KUALA KANGSAR: Any action that risks undermining national unity or disturbing harmonious inter-ethnic relations in this country must be decisively rejected, said the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah.
His Royal Highness said the effort to unite the people will inevitably face major obstacles when certain quarters choose to sensationalise issues of race, religion, state, or region.
“… at a time when we should instead be focusing on strengthening cooperation and deepening the understanding forged by past leaders.
“This nation must not be turned into a house of discord, nor a playground for those intoxicated by power.
“The meaning of independence will be reduced to rubble when the tongues of some citizens become more poisonous than a venom-tipped arrow, spreading toxins into the minds of the people,” the Sultan said at the Investiture Ceremony for State Honours and Medals of Perak Darul Ridzuan in conjunction with the Ruler’s 69th birthday celebration at Istana Iskandariah here on Sunday (Nov 9).
His Royal Highness was accompanied by the Raja Permaisuri of Perak, Tuanku Zara Salim.
Also in attendance were the Raja Muda of Perak, Raja Jaafar Raja Muda Musa; the Raja Dihilir of Perak, Raja Iskandar Dzulkarnain Sultan Idris Shah; as well as the Raja Puan Muda of Perak, Tunku Soraya Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah.
Sultan Nazrin also stated that independence is not merely a celebration of raising the flag while singing the national anthem; it is a symbol of the nation’s dignity and the starting point of a country standing on its own feet.
“Independence is not just freedom from colonial rule, but also the attainment of intellectual liberty, political maturity, along with success in growing the economy and developing the nation; most importantly, it must be upheld by the people who embrace the spirit of unity.
“Malaysia, which began with the formation of the Federation of Malaya, is a nation enshrined in the clauses of the Federal Constitution, recognising a population composed of various races practicing different religions, inheriting diverse cultures, and speaking multiple languages,” the Ruler said.
Sultan Nazrin emphasised that it is highly detrimental if differences are viewed negatively and laden with suspicion, as this can undermine harmonious relations among people and disturb the equilibrium in inter-ethnic and inter-religious relations.
Sultan Nazrin also stressed that the spirit of consensus established and achieved by the nation’s founding leaders must continue to be respected; therefore, any voice, demand, or action that contradicts this spirit of unity must be firmly opposed.
His Royal Highness also warned that the actions of certain quarters, driven excessively by emotion, could pose serious risks to the nation.
“There is still much to be done to improve the welfare of the people, especially those living in poverty.
“The people must not be made victims of seemingly endless political disputes, when the nation’s energy and resources are better directed towards more productive endeavours,” said the Ruler.
Sultan Nazrin also expressed appreciation for the unity and support of the Raja Muda, Raja Di Hilir, Raja Bergelar, Waris Negeri, Royal family members, Orang Besar, and members of the Dewan Negara in assisting him to fulfill his responsibilities as Amirul Mukminin (Ruler).
Sultan Nazrin also acknowledged the Menteri Besar, members of the State Executive Council, judges, state assembly members, scholars, security forces, uniformed bodies, village heads, imam and religious leaders, as well as the Village Development and Security Committees, for carrying out their responsibilities, enabling Perak to be developed in a peaceful and prosperous environment.
“Similarly, I extend appreciation to the private sector, volunteer organisations, welfare bodies, youth associations, sports organisations, and the community at large, who have contributed to complementing the development efforts initiated by my government,” the Ruler said. – Bernama
