He said the process of building independent citizens who are united and possess a national identity cannot be delayed because it is the assurance to the continuity of national sovereignty.

Sultan Nazrin said Malaysia has been blessed with numerous successes since independence, including peace and prosperity, the right to pick the government, and rapid development.

‘’Natural disasters which cripple the economy do not occur, food supply is adequate, educational programmes and numerous social services are provided, religious freedom is guaranteed, freedom of expression is still assured, the media continue to be published, national security and the safety of the people are protected by the police and military.

‘’In the gratitude to God by listing successes, one case where the level of achievement is still vague and, if not tackled quickly, is likely to sink into darkness, is the agenda to form a people who are firmly united to an independent and sovereign state,’’ he said at an award presentation ceremony in conjunction with his 63rd birthday at Istana Iskandariah here today.

Also present was the Raja Permaisuri of Perak Tuanku Zara Salim.

Sultan Nazrin said slogans and rhetorics in the name of race and religion with extreme pitches need to be stopped quickly because they will inflame hostility and bring destruction to the nation.

‘’The nation needs a progressive paradigm which will enable the people to feel at ease and comfortable, not harbouring prejudices and suspicions but having an open mind and appreciating the diversity conferred to this soil,’’ he said.

He said every country faces challenges and threats, be it economic, political or social, other than threats from outside which can affect stability and order.

Anger among the people due to communal dissensions and religious discords, he said, can quickly pulverise the country.

In this regard, he said the nation needs to establish a brotherhood that is long-sighted, mature, patient, calm and rational so that high temperatures can be reduced and the nation steered clear of disaster due to racial and religious disputes.

Sultan Nazrin urged the people to heed the warning of former home affairs minister Dr Ismail Abdul Rahman in 1960 that the challenge of communalism which can divide the people cannot be combated using arms or isolated because it grows inside every citizen.

‘’It is imperative that Tun Dr Ismail’s warning be remembered in the pervading mood where the minds of the different communities and religions, which are seen as more prone to seek differences rather than similarities, are more likely to draw a border of separation instead of finding a meeting point,’’ he said.

At the ceremony today, Sultan Nazrin awarded the Darjah Kebesaran Negeri Perak to 19 recipients. The second session involving 234 recipients is scheduled on Nov 16, also at Istana Iskandariah.