworn in on the Koran is a disgrace - we live in a democracy where we must respect freedom of religion." Labor MP Stephen Jones told News Limited Mr Husic was a "migrant success story" and that those attacking him were "boofheads." "There's a difference between being a larrikin and being a boofhead," Mr Jones said. These sledgers are just boofheads. News Limited has requested comment from Mr Rudd. Mr Husic could not be contacted this morning.