YANG di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah today advised the people to avoid harbouring envy or committing slander.

He said they should not be narrow-minded or have a negative mindset as such attitude and behaviour would not benefit the race and country.

“I want to call on all the people to be united in forming a society that is courteous, harmonious, trustworthy, honest and strong to achieve success,” the king said at the national-level 1445H/2023 Maal Hijrah celebration at World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur.

Also present was Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah.

The king said the spirit of the Maal Hijrah celebration should be manifested in the form of unity and solidarity regardless of religious background, race and customs.

He said the spirit of the “hijrah” leading to the unity and solidarity of the Muhajirin and Ansar that happened 1,400 years ago should be used as the main guide in managing the country’s diversity.

He advised the people to embrace the theme of this year’s national Maal Hjrah celebration, “Perpaduan Teras Malaysia Madani” (Unity the Pillar of Malaysia Madani).

“As such, I appreciate the government’s efforts in mobilising the Malaysia Madani agenda towards the formation of a society that appreciates the values of compassion, justice and tolerance,” he said.

“I also appreciate the implementation of the religious affairs transformation plan towards Malaysia Madani as a proactive step to realise the agenda of developing and reforming the ummah.”

The Agong said the spirit of the “hijrah” in inculcating trustworthiness and integrity should continue to flourish among Malaysians and called on the people to be grateful for the peace and prosperity they are enjoying in the country.

“Sow love and affection for the country like how Prophet Muhammad loved his birthplace,” he said.

Also present at the event were Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and his wife Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, deputy prime ministers Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Fadillah Yusof, and Religious Affairs Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Mohd Na’im Mokhtar.

About 6,000 guests, including from government and private agencies, attended the event. – Bernama, July 19, 2023.