ALOR SETAR: Sultan of Kedah Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah has expressed his regret over recent incidents which pose a threat to the racial and religious harmony in the country.
Tuanku Abdul Halim, who is also the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, said many youngsters opt to express their views and thoughts through the social media without giving much consideration to racial, religious, traditional and cultural sensitivities.
He said the modern and liberated style of Western living is not in line with our culture and it could destroy our nation’s civilisation.
“I believe that if we want to nurture strong unity among Malaysians, education is the main catalyst,” he said in his royal address at the opening of the first meeting of the 13th Kedah State Legislative Assembly second term sitting at Wisma Darul Aman here yesterday.
The royal address was read out by the Kedah Council of Regency chairman Tunku Temenggong Kedah Tan Sri Tunku Sallehuddin Sultan Badlishah.
Tuanku Abdul Halim also reminded the people that the nation building efforts in 1957 started from a social contract between the people of various races based on tolerance, moderation and mutual respect.
“Unity among all quarters is the most important key for national survival and defence.
“Religious tension and racial ideologies happening especially in the social media indicate the impolite attitude towards the decisions which had been agreed upon by our forefathers,” he added.
Tuanku Abdul Halim also called upon the Kedah state government to be wise in its planning, always basing it on the principles of bringing peace and comfort to the rakyat, especially to the disabled and the needy.
He expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families and relatives of the passengers and crew of the ill-fated Malaysia Airlines flights MH370 and MH17.
“I am also very saddened by what is happening in Palestine and I urge the rakyat to condemn the cruelty of Israel Zionist forces which have killed innocent lives.
“We may have different political ideologies, religions and cultures, but as a civilised society we cannot let this cruelty continue,” he stressed.
-thestar
