MALAYS and Muslims are facing a “crisis of manners” as differences of opinion increasingly turn into hostility, while unverified news is spread without regard for the dignity and reputation of others, Sultan Perak Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah said today.
His Royal Highness said the situation could not be allowed to continue, warning that differences of opinion not managed with proper manners could eventually lead to enmity.
Sultan Nazrin added he was deeply saddened by the increasing frequency of discussions and debates among Malays and Muslims degenerating into confrontations without regard for courtesy.
“It is deeply saddening and even more disgraceful that we are witnessing discussions and debates that are increasingly taking the form of confrontations without manners among Malays and Muslims in this country.
“Unverified news is being spread without regard for sin, people’s dignity is being exposed, and differences of opinion are turning into hostility. Malays and Muslims are facing a crisis of manners.
“A crisis of manners cannot be regarded as a trivial matter because the decline of a society often begins with the decline of its values and morality,” he said in his address at the 75th meeting of the National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs Malaysia (MKI) at the Islamic Complex in Putrajaya.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Zulkifli Hasan were also present at the event.
Sultan Nazrin said freedom of speech should not be equated with freedom to insult, while differences of opinion should not be used to justify accusing, belittling or defaming others.
“If we want the ummah to be respected, cultivate knowledge in discussions. If we want society to be united, observe manners in our differences.
“If we want leadership to be blessed, put truth above ego and self-interest,” he said.
He called on Malays and Muslims to revive the culture of syura, or consultation, in communication and decision-making, even when they hold differing views.
Sultan Nazrin said differences should not result in insults, while criticism could be delivered without humiliating others.
“We need to strengthen the culture of syura and manners within families, educational institutions, organisations, mosques, the administration and society as a whole.
“The nation and ummah must be taught that courage is not merely the courage to speak, but also the courage to listen, acknowledge mistakes and accept the truth even when it comes from those with different views or groups,” the Sultan of Perak said.
He said syura practised with proper manners would produce wise decisions, fair leadership and a mature society.
Sultan Nazrin also urged Malays and Muslims not to demand to be heard while refusing to listen, rush to judge while unwilling to understand, or speak about unity while using words that could fuel division.
“A society does not become strong because all its members have the same views, but because it has the ability and wisdom to manage differences with knowledge, patience and respect,” he said.
Earlier, Sultan Nazrin conveyed his condolences to former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad following the death of his wife, Tun Dr Hasmah Mohamad Ali.
He also prayed for Dr Mahathir and his family to be given strength and fortitude in facing the loss.
“Yesterday, the nation was enveloped in sorrow over the passing of Tun Dr Hasmah Mohamad Ali.
“She was someone who made many sacrifices and succeeded in providing service and contributions to the nation and its people.
“May the soul of the late Tun Dr Hasmah be showered with divine mercy and placed among the souls of the righteous women. Let us recite Al-Fatihah together and pray that any divine reward from the recitation of the surah be conveyed to her soul,” he said.
Dr Hasmah died at the age of 100 at the National Heart Institute (IJN) at 9.20am on Monday and was buried at the Heroes’ Mausoleum in Precinct 20, Putrajaya. - September 29, 2026
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