YANG di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah has called on Malaysians to avoid creating polemics and political disputes out of religious issues.  

Al-Sultan Abdullah said all parties must respect the position of Islam as the religion of the Federation, as stated in Article 3 of the Federal Constitution, and must also respect the position of the Malay Rulers as the heads of Islam in their respective states. 

“Nevertheless, other religions can still be practised peacefully. The full spirit of tolerance of Malaysians in the pluralism that exists is actually the basis of the country’s main strength. 

“Therefore, in order to build a strong, successful, authoritative and dignified country, we must all discard the rhetorical agenda of division, and instead unite to steer the country towards a better future,” he said. 

Al-Sultan Abdullah said this in a royal address related to the king’s official birthday celebration tomorrow. His Majesty’s speech was also broadcast live on local television.

The Yang di-Pertuan Agong expressed his gratitude for the blessings bestowed by Allah, as this year marked the fifth year that His Majesty and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah celebrated his official birthday with Malaysians. 

His Majesty was installed as the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong on July 30, 2019. 

He also expressed his gratitude that his official birthday was celebrated in a stable and peaceful landscape. 

“Last year, the 15th general election and the process of forming the federal government took place smoothly and in a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere. 

“This clearly demonstrates that the democracy practised in this country remains fertile. This should continue to be the basis for the stability and harmony of the country,” he said.

The monarch said Malaysia had great potential to become a developed and respected country, considering that the country was blessed with peace, diversity of resources, and quality human capital, and had a strong fighting spirit. 

The king said the main strength of the country was its people, who deeply loved peace, harmony, and unity in daily life, and accepted the existing diversity with full tolerance. 

His Majesty said Malaysians had succeeded in creating a name on the world stage in various fields for a long time, including shaping the regional and global geopolitical landscape. 

The king and queen also expressed their appreciation for the wishes, congratulatory messages, thoughts and prayers that had been offered, which gave strength to Their Majesties to continue to protect all Malaysians fairly and equitably. 

The Agong expressed thanks to the government, members of the administration, civil servants, and members of the armed forces who contributed to the country’s well-being and peace. 

“I would like to invite the country’s leadership to continue to serve wholeheartedly and increase efforts to form an efficient, people-friendly and integrity-based national administration system, in order to safeguard the future of our people and beloved country. 

“Let us pray together that all Malaysians and our beloved country will continue to remain peaceful and prosperous, always be under the protection of Allah, and be spared from calamities and disasters,” His Majesty said. – Bernama, June 4, 2023.