Agong, in birthday address, calls for end to using religious issues as polemic

KUALA LUMPUR: Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah has reminded the people not to make religious issues as a polemics and a source of political disputes.

The King also called on all parties to respect the position of Islam as the religion of the federation and the position of the Sultan as the head of the religion, as stated in the Federal Constitution.

He urged all quarters to cast away any rhetorical agendas in order to help steer the country towards a better future.

"All quarters have to respect the status of Islam as the religion of the Federation, as stated in Article 3 of the Federal Constitution, as well as respect the position of the Malay Rulers as the head of the Islamic religion.

"Other religions can still be practiced in peace and harmony. The spirit of tolerance among Malaysians within this diversity is the true foundation of the country's strength.

"Therefore, to build a nation that is strong, developed, capable and authoritative and dignified, we must cast away any divisive rhetorical agendas and instead, move with one heart to steer the country towards making a better future," he said.

Al-Sultan Abdullah was speaking in conjunction with his official birthday, which takes place tomorrow. His address was broadcast on television tonight.

This marks the fifth time that the King and Raja Permaisuri Agong, Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, are celebrating the occasion with the people.

Al-Sultan Abdullah said the 15th General Election last year and the smooth process of forming a federal government, which was done in a peaceful and calm manner, was proof that democracy, which has been practiced for seven decades, remains prosperous in Malaysia.

"I am thankful that today, my birthday is celebrated amid a peaceful and stable national landscape.

"I wish to invite the country's leadership to continue to serve with sincerity and redouble efforts to form a system of governance that is efficient, people-friendly and one possessing integrity for the sake of the people and country's future," he said.

Malaysia, he said, has massive potential to become an advanced nation that is the envy of all.

Malaysia, he added, blessed with peace, diversity of resources, quality human capital as well as fighting spirit.

"The country's true strength lies in its people. The people of Malaysia love peace, harmony and unity in their daily lives, and accept diversity in the full spirit of tolerance.

"The people of Malaysia have also long been successful in carving their names on the global stage in various fields, including in shaping the regional and global geopolitical landscape.

"Let us together pray that the people of Malaysia and this country that we love will continue to remain peaceful and prosperous and for it to always be under the protection of Allah, away from any calamity," he said.

The King also recorded his appreciation for the members of the government administration, civil servants and security forces who had contributed to the country's security and peace.

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