IPOH: All Perak state assemblymen have been urged to avoid sensationalising and politicising religious issues.
Raja Muda of Perak Raja Dr Nazrin Shah said he hoped all state assemblymen, regardless of their political affiliation, would be exemplary in handling such sensitive issues.
"Religion is one subject that is close to the heart and has close emotional connection to the devout.
"In a country where its people comprise of various faith, it is important to be thoughtful and careful while making statements or reacting to matters related to religion," he said, adding that arguments should not be polemic and open statements should not be provocative.
"Each statement should be made after careful and rational consideration and not influenced by emotion," he added.
He said this in his royal address during the opening of the state assembly sitting here Monday.
Raja Dr Nazrin Shah said the complexity of handling inter-faith issues needed understanding from the people.
"A dispute often occurs because of misunderstanding of a sensitive issue.
"It should be handled with wisdom and justly," he said, adding that religious issues should be discussed based on knowledge, to reach a mutual understanding.
"A harmonious state cannot achieved if each groups choose confrontational methods," he added.
Raja Dr Nazrin Shah also said with the upcoming 56th Merdeka anniversary, all relevant parties, be it the Government or Opposition, should play their roles to strengthen the country and instill cooperation between races.
"All should also take responsibility to ensure peace and harmony in the country," he said.
"All should also work together to lessen the burden on the security forces, especially in combating crime," he added.
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