PETALING JAYA: Selangor Ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah expresses hope that Malays and Muslims in the country will continue to remain united, while stressing that calls for Malay unity should not be misconstrued as hostility towards other races.
In his Hari Raya Aidiladha message on Thursday (May 21), Sultan Sharafuddin said continued divisions and conflicts among the community would only weaken their position and bring losses to themselves.
“If we continue to be divided and embroiled in conflict among ourselves, then we will become weak and suffer the consequences,” said the Selangor Ruler.
Sultan Sharafuddin also voiced concern over the increasing disputes and disagreements among politicians, warning that such developments could create unease among the rakyat.
The Selangor Ruler said all parties should take lessons from history, where divisions among Malay Muslims had allowed outside forces to take advantage and weaken the standing and influence of the Malays in their own homeland.
However, Sultan Sharafuddin stressed that calls for Malay unity should not be misconstrued as hostility towards other races in the country.
“On the contrary, the strength of a united community will contribute towards a more peaceful and stable nation, where the people live in mutual respect and harmony,” His Royal Highness said.
His Royal Highness called on Malaysians of all races and religions to respect one another’s sensitivities and continue living peacefully together.
Citing the Ottoman Empire as an example, the Selangor Ruler said Islamic civilisation once flourished when multi-ethnic communities coexisted harmoniously under Islamic rule.
Sultan Sharafuddin and the Tengku Permaisuri of Selangor also prayed for Malaysian haj pilgrims to be blessed with good health, have their pilgrimage affairs eased, return home safely and attain a mabrur haj.
