PETALING JAYA: Malaysians from all backgrounds should work together to fulfil the birthday wish of Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong, to see a peaceful and united nation.
Datuk Noor Farida Mohd Ariffin of the Group of 25 Eminent Malays (G25) said she was highly impressed by the King’s wish, especially his emphasis on respect for other races and religions.
“The King has displayed the traits of a good Ruler.
“We all hope that his dream of a united Malaysia will be achieved in the not-too-distant future.
“The call for unity and peace is a very welcome message from the King in light of some irresponsible political parties attempting to cause division among the people.
“I hope these irresponsible politicians will take heed that what they are doing is completely unacceptable to a multiracial Malaysia, ” she said.Moderation advocate Anas Zubedy said he was struck by the King’s wish to see unity among Malaysians, particularly the Muslim community.
“The first words that came to mind when I read the King’s wish were ‘awesome’ and ‘amazing’.
“It shows that the King is very down to earth, which the ordinary people can relate to, ” he said.
Anas said the King reiterated the need to promote unity in diversity through inclusiveness.
He said the country could also become a beacon of unity in the Muslim world, where Muslims do not badmouth or promote hatred among each other owing to their differing sects.
Malaysia Unity Foundation trustee Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said the King’s wish showed his concern for the well-being of the nation and its people.
“Peace and unity are crucial factors in the advancement and progress of any nation.
“The King’s wish shows that he is magnanimous and cares deeply about how the nation and people move forward, ” he said.
Lee added that Malaysians must support the King to fulfil his wish.Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Fuziah Salleh said all parties must heed the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s wish to see a united and peaceful country under his reign.She said the Pakatan Harapan government fully supported such efforts.
“That is why we should stop talking along racial lines. We must be focused on the agenda of nation building.
“We must always focus on the needs of the different communities, ” she said.
Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said Sultan Abdullah was certainly right in aspiring towards a peaceful and united Malaysia.
“Unity is beyond peace. It is the prerequisite of development and progress. Thus, there must be a continuous and effective effort to inculcate peace within the fabric of our delicate society.
“History has proven that through unity, Malaysia was successfully built by the construct and understanding of ‘Negara Kesepakatan’, as articulated by our founding fathers, ” he said.
PAS secretary-general Datuk Takiyuddin Hassan welcomed the King’s remarks and said the Islamist party would fully support all efforts to build a united multiracial country.“Based on my personal experience with Sultan Abdullah, he has always called for unity and peace, even before he took over as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
“This can be seen through many of his efforts, including in sports.
“So, his call for national unity and peace is timely. He is the right person to make the call and will be the symbol of peace for all Malaysians, ” said the Kota Baru MP.
Senator Datuk Seri Ti Lian Ker said the King’s wish showed that he had the interests of the people and the nation at heart.
“It is a reminder that he is the King for all Malaysians and that the rights and liberties of all Malaysians will be upheld by the royal institution, ” he said.
He also noted that the King’s advice for the country to stay united was timely.
“This is in view of the fact that our ‘New Malaysia’ is going through political turbulence and division unheard of in the past 60 years, ” said the MCA vice-president.
Ti added that the King’s acknowledgement of his role to uphold the interest of Islam and the Malays was also timely and a good reassurance in light of some Malays displaying fears and anxieties.
Meanwhile, maintenance supervisor in an oil and gas company Fadhli Afiq Norarnizar said the King advocated the right message to the people to remain united under his reign despite the nation being home to diverse races, cultures and religions.
“Our diversity and unity makes our country unique as all of the races are living in harmony.
“I am looking forward to a more united Malaysia under the new King, ” said Fadhli.
Julia Ismail, 36, a secretary, said the call for unity and peace could not come at a better time, especially when the country was facing various challenges.
“Previously, there was so much politicking. I think it’s best for us to remain united to ensure that the country continues to develop.
“All Malaysians must be prepared to set aside their differences and work for a better future, ” she said.