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'Mat Kilau' shows how disunity can ruin country, says Selangor ruler

KUALA LUMPUR: Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah has expressed concern over divisions among Malays, particularly the politicians.

"I see clashes among Malaysians and Malay politicians that happen so often now that it could harm unity, the harmonious life enjoyed by the multiracial society and the political stability of the country.

"I feel I have a responsibility to correct such a situation, while at the same time urging for a stop of these divisions among the Malays and Malay political leaders.

"This is to ensure that interest of the Malays can be preserved without neglecting the rights of the non-Malays in the country," he said in a statement today.

Sultan Sharafuddin cited the film Mat Kilau to illustrate how division within the Malay community led to the people being controlled by a colonial power in the past.

"If one looks at the dialogue in the movie, it conveys a message to the Malays on how the strength of the race depends on unity and the upholding of Islam.

"I encourage everyone in the country, especially the Malays, to watch it and draw lessons on how a country will fall apart if we do not work together to defend it."

Sultan Sharafuddin, however, pointed out it was not his intention to interfere in the politics and administration of the country by saying this.

He said Malay political leaders must realise that a country's development and progress relies heavily on a stable leadership.

"If the Malay leaders fail to display good and responsible leadership, other races will lose their respect towards the Malay leaders and will not support them.

"In addition to practicing good leadership and not fighting each other, Malay political leaders must work together with non-Malay leaders to make sure the nation's development is for all people in the country," he said.

Sultan Sharafuddin said he was also aware of the extent of defamation within society in Malaysia now.

"The spread of fake malicious news and the culture of personal attacks have threatened the harmony in the country… betrayal and hatred seem to be part of our culture now.

"We need to realise that slander can bring great sin and the wrath of Allah.

"Islam encourages peace, unity and forbids its people from dividing and fighting each other as Allah says in Surah Ali 'Imran 103: 'And hold firmly to the rope of Allah and do not be divided'."

The ruler urged all political leaders and the people to do good and practice a healthy culture based on tolerance without prejudice, which can lead to the people's aspirations to uphold unity and the country's prosperity.

"I call on every one to come together so that we develop a society which is strong, free from corruption, dignified, harmonious and authoritative by respecting the values of universal human unity."

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