RULERS CONCERNED ABOUT ‘DIVISIVE ACTIONS’
THE Conference of Rulers says the actions of certain individuals in recent weeks are putting the nation’s harmony at risk. The rulers make it clear they do not want the reputation of Islam to be tainted by such conduct. They urge the people to hold fast t
THE Conference of Rulers has expressed concern about the divisive actions of people who have gone overboard in expressing their conviction, putting the harmony in Malaysia’s diverse society on the line.
In a statement yesterday, the Malay rulers said the damaging implications of such actions were more severe when mistakenly associated with, or committed in the name of Islam.
They urged Malaysians to adhere to the core principles laid out in the Federal Constitution, which was drafted on the understanding that the country’s citizens are of many and different religious and ethnic backgrounds.
“In recent weeks, the actions of certain individuals have gone beyond all acceptable standards of decency, putting at risk the harmony that exists within our multireligious and multiethnic society.
“As a religion that encourages its followers to be respectful, moderate and inclusive, the reputation of Islam must not ever be tainted by the divisive actions of certain groups or individuals, which may lead to rifts among the rakyat,” the statement read.
The rulers echoed the strong stance taken by Sultan of Johor Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar and Raja Muda of Perlis Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail in prohibiting Muslim-only launderettes in both states.
Their positions, the rulers said, demonstrated their commitment to ensuring that “Muslims behave with respect, moderation and inclusiveness, in a country which is home to people of many different ethnic groups and religions”.
“Unity among Malaysia’s multiethnic and multireligious people is key to ensuring the country’s stability. After 60 years of independence, we must continue to act in accordance with the principles embodied within the Constitution and manifested in the spirit of the Rukun Negara,” the Rulers said.
They added that the Rukun Negara, which outlined five aspirations and five guiding principles for the country, must continue to serve as a compass to all citizens, including leaders and government officials.
Last month, a self-service laundrette in Muar drew ire for its business policy, which prohibited non-Muslim patrons.
Subsequently, the Johor royalty and non-governmental organisations expressed their disappointment over the policy.
The business owner apologised and agreed to abide by Sultan Ibrahim’s decree and took down the controversial signboard at his laundrette, which stated that only Muslims were allowed to use its machines.
In a similar incident in Kangar, Perlis, a two-month-old laundrette drew flak from consumers for putting up a notice that said its services were “dedicated for Muslim use only”.
The laundrette operator, who said the move was a marketing strategy, then agreed to change it following advice from Perlis Mufti Datuk Dr Mohd Asri Zainal Abidin, who was instructed by Tuanku Syed Faizuddin to look into the matter.