Malaysia’s efforts foster unity, the spirit of togetherness is recognized – Sultan Nazrin
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s efforts to foster the unity and togetherness of people of multiple races have been recognized at the international level.
The Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Shah said Malaysia has been praised as a country that successfully integrates a multicultural society and he believes the country’s inclusiveness, such as celebrating diversity, is an important component to continued prosperity.
“As I have said before and I will repeat, Malaysians of all races, religions and geographical locations, need, without the slightest doubt, to believe that they have a place in this country,” said Sultan Nazrin at the Southeast Asia Regional Conference On Human Dignity, here today.
The Sultan of Perak said that there are groups of people who are looked down upon and less accepted because of their beliefs or the color of their skin, therefore the matter must be addressed by spreading the word that all human souls have the same value.
“In the face of hatred, we must spread the message of acceptance. In the face of ignorance, we must spread knowledge. And in fear, we spread love,” he said.
Sultan Nazrin said that all over the world today, those with different beliefs and backgrounds are deprived of their humanity, even in some countries, there are religious groups that are oppressed by the government, driven from their homes and imprisoned.
According to him, in parts of the world that are supposedly inclusive, minority populations are often shamed and insulted to the extreme such as through offensive graffiti scrawled on walls near their homes or being hurled insults on the way to work because of their clothing or skin color.
“We must strive to eliminate all acts of aggression and hostility, from the largest to the smallest, because all of them, however small, represent an attack on human dignity.
“All parties, regardless of faith and background, deserve to feel safe, respected and accepted, not only in their homes but also wherever they go. That, in beta, is what this conference holds for everyone, at everywhere,” said Sultan Nazrin.
The Sultan of Perak said that although human dignity is recognized in world religions and international declarations, it is clear that the world community has not yet achieved the goal of ‘glory for every human being’ in all places.
Commenting on the two-day conference, Sultan Nazrin said the role of the conference was to find a way to realize a world where everyone is respected and has self-respect, regardless of who they are, their origin and destination.
“I hope you will spend two productive and beneficial days at this conference. I am very confident that the discussions here will have an impact on the struggle for glory for all people everywhere,” said His Majesty.
The conference themed ‘Dignity for Everyone, Everywhere’ was organized by the Institute of Islamic Understanding Malaysia (IKIM) and Brigham Young University’s Center for International Islamic Studies and Law.
