The ruler said such extremism was clearly in conflict with Quranic and Sunnah teachings due to wayward interpretations that only served the extremist groups’ own interest.
“Islam, which is a beautiful religion, has never enjoined or sowed extremism among its followers. It was introduced as a complete way of life for mankind, and it acknowledges that Allah has created different races with certain wisdom.
“As people of the Prophet, Muslims should emulate the noble attributes and personality of the Prophet who always practised moderation, honesty, and trustworthiness in all matters.
“I believe the noble values and morals that are inherent in other religions are also practised in a plural society like Malaysia.”
Tuanku Muhriz said this at the investiture ceremony in conjunction with the ruler’s 68th birthday celebration, held at the Balai Rong Seri (Throne Room) of Istana Besar Seri Menanti, today.
Among those present were Menteri Besar, Mohamad Hasan and wife, Raja Salbiah Tengku Nujumuddin, as well as State Secretary, Mat Ali Hassan.
Tuanku Muhriz also urged people to imbibe and practise the principles of the Rukun Negara for peace, harmony, and prosperity to prevail.
He said the young must be exposed to these national principles at an early age, so that they would understand the true meaning of the principles and not just perceive it as something to be memorised and repeated at certain gatherings and events.
The ruler said he was proud of the rapid development taking place within various sectors of the state.
“Although the economic landscape was facing uncertainties, my government has managed to deal with it by drawing up strategies, and holistic and comprehensive plans. I have been informed by my ‘memanda’ (menteri besar) that my government has been planning a long-term development agenda for Negeri Sembilan.”
He said the agenda would include the creation of a new growth area called the Malaysia Vision Valley, which will commence in 2016, and rural development to ensure balanced development and the overall modernisation of the state. These measures would make Negeri Sembilan a developed state by 2020.
In his speech, Mohamad said the state government was aware that the rising cost of living was burdening the people, so it had planned various initiatives to improve the situation in line with the agenda of “Enriching the State, Prospering the People”.
He said these initiatives included providing various forms of aid and creating opportunities for people to generate income for their families, besides increasing the state’s revenue through foreign direct investment and domestic investment, as well as collecting royalty from its natural resources.
Mohamad said that in the interest of the people and their welfare, the state government chose not to increase taxes but to raise revenue through other means.
The people, on the other hand, should also play their role in spurring the economy, besides spending prudently, he added.
At the investiture ceremony, 121 people received state awards, honours, and medals from the ruler.
The list of recipients was led by former Universiti Selangor (Unisel) Vice-Chancellor, Col Prof Dr Kamarudin Kachar, who was conferred the Darjah Seri Setia Negeri Sembilan Yang Amat Cemerlang (SSNS) that carries the title of Datuk Seri.
– BERNAMA