Sultan Nazrin Shah of Perak today criticised those, including leaders, who compete to demonstrate their egos to the extent of lowering their self-esteem for the sake of gaining influence and political support.

He said that the political climate in the country after the 14th general election was getting hotter through acts carried out by political leaders, whether from the government or the opposition.

Sultan Nazrin disclosed this at the Perak level Maal Hijrah in Ipoh today. Also gracing the occasion was Raja Permaisuri Tuanku Zara Salim.

Known as a ruler who frequently ‘admonishes’ leaders if they were in the wrong, Sultan Nazrin said that after 62 years of achieving independence, the act of instilling the feeling of hatred between the races and religions was being committed more often.

He said various provocations, which were extreme in nature, were being made, including placing statues and hurling of pork into mosques, placing the heads of cattle in Hindu temples, disseminating slander through social media and insulting the Islamic religion, as well as Prophet Muhammad.

The ruler said such acts were like setting up time bombs which were waiting for the right time to explode.

"Beware! The splinters from such time bombs do not discriminate their victims. In fact, the grandchildren and other family members of those who set up such time bombs are also exposed to the dangers due to the action of those with shallow minds,” he said.

Poisoned by fake news

Sultan Nazrin said that the true facts and authenticity of the news concerned are not important, since emotions play a bigger role in influencing people, including the learned, to the extent that their minds are being poisoned and possessed.

In addition, said the ruler, every incident from crimes on the road to the disciplinary action of teachers in schools or employers at the workplace, the colour of leaders’ attire, errors in raising the national flag, and changes in school curriculum were being negatively interpreted according to racial and religious dimensions.

"Such situations are very unhealthy, placing the nation in a dangerous and worrying situation. The majority of the people in the country love peace. 

"The people are becoming more restless and fearful,” he said.

Sultan Nazrin said the heated climate must be immediately brought down, and the acts of instilling racial feelings and spreading the feelings of enmity between the religions must be stopped without delay.

He said the rule of law must remain sovereign so that personal security and the safety of public property would be protected and ensured.

Concluding his speech, Sultan Nazrin prayed that Malaysia would be placed under trustworthy and sincere leaders who would carry the voice of moderation, voice of reason and friendship so that the people of various races and religions in this country could live in peace and harmony.

- Bernama