Efforts to unite the people will always face challenges when some choose to sensationalise issues of ethnicity, religion, state, or region.
Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, said this is especially so at a time when Malaysians should instead focus on strengthening cooperation and deepening the understanding pioneered by our forebears.
In his Royal Address at the Pledge of Loyalty and Investiture Ceremony in conjunction with his 69th birthday at Istana Iskandariah in Kuala Kangsar, Perak earlier today, Sultan Nazrin added: “This country must never become a house of discord, a stage for the intoxicated pursuit of power. The meaning of independence will crumble when the tongues of some citizens become more poisonous than arrows, spreading venom to corrupt minds.”
“Independence is not merely the raising of flags or the singing of patriotic songs. It is the emblem of a nation’s dignity – the moment the nation rises to stand upon its own feet.
“True independence is not only freedom from colonial rule, but the liberation of thought, the deepening of political maturity, the pursuit of economic progress, and the unfolding of national development. Most importantly, it is sustained by citizens who embody the spirit of one people, one nation.”
Sultan Nazrin said for more than six decades, Malaysians have laboured to build a nation enriched by its diversity of ethnicities, religions, cultures, and languages.
“Malaysia, born of the Federation of Malaya, is constitutionally defined as a nation of many ethnicities, faiths, and traditions, each inheriting a vibrant mosaic of languages and heritage.”
He added: “Allah the Exalted has endowed humankind with the intellect to think. Use it with wisdom.”
“The wise recognise that the rich diversity of God’s creation is a precious gift. Our differences in ethnicities, 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 the land upon which we stand holds within it all the components of difference – religion, ethnicities, culture, and language – which could 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.
“The spirit of consensus and unity forged by those leaders at the nation’s founding must continue to be respected. 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,” he added in his royal address.
Sultan Nazrin later conferred state awards and medals on 238 recipients. In the first ceremonial session held today, 29 individuals received their awards. The second session will be held on Saturday (Nov 15) .
