He said that the political climate in the country after the 14th general election was getting hotter through acts carried out by political leaders, whether from the government or the opposition parties.
Speaking at the state-level Maal Hijrah event here this morning, Sultan Nazrin said that after 62 years of achieving independence, the act of instilling hatred between the races and religions was being committed “more often”.
He said provocations which were extreme in nature were being made, including placing dolls and hurling pork into mosques, placing the head of cattle in Hindu temples, disseminating slanders through the social media, and insulting Islam as well as Prophet Muhammad.
Such acts, he said, were actually like setting up time bombs which were waiting for the right time to explode.
“Beware, the splinters from such time bombs do not discriminate their victims. In fact, the grandchildren and other family members of those who set up such time bombs are also exposed to the dangers due to the action of those with shallow minds,” he said.
Sultan Nazrin lamented that facts and authenticity of news were now considered not important. On the other hand, he said, emotions played a bigger role in influencing the people, including the learned, to the extent that their minds were being poisoned and possessed.
He said every incident – from crime on the road to the disciplinary action of teachers in schools or employers at the work place, the colour of leaders’ attire, errors in raising the national flag, and changes in school curriculum – was being negatively interpreted according to racial and religious dimensions.
“Such situations are very unhealthy, placing the nation in a dangerous and worrying situation. The majority of the people in the country love peace. The people are becoming more restless and fearful,” he said.
Sultan Nazrin said the “raised temperatures” must be immediately brought down, and the acts of instilling racial feelings and spreading enmity between the religions stopped.
He said the rule of law must remain sovereign so that personal security and the safety of public property would be protected and ensured.
Sultan Nazrin prayed that Malaysia would be placed under trustworthy and sincere leaders who would carry the voice of moderation, voice of reason and friendship so that the people could live in peace and harmony.
Also present was the Raja Permaisuri of Perak, Tuanku Zara Salim.