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HIS Royal Highness Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah has expressed grave concern over the escalating spread of slander, hatred, and vulgar discourse—especially on social media—which he said is fostering division within the ummah and eroding traditional values of decency and respect.
Speaking at the state-level Maulidur Rasul 1447H celebration in Ipoh, the Sultan warned that society is increasingly fed daily with repugnant speech aimed at mocking, insulting, and ridiculing those with differing views.
“This is manifesting a new culture that gravely contradicts the ways of a Muslim and the values of Malay customs,” he said.
The ruler observed that without the guidance of piety, people have become emboldened to misuse their speech and the keyboards of their devices.
“A heart that is not guarded by taqwa renders the tongue and hands free to do as they please,” he said.
Also present at the ceremony was Perak Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.
Sultan Nazrin emphasised that political, sectarian, and ethnic rivalries—each seeking to prevail in argument—have led to polemics and deep fissures among the Muslim community.
“The ummah seems to have forgotten the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) commandment to avoid despicable behaviour, such as mocking, labelling others with derogatory names, being suspicious, gossiping, slandering, and passing judgment without investigation,” he said.
He cautioned that such excessive conduct could result in disunity, as those devoid of decorum and cultural values dismiss religious teachings and ancestral wisdom.
“As a result, damage ensues—religious values are distorted, customs sidelined, and the beliefs and understanding of the ummah, especially among the younger generation, become deviant and misguided,” said the Sultan.
He further stressed the importance of reminding Malaysia’s youth about the painful history of colonisation and the arduous path to independence.
“The temporal gap between the date of independence and the birth of today’s youth has distanced them from understanding the agony and suffering under colonial rule, the meaning of independence, and the spirit of unity that was essential to nation-building among multi-ethnic and multi-religious citizens,” he said.
He urged that past agreements, which once laid the foundation for Malaysia’s coexistence, should not be questioned arbitrarily, especially amid declining mutual trust and growing political rhetoric exploiting racial and religious issues.
“Agreements once mutually accepted should not be challenged lightly, simply because trust and mutual respect are eroding, influenced by the flames of discord fanned by political rhetoric that chooses to exploit racial and religious issues,” said the Sultan.
He called for renewed efforts to rebuild the nation based on the prophetic model of governance.
“Malaysia is made up of people from various races, practising different religions, inheriting diverse cultures, and speaking multiple languages. A spirit of moderation and practice of tolerance can allow all groups the space to understand and respect one another—while recognising the boundaries, and avoiding sensitive racial and religious provocations,” he said. - Sept 5, 2025