KUALA KANGSAR: Diversity allows differing views and opinions, leading to new ideas and discoveries for mutual benefit, said Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah.
Speaking at Kolej Universiti Islam Sultan Azlan Shah’s (Kuisas) seventh convocation yesterday, he said it would be unfortunate to any civilisation if differences were perceived in a negative light.
“Such a negative attitude will not only destroy the harmonious relationship between people of different races and religions, but will also doom mankind,” he said.
Sultan Nazrin, who is also the institution’s chancellor, said differences in views and opinions must be dealt with positively and through constructive means.
He said people should employ consultation to explore meeting points while respecting differences.
“Islam requires and allows differences in opinions and views. The practice of consultation has also led to the building of a culture and governing procedures that are inclusive and participative and made it possible for Islam to be accepted and easily understood.”
Sultan Nazrin said mankind should be taught to practise the principle of agreeing to disagree and not fall to authoritarian and totalitarian ways of thinking, leading to the notion that one was always right and others were wrong.
“Mankind must accept its imperfection and be ready to be advised, be ready to learn and continue to learn, and be ready to correct mistakes,” he said.
Sultan Nazrin advised graduates to be ready to accept diversity in opinions and views.
“The world outside campus is very different. The fact that there are various religions, races, cultures and languages must be understood. Your readiness to accept diversity will determine and influence how others accept you. If you choose to have a closed way of thinking, you stop others from knowing you better.”
Sultan Nazrin called on Kuisas to educate its students to have an open mind to the realities of the world.
“Kuisas must produce graduates that are open, ready to accept diversity, have the skills to manage differences and those that are successful in uniting in diversity,” he said.