Sultan Sharafuddin urges defense of multicultural values

Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah of Selangor has urged Malaysians to stand firm in defense of their constitutional rights, multicultural values, moderation, and unity. The Sultan emphasized that Malaysia’s diversity has long been a source of strength, uniting the nation through shared history and cultural richness.

In an exclusive interview with Sunday Star, Sultan Sharafuddin underlined the significance of preserving the multicultural tapestry that has characterized Malaysia since gaining independence. He expressed concern about the mislabeling of non-Malay citizens as “pendatang,” noting that this term should no longer apply since the social contract was established during Independence in 1957.

“The social contract is a crucial aspect of our history, and if understood, it fosters mutual respect among our diverse population. There is no room for the term ‘pendatang’ as the Malay Rulers have embraced all citizens, including the non-Malays,” stated Sultan Sharafuddin.

Calls for greater awareness

The Sultan attributed the persistence of such terms to ignorance and emphasized the need for increased public understanding of the social contract. He stressed that a well-informed citizenry is less susceptible to manipulation by politicians who exploit race and religion for their gains.

“I believe they don’t understand the social contract. If we understand the social contract, we will respect each other. If the rakyat knew and understood the social contract, they cannot be easily brainwashed, no matter how much politicians bring up race and religion,” Sultan Sharafuddin emphasized.

As part of his call for national unity, Sultan Sharafuddin urged Malaysians to reject politicians who employ divisive tactics based on race, religion, and royalty (3Rs). He urged citizens to unite against such tactics and work towards building a harmonious and inclusive society.

In a related development, a total of 97 individuals are set to receive state awards, honors, and medals in conjunction with the 78th birthday celebrations of Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah today. The recipients have undergone thorough screenings conducted by the Royal Malaysia Police (Security and Crime), the Malaysian Department of Insolvency, and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, ensuring that the honors are bestowed upon individuals of exemplary character and service to the nation.