He said activities such as interrogation which contained elements of torture and abuse, implemented for the purpose of enforcement of regulations for the safeguarding of Islam, had only smeared the sanctity and good name of the religion.
“Malaysia has a good name and is respected among Islamic and non-Islamic nations for its religious moderation.
“Words of contempt expressed and activities containing elements of vengefulness, threats, and arrests with interrogation methods containing elements of torture and abuse portray a very negative image of the Islam practiced in this country,” he said.
Sultan Nazrin Shah spoke at the Perak-level ‘Maulidur Rasul’ (Prophet Muhammad’s birthday celebration) here. The Raja Permaisuri of Perak, Tuanku Zara Salim, was also present at the event.
The Sultan also said that boycotting of groups or cutting off relationships with individuals to the extent of refusing to administer a dead body because of misunderstandings or differences of opinion should be stopped and firmly opposed.
“Islam advocates moderation. The majority of Muslims who adhere to moderate practices must speak up and not give in to the minority extremist groups,” he said.
Sultan Nazrin Shah said there was a need to review the modus operandi of propagation as well as the methods used to address various religious issues, particularly among the younger generation.
The sultan said Islam should be safeguarded and promoted through a prudent, polite and honourable approach without coercion, pressure, violence and disgraceful acts.
“The sanctity of Islam should be safeguarded through discussions and arguments based on truth in the spirit of respect for differences and differences of views,” he said.