KUALA LUMPUR: The spirit of togetherness and unity irrespective of religion, race or culture must be translated towards nation-building, says Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah.
The call by the King comes as Muslims in the country mark the Maal Hijrah 1445H/2023M celebration this year, which is focused on unity as the core of developing a civil society among Malaysians.
"In the context of Malaysia, the spirt of the migration must be translated by us today. It is togetherness and unity irrespective of religion, race or culture for the development of our motherland," said the King.
"The togetherness and unity which happened 1,400 years ago among converts of Islam and inhabitants of Medina, represents the spirit of migration which should be the main guide to manage the nation's diversity," His Majesty added in his speech at the Maal Hijrah national celebration, with the theme "Perpaduan Teras Malaysia Madani", on Wednesday (July 19).
Maal Hijrah, also known as Awal Muharram, is celebrated by Muslims worldwide and marks the begining of the Islamic calendar when Prophet Muhammad migrated from Mecca to Madinah in 622.
The King described the theme of this year's celebration as an apt one which should be fully appreciated.
He said there were lessons to be learned from the migration of Prophet Muhammad which led to the setting up of the first Islamic administration that was inclusive for both Muslims and non-Muslims.
As such, His Majesty thanked the government for its efforts in mobilising the Malaysia Madani agenda, aimed at shaping a society that appreciates noble values, upholds the principles of fairness while practicing the spirit of tolerance.
The King also called on the rakyat to be of one heart in developing a more soft-spoken and harmonious society which is honest in work and trustworthy with responsibility.
"Stay away from envy, slander and judgmental, narrow and negative thinking," added the King.
Also gracing the event at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur was Her Majesty Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah.
Also present were Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail as well as several senior Cabinet members.
