PETALING JAYA: The Sultan of Selangor has called on Malaysians to practice respect and tolerance to accommodate the differences brought forth by the country's multi-ethnic and multi-religious societies.
Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah said differences in religion and race should not prevent Malaysians from living in harmony.
"If the multi-ethnic and multi-religious community in Malaysia is ready to work together and respect each other's religious beliefs, Insyallah, all good intentions and efforts in dignifying religion and strengthening close relationships in the community of various religions, cultures and this nation can be attainable," he said during the Institute of Islamic Understanding Malaysia (Ikim) 30th anniversary ceremony here on Wednesday (Oct 12).
The Sultan said from an Islamic point of view, the existence of a multi-racial society is the nature of the human event, and our differences should not be used as an excuse to be cruel or hostile towards the followers of other religions.
He said Article 3(1) of the Federal Constitution has stated that Islam is the religion of the Federation but other religions can be practised peacefully.
Respect between races and religions, he added, was also the core of the Rukun Negara.
The Sultan said that the royal institution plays an important role in preserving our unity which has been the main pillar of the nation's prosperity.
"The Royal Institution will continue to remain a neutral body that transcends politics and plays a role in giving advice to the government and religious institutions, especially in the matter of preserving racial unity," he said.
Sultan Sharafuddin also called on Islamic scholars to interpret the teachings of Islam based on the understanding of the Sunnah Wal Jamaah and authentic sources.
