KUALA LUMPUR – Perak ruler Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah has warned the people in the country not to be swayed by hostile voices that can cause disputes, conflicts, and divisions.
The sultan, who is also the deputy Yang di-Pertuan Agong, said after almost 66 years of gaining independence, the nation requires leaders who embrace inclusivity, showing determination and wisdom in uniting the diverse elements into a strong and harmonious whole.
“Today, fostering unity is even more critical to counter voices that provoke the people’s emotions in the name of ethnicity or religion.
“Voices that fuel hostility, if left unchecked, have the potential to poison the minds of the people, leading to conflicts, frictions, and divisions,” the ruler said.
Sultan Nazrin said this during his royal address at the Siri Titah II Sultan Nazrin Muizuddin Shah book launch held at the World Trade Centre here today.
Referencing late former deputy prime minister Tun Dr Ismail Abdul Rahman, the sultan said that while the historical figure was known for his Malay nationalist spirit, he also repeatedly emphasised the multi-ethnic nature of Malaysian society.
Quoting one of Dr Ismail’s speeches, which was the nation’s maiden speech at the United Nations (UN) General Assembly after the Federation of Malaya was accepted as a member of the UN, the ruler highlighted how the country’s basic strength lies “in the moral character of the purposes of our people.”
“We have in Malaya three major racial groups; the Malays, the Chinese and the Indians, who have lived together for generations in peace and harmony.
“Neither the difference in religion and cultural background, nor the difference in their economic and social status, has created an insuperable barrier towards the national unity of these races,” the sultan quoted.
He also pointed to a passage from Dr Ismail’s final speech, in which the latter said: “…recognising that our country’s pattern is multi-racial, multi-cultural and multi-religious, any measures taken by the government is based on a balanced form and concept, in line with tolerance and national aspirations.”
Besides that, Sultan Nazrin said that each time he delivers a decree, he is reminded that ruling monarchs play the role of a protective umbrella for every citizen from various ethnic backgrounds and religious beliefs who demonstrate loyalty to the king and country.
“Being born into Malay, Chinese, Indian, Kadazan, Murut, Bajau, Dayak, Iban and other families has been determined by Allah SWT. The diversity of races and ethnicities is Allah’s creation,” the ruler added.
He also quoted a sermon from Prophet Muhammad, which read: “There is no superiority for an Arab over a non-Arab, nor for a white person over a black person, nor a black person over a white person, except through piety and righteous deeds.”
Meanwhile, the sultan said that Dewan Bahasa and Pustaka has carved its own path in fulfilling its crucial role in fostering unity through various initiatives and efforts.
“From the time of independence until the present, Malay literature has played a pivotal role in promoting unity and contributing to the cultivation of a peaceful, harmonious and contended Malaysian society with a strong sense of self-identity,” Sultan Nazrin said. — August, 5, 2023