KUALA LUMPUR: Prejudice among each other would not only divide the people but also thwart efforts to create a united 'Bangsa Malaysia', says His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia.
He said while Malaysia had overcome a major challenge in the form of the Covid-19 pandemic, it has yet to defeat another "virus."
"We have successfully fought the Covid-19 virus, but there is another virus we have yet to overcome, which is the virus of division.
"It is more disheartening when an issue is politicised by certain quarters, leading to a more difficult situation," said Sultan Ibrahim in his royal address at Universiti Teknologi Mara's (UiTM) 100th convocation ceremony at the Dewan Agung Tuanku Canselor, UiTM Shah Alam today.
His Majesty said in order to change the fate of the nation and its people, all quarters the youth to government officials and politicians, must be brave enough to effect change within themselves.
At the same time, Sultan Ibrahim also advised fresh graduates not to be too choosy when it comes to jobs.
Graduates, he said, should welcome the job opportunities offered by the country's various industries and sectors.
"Being too choosy will make the graduates "penganggur terhormat" (unemployed), with the available jobs snapped up by foreigners. As a result, you and the country will lose," he said.
His Majesty said it is time that the people learn to become independent and not rely entirely on government aid.
"This will only breed laziness and lead one to blame others for their own weaknesses.
"Graduates, as the new generation who stand to lead the country, must cast aside this attitude. The culture and attitude of constant dependency can kill one's confidence as well as the initiative to improve oneself, ultimately scuppering the nation's potential to progress."