SYDNEY (TIP): Former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott has sparked criticism by saying Islam has a “massive problem” and needs to reform.

Writing in Australian media, Mr. Abbott said “not all cultures are equal” and the West should stop apologizing for defending its values.

His letter, published in News Corps tabloids, cautioned against “demonizing” Muslims, but said the West “can’t remain in denial about the massive problem within Islam”.

“Although most Muslims utterly reject terrorism, some are all too ready to justify ‘death to the infidel’,” he said.

“Islam never had its own version of the Reformation and the Enlightenment or a consequent acceptance of pluralism and the separation of church and state.”

Australia is involved in the US-led international military operation against Islamic State militants in Iraq and Syria, and is increasingly concerned about Australians fighting with or supporting the militants.Several raids have been carried out and officials say a number of plots have been disrupted. Last month, a teenage boy who police say had been radicalized shot dead a police worker in Sydney.