PETALING JAYA: To put a stop to the recent rise in hate speech His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, has ordered all parties to focus on bringing the nation together and unite Malaysia’s diverse society.

Sultan Ibrahim also wants leaders from both sides of the political divide to avoid extreme views when it comes to religious and racial issues.

“I want to advise all quarters to focus on uniting the people, instead of dividing them. I want to see the people united and living in harmony.

“I also hope political leaders are not extreme in their views on racial and religious issues. Not just DAP and Umno, but all parties.

“Leaders must be a bridge or link between Malaysians with examples of mature behaviour,” His Majesty said.

Sultan Ibrahim’s decree came following an audience granted to Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh, Melaka Umno chairman Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh and DAP deputy secretary-general Liew Chin Tong.

“The audience with His Majesty focuses on the latest developments on sensitive issues pertaining to race and religion,” said an Instagram post by His Majesty yesterday.

His Majesty also said recent events have taught the nation that all segments of society have responsibility in preserving national unity.

“Genuine unity among the people will be the catalyst for Malaysia’s well-being. Ahead of this Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration, let’s forgive one another and open up a new chapter,” His Majesty said.

Merlimau assemblyman Dr Muhamad Akmal, in a separate Facebook post, said he took heed of the King’s decree to preserve national harmony and uphold the sanctity of Islam.

G25 founding member Tan Sri Mohd Sheriff Mohd Kassim said the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s decree was timely in view of recent events that have touched on the sensitivities of race and religion.

“As a civil society group, we in G25 too believe that those who make comments on issues of public importance have to be careful in their choice of words, especially when they touch on subjects relating to the “three Rs” – race, religion and royalty,” added Mohd Sheriff.

Promote Tolerance and Prevent Violence (Initiate.my) founder Aizat Shamsuddin said His Majesty’s decree was a positive step in de-escalating racial and religious tensions.

“It shows that top national leaders like the Yang di-Pertuan Agong can serve as peacebuilders, signalling to the public that racial and religious issues can be resolved through non-violent means, such as face-to-face dialogues to achieve mutual solutions.

“Given this development, political followers should not become victims of exploitation using religion and race.

We should not continue to incite hate or intolerant actions that lead to social disharmony and insecurity,” said Aizat.

The Star columnist Dr Mohd Tajuddin Mohd Rasdi also thanked the King for His Majesty’s resolute leadership on the issue.

“As people rejoice in seeing for the first time the solar eclipse in other countries, we, in Malaysia, have been in a sombre mood with rising tensions over race and religion,” said Dr Mohd Tajuddin.

He commended the Yang di-Pertuan Agong for his courage, wisdom and determination for taking the initiative to meet Umno and DAP.

“Malaysians are again blessed with a wise sovereign that stands above our disappointment in our own elected representatives,” he said.

Over recent weeks, there have been controversies involving religious sentiments. This began with KK Super Mart, where socks printed with the word “Allah” were found at a branch in Bandar Sunway, Selangor.

Now, a shoe brand is under fire for producing shoes with a logo allegedly resembling the word “Allah”.

Dr Muhamad Akmal has called for a boycott of KK Super Mart stores, and three outlets – in Sarawak, Perak and Pahang – were firebombed.

On Sunday, social media posts were abuzz over a shoe with a logo resembling the word “Allah”.

The company that produced the shoe, Vern’s, explained that the controversial logo was actually a stylised depiction of a high-heeled shoe with straps.

The police have also seized over 1,000 pairs of shoes and are currently investigating the matter.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/04/10/king-unite-malaysians-dont-divide