KUALA LUMPUR: Perak’s Sultan Nazrin Shah (pic) has expressed concern over the escalating disregard for courtesy and politeness, where offensive language, including vulgarity, slander, and insults, is spoken openly without hesitation.
The Deputy Yang di-Pertuan Agong said that the disregard for courtesy and manners is not perpetrated by the uneducated or those in lower positions, but rather by educated individuals in high-ranking and titled positions.
"It occurs not on the streets or in markets, but takes place on stages, prestigious venues, and halls with dignified status.
"At times, it even happens in places of worship. Harsh, obscene, slanderous, abusive, and insulting language is increasingly audible, voiced without hesitation, and sometimes carried out with pride and arrogance by certain individuals," he said during the first session of University Malaya’s 63rd convocation ceremony on Saturday (Nov 25).
He said Islam emphasised the concept of communication, urging individuals to choose their words wisely and speak with kindness.
He said it is important in Islam to treat others with respect, maintain order and uphold proper behaviour.
Sultan Nazrin said that it is extremely dangerous for the country to allow anyone, especially those elevated as leaders, to engage in mutual criticism and insults, as it has the potential to ignite hatred and fuel animosity.
He said drawing lessons from the bitter events of 1969, immediate preventive measures should be taken to stop provocative voices that choose to fan the flames of communal and religious discord.
In this regard, he said that the fifth component of the Rukun Negara, “politeness and morality”, should be incorporated as part of the content of educational programmes.
Sultan Nazrin said this ensures that these elements are understood, internalised, and practised by the people.
"The values of politeness and morality are the foundation for constructing a harmonious society and a prosperous nation.
"The politeness and morality practised by citizens serve as a measure of the progress and civilization of the country," he said.
Sultan Nazrin said that the renowned scholar, Syed Muhammad Naquib al-Attas, as early as 1973, had warned about the emergence of pseudo-leaders formed in the mold of 'magical teachers,' cleverly disguising themselves as new lamps while still embodying the old.
He said he does not want citizens and the country to fall victim to the irresponsible actions and conduct of these pseudo-leaders.
"The thoughts, styles, examples displayed by these pseudo-leaders and their followers, like a mixture of truth and falsehood, and a blend of what is right and wrong," he said.
During the convocation ceremony, Sultan Nazrin presented scrolls to 500 doctoral graduates from various fields.
A total of 8,327 graduates will receive their scrolls throughout the convocation which began today and will end on Dec 2.
