SUlLTAN Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, has called upon all political leaders to act as bridges of unity, fostering harmony among the people rather than stoking division.
His Royal Highness urged leaders to cease from sensationalizing sensitive issues related to race, religion, and royalty (3R), which could spark conflict among society.
In a statement posted on the official Facebook page of the Pahang Sultanate, Sultan Abdullah emphasised that leaders must move away from creating turmoil and polemics that disrupt social harmony.
"Let the stage remain peaceful without the painful drama. Engage in dialogue using reason and compassion, not with hate and malice," His Majesty said.
The Sultan further expressed his support for the recent remarks by Pahang's Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail, who stressed that leaders have a responsibility to mediate conflicts rather than incite them.
Al-Sultan Abdullah made this statement while attending the opening ceremony of the new Kampung Durian Hijau Mosque, Masjid Rahman Ibn Auf in Jerantut, yesterday. Also present were Tengku Ampuan Pahang Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah and Tengku Mahkota Pahang Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah.
In his address, the Sultan reflected on history, pointing out that racial and religious tensions, if left unchecked, could lead to disastrous consequences.
"We do not want the dark chapter of our history to repeat itself because of our failure to manage these sensitive issues with wisdom and foresight. Let us respect each other, safeguard the sensitivities of different religions and beliefs, and never allow ignorance or arrogance to destroy what we have built together," he said.
Sultan Abdullah also expressed sorrow over recent attempts to undermine and challenge the sanctity of Islam. He condemned actions that appear to disregard the boundaries of respectful discourse and action.
In his call to the Muslim community in the state, the Sultan urged them to unite and defend the integrity of Islam from those who seek to demean it.
"Is this what we call a free country? Or is it only free in terms of numbers, not in the minds of its people? Although we Muslims are taught to be humble, like the rice plant—growing taller yet bowing down—let us not allow this humility to be misconstrued as weakness, allowing others to disrespect our faith at will. Islam never teaches us to submit to insult and oppression," His Majestystated.
Sultan Abdullah also reiterated his belief that under the wise and just governance of the state, people of all faiths should be able to practice their religion peacefully, as long as it does not disrupt public order and the harmony of the state. - March 12, 2025
