KUALA LUMPUR: The second compilation of speeches by Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah was unveiled today.
The book entitled "Buku Siri Titah II Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah" contains 34 speeches and was unveiled by Sultan Nazrin himself at Tun Dr Ismail Hall's World Trade Centre (WTC) here.
Sultan Nazrin said he found it befitting to address three significant points that resonate with the launching of the book.
He said firstly, today (Aug 5), 66 years ago, a historic gathering took place at the King's House and among the distinguished attendees was the British High Commissioner to Malaya, Sir Donald MacGillivray, representing Queen Elizabeth II to sign the Federation of Malaya Independence Agreement 1957.
"In the speech delivered before the signing ceremony, Sir Donald MacGillivray expressed his belief that the sealed agreement would be able to fulfil all the requirements of a government that suits a multi-ethnic country and that this new nation would face a grand and glorious future.
"His Royal Highness the Sultan of Kedah, representing the Malay Rulers (among distinguished attendees) conveyed heartfelt wishes and prayed to the Almighty for the events of that auspicious day to bring eternal happiness and prosperity to the nation," he said.
Secondly, Sultan Nazrin paid tribute to Tun Dr Ismail Abdul Rahman who died on Aug 2, 1973, at the young age of 57, a short lifespan that was nonetheless sufficient to etch his name in the country's history.
"Dr Ismail was known for his genuine Malay nationalist spirit, however, he repeatedly emphasised that Malaysian society is a multi-ethnic one, with each community having its own culture and traditions. He stressed the importance of having leaders who strive to create a united Malaysia, celebrating its diversity.
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"Whether Tun Dr Ismail was delivering speeches at international forums, such as the United Nations Assembly in New York City, or addressing gatherings organised by a Malay organisation, GPMS (Gabungan Pelajar Melayu Semenanjung), held in a Malay settlement in Kampung Baharu, Kuala Lumpur, his consistent stance on the nation's demographic composition and the importance of implementing a balanced framework and concept to build a united nation, where its citizens, despite coming from diverse ethnic backgrounds, practising various cultures, and adhering to different religions, can cohesively stand strong and united, was evident," he said.
Thirdly, Sultan Nazrin praised Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) for its significant role in fostering unity through various initiatives and expressed his appreciation on its effort in publishing the collection of addresses that he delivered.
"From the time of independence until the present, Malay literature has played a pivotal role in promoting unity and contributing to the cultivation of a peaceful, harmonious, and contented Malaysian society with a strong sense of self-identity.
"Today, fostering unity is even more critical to counter voices that provoke people's emotions in the name of ethnicity or religion. Voices that fuel hostility, if left unchecked, have the potential to poison the minds of the people, leading to conflicts, frictions, and divisions," he said.
After almost 66 years of gaining independence, Sultan Nazrin said it was crucial for citizens not to be swayed by hostile voices that could cause disputes, conflicts, and divisions.
"The nation requires leaders who embrace inclusivity, showing determination and wisdom in uniting the diverse elements into a strong and harmonious whole.
"May the aspiration expressed by His Royal Highness the Sultan of Kedah on the 5th of August 1957, for the nation to experience lasting happiness, be fulfilled for every Malaysian citizen," he said.