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THE Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah as issued a strong appeal for racial harmony and national unity, warning that calls for Malay-Muslim solidarity should not be distorted into narratives of hostility towards other ethnic communities in Malaysia.
In his Aidiladha 2026 royal address, the Selangor ruler said unity among communities would strengthen peace, stability and mutual respect across the country’s multi-ethnic society.
“In conjunction with Aidiladha, I also hope that all races and religions in this country will respect one another’s sensitivities and live together in peace and harmony.
“History has shown that Islamic civilisation flourished during the Ottoman Empire when multi-ethnic communities coexisted harmoniously under Islamic rule,” His Royal Highness said.
The Sultan said the celebration of Aidiladha carried profound lessons for Muslims on sacrifice, sincerity and solidarity, noting that millions of pilgrims from across the world gathered in the Holy Land irrespective of status, ethnicity or social standing in a powerful demonstration of Islamic unity.
His Royal Highness also urged Malays and Muslims in Malaysia to remain united at every level of society, from political leadership to ordinary citizens.
“All quarters should learn from history, where divisions among Malay Muslims created opportunities for external forces to exploit and weaken the power and position of the Malays in their own homeland,” the ruler said.
The royal message was accompanied by Aidiladha greetings from Sultan Sharafuddin and Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin to Muslims nationwide, particularly those in Selangor.
The royal couple also prayed for Malaysian haj pilgrims to be granted ease in performing their pilgrimage, good health, safe passage home and a “mabrur” or blessed haj.
Meanwhile, Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said the Sultan’s message came at a critical period when racial and religious sensitivities were increasingly being manipulated for political purposes.
He said the Selangor government fully supported the royal decree advocating national unity, inter-ethnic understanding and responsible governance amid attempts by certain groups to exploit communal tensions.
Amirudin also criticised what he described as “selective loyalty” among some political actors, including opposition figures, in defending the monarchy, religion and Malay interests.
“All parties, including the opposition, must stop the practice of selective loyalty, where the defence of the Rulers, religion and race is only raised when politically convenient, but ignored when it does not serve their interests,” he said in a statement.
The Menteri Besar warned against remaining silent in the face of attacks on the integrity of the Selangor Royal Institution, stressing that consistency and accountability were necessary to maintain public confidence in constitutional institutions.
He further urged Malaysians to treat the Rukun Negara as a genuine national philosophy rather than merely a ceremonial recital, calling for deeper understanding and application of both its principles and preamble.
Amirudin also called on the public to revisit the Federal Constitution and the Proclamation of Independence to ensure historical narratives were not manipulated for partisan political gain.
He said attempts to rewrite history, inflame racial tensions or undermine the constitutional framework for political advantage were dangerous and irresponsible.
According to Amirudin, the Selangor administration would continue championing moderation, unity and respect for the constitutional monarchy in line with the founding principles of the nation.
He added that Aidiladha should serve as a reminder that the greatest sacrifice in a plural society is the willingness to reject hatred and division for the sake of national harmony. - May 22, 2026
