The Perak sultan said when religion and race are utilised as legal tender for political gain, excessive rhetoric masked in religious fervour and provocative slogans become more prevalent.
“Such rhetoric and slogans are akin to embers that can ignite a spark.
“If not swiftly contained, they risk igniting a conflagration of animosity capable of devastating our nation,” he said during his address at the pledge of royalty and investiture ceremony in conjunction with his 68th birthday celebration at Istana Iskandariah here today.
The Perak Ruler added that continued provocations involving race and religion could sow distrust among citizens, causing them to drift further from the path of unity.
At this juncture, Sultan Nazrin said the nation needs wise and prudent leadership that instils a sense of ease and comfort among the people, free from prejudice and suspicion, fostering instead an open-minded appreciation for Malaysia’s diversity.
The Sultan said that amid the sensationalised issues of religion and race, there is an increasing trend of individuals who unabashedly mock the royal institution.
“The Ruler’s role, beyond fulfilling constitutional responsibilities, is vital in bridging tradition with modernisation, enlivening the nation’s rich history and civilisational legacy.
“This legacy, shaped through respectful cultural practices, refines character and the beauty of language, forms the foundation for building a disciplined, advanced, modern and progressive nation.
“This role is exceedingly relevant and grows more so as our society faces various forms of cultural subversion and sabotage.
“The civilisation we have built is far too valuable to be allowed to crumble due to the actions of individuals and organisations that have a tenuous grasp of tradition and a hollow understanding of decorum.
“Their misguided intellect cannot be followed, nor can their ignorance be taught. They possess an overwhelming desire to introduce a new order, often voicing and behaving inappropriately while promoting actions that starkly contradict the decorum and refinement of our customs,” he said.
Sultan Nazrin then called for the people to reject cultural encroachment and firmly oppose both words and deeds that violate the boundaries of custom and decorum.
“We must not permit anyone to become uncivilised or to live devoid of manners and respect for our heritage,” he said.
‘Balance of power’
Sultan Nazrin added that when power becomes overly concentrated within any single institution, or one branch grows significantly weaker, it is often the cause of a lame government that can lead to failures in justice.
He said this could also invite abuse of power, sow division among the people, escalate into civil conflict and, ultimately, result in governmental collapse.
“For a democracy to thrive, a progressive nation must prioritise the balance of power, upholding a system of checks and balances across its three branches of government – legislative, executive and judiciary,” he added.
Sultan Nazrin said that 67 years ago, Malaysia was founded on the principle of unity and cooperation among a diverse citizenry – a society comprising diverse ethnicities, practising different religions, inheriting rich cultures, and speaking multiple languages.
“Despite six decades of independence, our country has yet to achieve an ideal state of maturity.
“The journey toward this ideal is unending, yet the ship of our nation will draw closer to the harbour of perfection if leaders and citizens alike choose to set aside differences and seek a common denominator.”
He urged the people to reject the negative assumptions born out of self-interest and accept the virtues that bind the various races.