KUALA LUMPUR: Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah has urged higher education institutions to promote racial integration in order to support the formation of a national identity.
When speaking at the 97th Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) convocation ceremony today, the king said the struggle to alleviate the wellbeing any particular race should never lead to racial polarisation, or a situation where the relations among people of different races become strained.
"Polarisation has broad socio-cultural implications and, if not curbed, it will invite elements of radicalism and extremism, thus creating a large scale of dissent in society.
"Therefore, despite whatever boundaries that separate us, differences and prejudice must be immediately addressed to create a future society that lives in harmony.
"Hence, I would like to call for this university (UiTM) and all public and private higher education institutions to play their role towards fostering the spirit of interracial accommodation," he said.
The king said the best trait of a democratic Malaysia is its tolerance and harmony among the difference races as without it, efforts to develop the nation would fail.
Al-Sultan Abdullah also underlined the necessity of generating competitive and productive human capital to ensure the nation's sustainable growth.
"They should also be able to think creatively and critically, have the ability to communicate in various languages, and able to face the dynamic changes in the world seen across all borders."
The king said a holistic approach to education is needed to give an opportunity for youngsters to further their studies.
"This includes offering special training programmes that impart knowledge and current skills to youngsters who might face difficulties in furthering their studies to the highest level.
"Programmes offered at the universities should be updated in line with the industry needs and changes in technology."
The king said this would allow a graduate to possess skills that can meet the country's demands.
He said in the future, the country will need human capital who not only meet industry requirements, but also possess soft skills, commendable morals and a love for the country.
Al-Sultan Abdullah, who is expected to make way for the next Yang Di-Pertuan Agong next year, also thanked UiTM for the memories and experiences he had during his years as Chancellor.
"I hope that throughout the almost five years of my tenure, I have contributed good ideas towards the development of this university.
"My last message is that this university should never sow the spirit of prejudice towards its students.
"The development agenda for the race should never override the larger agenda to build a harmonious Malaysia and to unite all races and religions," he said.
The king also congratulated Professor Emeritus Datuk Dr Hassan Said and Datuk Abdul Wahab Aziz who were appointed as the new Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Pro-Chancellors.