Rulers demand politicians cease divisive racial, religious comments


Alfian Z.M. Tahir

The Malay Rulers make their way through Istana Negara for the 260th conference, earlier today. – Istana Negara handout pic, November 30, 2022.

THE Conference of Rulers today told political leaders not to make inflammatory racial or religious comments.

In a statement, the council also urged the new government to adopt the spirit of togetherness.

“I hope there will no longer be leaders who raise racial or religious issues with the purpose of incitement.

“I urge the new government to seize this opportunity to propel the country to greater heights,” Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negri Sembilan Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir said in a statement.

Tuanku Muhriz chaired the 260th Conference of Rulers at Istana Negara today.

Despite repeated calls for unity following the national polls, some political leaders have been stoking racial and religious sentiments.

PAS’s Baling MP Hassan Saad is the latest figure to be investigated by police for accusing Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim of being an Israeli agent.

Prior to which, PAS president Abdul Had Awang had accused DAP of stoking Islamophobia among Malaysians, accusing the party of being “creedless and immoral”.

Several police reports have been lodged against Hadi and Hassan.

In the run-up to the general election, PAS had also accused other parties of being immoral, going as far as to say voting for other parties was ‘haram’, for which the punishment was going to Hell.

Meanwhile, Tuanku Muhriz reminded the prime minister, menteri besar and chief ministers that they carry huge responsibility in carrying out their duties, which must be tempered with the principles of the Rukun Negara.

He suggested that the Rukun Negara be recited from “time to time” at “suitable” events.

“Rukun Negara recital must be led by elected leaders and not just among the youth.

“This will prove that the government is serious in wanting the Rukun Negara as the guiding principle for Malaysians,” he said. – November 30, 2022.



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