KUALA LUMPUR: Politicians and political parties should stop riding on the religion of Islam for their own personal interests, says His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia.
He said that Islam should be used to enhance national interests for the good of the people and governance being rooted in Islamic values.
Sultan Ibrahim said this in his royal address at the national Maal Hijrah celebration at Mitec here Friday (June 27).
He was accompanied by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs).
"I wish to remind community leaders not to politicise Islam for personal gain. Instead, let us practise politics rooted in Islamic values for the benefit of the nation.
"This means governance must be grounded in the Shariah (religious code and laws), not influenced by secular or liberal ideologies.
"Islam is a complete and perfect religion, sufficient for all aspects of life.
"No party should exploit religion for political interests or spread slander and hatred that ultimately divides society.
"I have long emphasised that the platforms of dakwah (preaching) and Islamic education should never be used to promote partisan political agendas.
"Let us collectively safeguard the sanctity of Islam and defend the unity of the ummah in harmony," decreed Sultan Ibrahim.
He further called upon all Muslims to understand the great responsibility of building a civilisation grounded in Islamic values.
"True development is not merely physical; it must also encompass character, knowledge, and humanity.
"Those who strive in the path of Allah with their wealth and lives are promised a high rank in His sight. These are the ones who truly attain success. The migration of Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Madinah was a historic journey that laid the foundation for the Constitution of Madinah - a crucial document that established principles of justice, consensus, and diversity.
"In our country, the unity we enjoy today stems from the Federal Constitution, which enshrines the values of justice, balanced power, shared responsibility, and the spirit of consensus.
"Therefore, all parties must uphold the Constitution and never ignite the flames of hostility in the name of race or religion, which could jeopardise national peace.
"Islam is a religion of brotherhood and peace. We must all embrace Islam as a true way of life - not just through outward appearance or clothing that seems Islamic, but through noble character and daily practices that reflect Islamic values.
"I urge those in administration and leadership positions to emulate the qualities of the Prophet Muhammad and never oppress the weak. Let us work hand in hand to build a nation that not only succeeds in the eyes of the world, but is also blessed and graced by God," Sultan Ibrahim decreed.
Maal Hijrah, also called the Hijrah New Year, is the day that marks the beginning of a new lunar Hijrah year.
