KLANG: Disunity among the Malays must stop immediately, says Selangor Ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah (pic).
He said the serious discord could adversely affect the harmonious co-existence of the various races and the nation’s political stability.
“I do not intend to interfere in political affairs and the country’s administration.
“However, I feel it is my responsibility to advise and give views to rectify the situation as well as urge for the division among the Malays and Malay political leaders to immediately cease,” said Sultan Sharafuddin in a statement yesterday.
He added this was to also ensure the interests of the Malay community was preserved without sidelining the rights and interests of the nation’s non-Malay communities.
The Selangor Ruler said he watched the movie Mat Kilau and noted how it highlighted that the division among Malays paved the way for outsiders to take control.
He added that the movie conveyed a message to the Malay community that its strength lies in unity and devotion to Islam.
“I encourage the people of this nation, especially Malays, to watch the movie for it is an example and lesson on how a civilisation and nation could collapse in the event there was no unity and cooperation,’’ said Sultan Sharafuddin.
The movie Mat Kilau – Kebangkitan Pahlawan (Mat Kilau – The Rise of the Warrior), is about a Malay warrior who fought the British in the late 19th century.
Sultan Sharafuddin went on to say Malay political leaders needed to be aware that the development and advancement of a nation depended on stable leadership.
In the event Malay leaders failed to exhibit good and responsible leadership, the ruler noted, other races would lose respect for them and would not be supportive of Malay governance.
While practising good leadership and refraining from infighting, Malay political leaders must also cooperate with non-Malay political party leaders to ensure the nation’s development was prioritised to provide comfort for people of all races.
“In addition to that, I realise slander was widespread among the community.
“The spread of unsubstantiated slanderous news as well as personal attacks threatened communal harmony in our country.
“The open display of disloyalty and hatred appears to have become a culture within our community.
“We have to realise slander is a sin and can attract the wrath of Allah S.W.T,’’ said Sultan Sharafuddin.
He said Islam encouraged people to live peacefully and in unity.
It prohibits division and enmity.
Given this, Sultan Sharafuddin called upon all political leaders and the people in the country to practise a healthy culture based on tolerance and good thoughts to achieve the aspiration of existing together for the sake of the nation’s prosperity.
“I urge that all of us collectively develop a nation that is strong, free from graft, dignified, harmonious and in adherence to the values of unity,’’ said Sultan Sharafuddin.
