Sultan Nazrin reminds M'sians of bitter colonial past, calls for unity

IPOH: Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, reminded that the agreements reached at the time of the nation’s independence must not be questioned indiscriminately.

He said such actions could weaken mutual trust and respect and may be further inflamed by political rhetoric that exploits race and religion to create division.

“On Aug 31, the nation celebrated its 68th Independence Day, achieved through negotiation and diplomacy, guided by the wisdom and pragmatism of the late Tunku Abdul Rahman, a statesman who valued consultation and cooperation among races.

“He approached negotiations with sincerity and goodwill to build the Federation of Malaya — a nation of many races, faiths, cultures, and languages where every citizen was given equal protection and belonging. No one was left behind.

“With foresight, Tunku Abdul Rahman wove tradition into modernisation, introducing the doctrine of constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy,” he said.

Sultan Nazrin said this in his speech at the state-level Maulidur Rasul celebration, themed “Islamic Brotherhood: The Foundation of Muslim Unity”, at Casuarina @ Meru Hotel here today.

Also present were Raja Permaisuri Perak Tuanku Zara Salim, Raja Muda Perak Raja Jaafar Raja Muda Musa and Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.

Sultan Nazrin said the younger generation must be reminded of the bitter history of colonisation and the long struggle for independence.

“Independence is a memory deeply etched with sorrow. Our country was under foreign rule for 446 years, beginning with the fall of the Malacca Sultanate in 1511.

“The Dutch took control in 1641, and in 1824 the territory was handed over to the British, who gradually tightened their grip, especially after the Pangkor Treaty of 1874.

“The Japanese occupation followed, lasting three years and eight months from their landing in Kota Bharu on Dec 8, 1941 until the end of 1945 after which British rule resumed until the proclamation of Malaya’s independence on Aug 31, 1957,” he said.

He added that the time separating independence from the birth of today’s generation makes it harder for them to fully grasp the suffering of colonisation, the meaning of freedom, and the spirit of unity that once brought together people of many races and religions.

He said greater efforts are needed to revive the framework of nation-building based on the wisdom and spirit established by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

“Malaysians consist of diverse ethnicities, practise different religions, inherit various cultures, and speak many languages.

“An attitude of moderation and the practice of tolerance create opportunities and space for all groups to deepen mutual understanding and respect, while also recognising the boundaries that safeguard against encroaching on religious and ethnic sensitivities,” he said.

He said Islamic brotherhood is not merely a slogan but a shared responsibility of the entire Muslim community to safeguard unity and harmony.

“Without the bond of brotherhood, Islam would lose its strength and become vulnerable to external forces seeking to weaken and divide,” he said.

© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd

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