Work together: Sultan Nazrin giving his address at the Regional South-East Asia Human Dignity conference in Kuala Lumpur, which was organised by the Institute of Islamic Understanding Malaysia (Ikim). Looking on are (from second left) Ikim chairman Prof Datuk Dr Muhammad Nur Manuty and Brigham Young University’s International Center for Law and Religion Studies director Prof Brett Scharffs. — Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR: All Malaysians, regardless of race, religion or where they live, have a place under the Malaysian sun, says the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah.
Sultan Nazrin said some people were viewed as less worthy and less welcome because of their faith or skin colour, therefore the message that all human lives are of equal value must be promoted.
“Indeed, as I have said before, and I repeat, Malaysians of all races, religions, and geographic locations need to believe beyond a shadow of a doubt that they have a place under the Malaysian sun.
“Everybody, regardless of faith and background, deserves to feel safe, respected and included, not only in their home country but wherever they travel. That, to me, is what this conference stands for everyone, everywhere,” His Royal Highness said in his address at the Regional South-East Asia Human Dignity conference here yesterday.
According to the Perak Ruler, Malaysia’s hard work to promote the unity and togetherness of its diverse peoples has been recognised internationally.
He said that Malaysia has been hailed as a multicultural success story, and that the country’s inclusivity, such as celebrating diversity, was integral to its continued prosperity.
In his speech, Sultan Nazrin said that in some countries, certain religious groups are persecuted by the government, while people of different faiths and backgrounds are forced out of their homes and imprisoned.
His Royal Highness added that in parts of the world that appear to be inclusive, minority populations often experience appalling, everyday degradations, like getting verbally insulted on the streets because of what they’re wearing or simply because of the colour of their skin.
“We must work to eradicate all of these acts of aggression, from the macro to the micro, because all of them, however small, represent an attack on human dignity itself.
“In the face of hate, we must spread messages of inclusion. In the face of ignorance, we must spread knowledge. And in fear, we must spread love,” said Sultan Nazrin.
The Perak Ruler said despite human dignity being enshrined in world religions and international declarations, it is clear that the world has not realised the goal of dignity for everyone, everywhere just yet.
Commenting on the two-day conference, Sultan Nazrin said it took up that mandate to understand how to move from the vision to the reality of a world where everyone is respected and valued, no matter who they are, where they come from, or where they go.
“I wish all of you a productive and illuminating two days at this conference. I have every faith that the discussions here will contribute powerfully to the cause of human dignity for all people in all places,” His Royal Highness said.
The conference, themed “Dignity for Everyone, Everywhere”, is hosted by the Institute of Islamic Understanding Malaysia and the International Centre for Law and Religion Studies of Brigham Young University. — Bernama
