KUANTAN: Regent of Pahang Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah urged youths from the various races to understand the Federal Constitution to preserve unity and ensure the future of the country.
He decreed that Malaysia's success all this while was due to mutual respect and understanding among people following the formation of a social contract by the past generation.
"I know that all who are present here are educated but never forget the grassroots and understanding created by our ancestors. It cannot be denied that we face problems from time to time but do not allow this to destroy the country's system.
"In Pahang, we have the Sultan and the Menteri Besar and they must be respected," he said during a decree in a gathering of Chinese youths (belia-belia Tionghua) here today.
Also present were Pahang State Assembly Speaker Datuk Seri Ishak Muhammad, State Secretary Datuk Seri Muhammad Safian Ismail, and Pahang Association of Youth Groups chairman Datuk Ong Chong Keng.
Tengku Abdullah urged the people to show loyalty to the country which includes respecting the institution of royalty to prevent chaos and preserve existing harmony.
"If 'raja' (royalty) is respected, we (raja) would respect the people. You contribute ideas and we will study them," he said.
Tengku Abdullah said he had received a variety of suggestions from the 'belia tionghua' (Chinese youths) and he wished to suggest that a state economic council be set up involving all races so that they could discuss improving Pahang's economy with its bountiful natural resources.
He said he would hold more dialogue sessions and meetings with the various races to hear their aspirations and issues.
"I myself sought for the session to be held today to get closer with Chinese youths, I had many programmes with the Malays in the past, the time has come for me to meet more frequently with the Chinese, Indians, Orang Asli, and others. This is my sincere wish," he said.