Selangor sultan deeply concerned over Malay disunity

Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah of Selangor is saddened by the problem of Malay disunity, which he says has reached worrying levels.

The sultan said the split was bad, especially when there are so many groups claiming to fight for the interests of the Malays. 

He added that this has worsened when these groups often criticised one another, which was like smudging charcoal on one's own face.

He added that the disintegration was exacerbated by a handful of Malay leaders who hurl ridicule and sarcasm against others openly without shame.

“Open arguments and bickering among the Malays are happening everywhere, including on social media and mainstream media. 

"The disputes involve all aspects, to the extent that small things become the cause of conflict and subsequently result in a significant split.

“The slander hurled by one party to another and feelings of jealousy, betrayal and hatred displayed seem to be a kind of culture among the Malays," Sultan Sharafuddin said at an iftar ceremony in Shah Alam last night.

Also present were the Raja Muda of Selangor Tengku Amir Shah, Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari and other state dignitaries.

Sultan Sharafuddin said this was disappointing because the Malays are adherents of Islam, which always prioritises the inculcation of noble values.

He said these noble values are not being practised, as if they had forgotten about the boundaries placed by the religion to prevent disunity.

Sultan Sharafuddin also reminded the Malays that they would jeopardise everything in terms of religious, economic, political and educational rights should they continue to split and live in disunity as there would be others who would benefit from it.

"Do we want to see Malays one day being marginalised and become slaves in our own homeland? Do we want to see the Malays colonised in terms of religion, economy, political power, education, thinking and various other aspects of life?

"If we are not careful and continue to fight and split, either among the Malays or fellow Malay leaders, then I believe all the things that I mentioned will become a reality in the near future,” Sultan Sharafuddin said.

He said as the state ruler, it is his responsibility to preserve unity among the people, especially among the Malay majority who are Muslims.

'Be united, set aside the wrangling'

The Selangor ruler said his call for the Malays to unite does not mean he is a racist, because he always wants all the people to live in comfort, harmony and enjoy the wealth of the nation fairly and equally.

Sultan Sharafuddin called on Malays to be united and set aside the wrangling, and Malay leaders, regardless of party politics, to stop all political rhetoric and no longer label those of their own race with harsh criticisms.

He said Malays are now more in need of solidarity, including among their leaders, so that any shortcomings can be overcome with a good attitude, cooperation, mutual help and selflessness, while discarding treacherous envy and vengeance.

He said there was no need for Malays to accept open criticism and innuendos that could hurt the feelings of the community.

“Leaders, especially Malay leaders, have to play a role to help the Malays effectively without insulting and calling them names, causing the Malays to lose confidence and remain weak.

“Malay leaders should not only think of their short-term interests and merely seek popularity in a particular group, thus setting aside the fundamentals of preserving the interests of the Malays as a whole,” he said.

Citing as an example the fall of the Malacca sultanate due to jealousy, betrayal, greed, disunity and power struggle, Sultan Sharafuddin reminded Malays to always learn from that past mistake.

“I am confident if Malays are united and cooperate closely, there are no obstacles that cannot be overcome and they will surely achieve success again and become a powerful and dignified race,” he said.

Meanwhile, in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidilfitri next week, he also advised the people to be careful and prudent when driving on the road.

At the same event, Sultan Sharafuddin opened the Taman Seri Muda Mosque in Section 25, Shah Alam.

- Bernama