Kuala Kangsar - Racial prejudice in the country can be erased if the Malay mindset is stable and comfortable towards forging harmony, the Raja Muda of Perak, Raja Dr Nazrin Shah said.
He said a stable Malay mindset was crucial as it was a precondition to the nation`s stability.
"Islam, Malay Rulers` sovereignty, Malay language and the special status of the Malays are matters that have never slipped from the attention of the Malay rulers.
"The Malay rulers understand that the country`s political stability largely depends on the preparedness of the Malay mindset to face changes," he said in his address in conjunction with the 80th birthday of the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Azlan Shah, at Istana Iskandariah.
Present were Sultan Azlan Shah, Raja Permaisuri Perak Tuanku Bainun, Raja Dihilir Perak Raja Jaffar Raja Muda Musa, Raja Puan Muda Raja Normahani Raja Shahar Shah, members of the Perak royal household, Menteri Besar Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin, state executive councillors, heads of government departments and agencies.
Raja Dr Nazrin said since the first Durbar (rulers` conference) held in Kuala Kangsar on July 13, 1897, the Malay rulers had constantly given attention and raised Malays` interests and Islam.
Hence, with the consent of the Sultan of Perak, Raja Dr Nazrin said he would make efforts to ensure that the thinking of the Malays would not lead them into a state of anxiety and instability.
He said the Malay rulers were where the people would seek shelter and protection when they felt that their status as the indigenous race was being undermined.
Raja Dr Nazrin wants the people to accept the reality that Malaysia has a plural society and efforts to forge unity and to erase racial prejudice was an important agenda and a pre-requisite to the country`s political stability, besides being a requirement to guarantee peace.
"Malaysia must be a land that practises fairness and equality, that forbids discrimination and racist actions. The spirit of co-existence, loyalty and patriotism must be nurtured and practised to build a strong and united Malaysian race, to develop an independent and sovereign nation."
Raja Dr Nazrin also said he would ensure religious institutions under the purview of the Sultan of Perak such as mosques, surau and religious education institutions functioned as tools of unity and would not allow them to be used as a "political platform" which could lead to disunity.
Raja Dr Nazrin said the Muslim community would lose out if they continued to bicker and squabble among themselves as Islam stressed on unity, peace, friendship and goodwill.
"Today`s Muslims are not a strong race, whether they are abroad or from this country. Muslims cannot be split into small factions because eventually they will become a weaker race.
"They should not be too obsessed with bickering and squabbles. Muslims must have the wisdom to distinguish between precious stones and glass."
They can become a strong race if they were forgiving, compromising, co-operate among themselves and are friendly as this would lead to greater understanding and unity, he added.
Earlier, in his congratulatory and loyalty speech, Nizar said the state government was coming up with a strategic plan with mutual trust, fairness, transparency and welfare as the thrust, besides pursuing the development agenda planned by the previous government.
"The government`s priority is to implement programmes that will ensure the welfare and well-being of the people. The state government is determined to continue and enhance its development policies," said Nizar.
Source: www.nst.com.my (21 April 2008)
