YANG di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah today called on the people to emulate the Prophet Muhammad’s in speaking the truth and avoiding slander and lies.

The king said insults, lies and slander would only undermine the country’s stability and harmony.

“Let us take heed of the fall and collapse of civilisation and the great powers of the world as a result of the culture of slander that dominated and festered in the lives of its people,” he said in conjunction with the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday, at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre, today.

He said after the death of the Prophet Muhammad, slander led to the assassination of the caliph Saidina Uthman Affan.

“That’s how great the power of ‘fitnah’ (slander) and deception. It could not only shed the blood of a great Islamic leader but also destroy the harmony and stability of a country.

The king said Muslims have always been reminded to avoid people who do not speak the truth.

He also called on the people to uphold the teachings of Muhammad.

“By doing so, we will be able to develop a civilised, successful, harmonious and prosperous country with its people embodying the virtues of humanity,” he said.

He said Malaysia will reach the peak of success when Islamic law and the Prophet’s character serve as the basis of governance.

Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah also attended the event. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and his wife Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail were also present. – Bernama, September 28, 2023.