KUALA KANGSAR: The Sultan of Perak said the people must not suffer from political conflicts as the nation needs to direct its energy and resources towards productive work.
Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah said that Allah has endowed humankind with intellect, which must be exercised with wisdom to preserve the harmony of a diverse nation.
“The wise recognise that the rich diversity of God’s creation is a precious gift. Our differences in ethnicity, religion, culture, and language are blessings that enrich this earth.
“It is a misfortune for any civilisation, and a loss to humanity, when diversity is viewed through a lens of prejudice and suspicion. Such negativity corrodes the harmony among people and undermines the delicate balance that sustains inter-ethnic and inter-religious relations,” he said.
Sultan Nazrin said this during his address at the Pledge of Royalty and Investiture Ceremony in conjunction with his 69th birthday celebration at Istana Iskandariah here, today.
Highlighting Malaysia’s multi-ethnic and multi-religious society, Sultan Nazrin said the nation could have easily become a stage for conflict.
“Praise be to Allah that this land has been blessed with leaders and citizens who have chosen not to enact such a theatre of discord.
“Through the wisdom of past leaders, these diverse elements were united and bound together to form Malaysia—independent and sovereign, peaceful and calm, tranquil and prosperous,” he said.
Sultan Nazrin called on all Malaysians to uphold the spirit of consensus and unity forged at the nation’s founding.
“Any voice, demand, or action contrary to this spirit must be firmly opposed to preserve the sovereignty, peace, harmony, and prosperity of our independent nation.
“For the continuity of our nation-state, use the intellect granted by Allah with wisdom. Actions driven by emotion alone bring great loss. Much remains to be done to uplift the lives of those living in poverty,” he said.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
