KUALA LUMPUR: The spirit of togetherness and unity among the people irrespective of religion, race or culture should be strengthened in efforts to make Malaysia a successful nation, says Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah.
In conjunction with the Ma’al Hijrah celebration, His Majesty said the spirit of the “hijrah” (migration) should be used as the main guide in managing the country’s diversity.
The call by the King comes as Muslims in the country mark this year’s Ma’al Hijrah 1445H celebration, which is focused on unity as the core of developing a civil society among Malaysians.
“In the context of Malaysia, the spirit of ‘hijrah’ or migration leading to the unity and solidarity of the Muhajirin and Ansar that happened 1,400 years ago should be used as the main guide in managing the country’s diversity,” His Majesty said in his speech at the Ma’al Hijrah national celebration yesterday.
The theme of this year’s event is “Perpaduan Teras Malaysia Madani (Unity the Pillar of Malaysia Madani)”.
Ma’al Hijrah, also known as Awal Muharram, is celebrated by Muslims worldwide and marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar when Prophet Muhammad migrated from Mecca to Madinah in 622.
Ma’al Hijrah is also a call for individuals to migrate or change from bad to good.
The King described the theme of this year’s celebration as an apt one as there were lessons to be learned from the migration of Prophet Muhammad which led to the setting up of the first Islamic administration that was inclusive for both Muslims and non- Muslims.
His Majesty appreciated the government’s efforts in mobilising the Malaysia Madani agenda, aimed at shaping a society that appreciates noble values, upholds the principles of fairness while practising the spirit of tolerance.
The Yang di-Pertuan Agong said the spirit of the “hijrah” in inculcating trustworthiness and integrity should continue to flourish among Malaysians and called on the people to be grateful for the peace and prosperity they are enjoying in the country.
Also present was Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah.
The event, held at World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur here, was also attended by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his wife Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail as well as Deputy Prime Ministers Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
