SHAH ALAM: The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah has issued a reminder that the struggle to raise the dignity of a certain race should not result in polarisation in the country to the point of undermining the spirit of unity.
He said polyracism will exist when the races are increasingly estranged from each other, due to emotions, attitudes, goals, and ambitions that cause less communication between the various races.
“Polarisation has broad socio-cultural implications. If not curbed, this will result in radicalism and extremism that can create large-scale disharmony in society,” he said at Universiti Teknologi Mara’s (UiTM) 97th convocation ceremony at the Dewan Agung Tuanku Canselor.
Also present were the Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, higher education minister Khaled Nordin and UiTM vice-chancellor Roziah Janor.
The King said whatever division, differences and prejudices that exist need to be addressed immediately in an effort to create a future society that lives in complete harmony.
On UiTM’s noble efforts to produce highly-educated Malay and Bumiputera children, the King reminded the university not to forget the diversity of this country’s citizens.
He also called on all universities, as well as public and private institutions of higher education, in the country to play a role in creating a spirit of accommodation between races.
“We can continue to elevate the fate and future of the respective races through education, but at the same time do not set aside efforts to support the formation of a national identity.”
The King said the spirit of accommodation between the races and unity in diversity were Malaysia’s best features. Without them, any efforts toward becoming a developed nation will not be achieved.
He also said future human capital should not only be equipped with skills to meet the labour market but should also be empowered with soft skills.
It includes high moral principles, positive character, noble virtues, and having a strong sense of identity and undying love for the country.
“I am confident that a highly-educated human capital with noble characteristics will be a great asset for the country.”