The following is a speech by the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah, during the launch of "Buku Siri Titah II Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah" at the World Trade Centre, Kuala Lumpur, on Saturday (Aug 5), reproduced in full.
By divine will, we are gathered here today to celebrate the Launch of "Buku Siri Titah II Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah”. This momentous event takes place on the fifth of August at the esteemed Tun Dr Ismail Hall, World Trade Centre. As the country approaches its 66th independence anniversary during the National Month, I find it befitting to address three significant points that resonate with this historic occasion.
Firstly:
2. The date, Aug 5, holds immense historical significance. Sixty-six years ago, at 9.30 in the morning on Aug 5, 1957, a historic gathering took place at the King's House in Kuala Lumpur. Among the distinguished attendees were 15 key signatories, comprising the British High Commissioner to Malaya, Sir Donald MacGillivray, representing Queen Elizabeth II, eight Malay rulers, the Crown Prince of Johor, and five nobilities (pembesar) from Negeri Sembilan. Witnessed by others, they gathered to sign the Federation of Malaya Independence Agreement 1957, using a special pen inscribed with 'Federation of Malaya Agreement 1957’. The momentous event spanned two hours.
3. The agreement was signed in 40 copies, with 20 copies in Malay and 20 copies in English. Two copies were sent to the British Government, two copies were retained by the Federation of Malaya Government, and one copy was sent to each state, including Melaka and Pulau Pinang, while six copies were handed over to Negeri Sembilan.
4. Article 3 of the agreement states that effective from Aug 31, 1957, the Malay States and the Straits Settlements would unite to establish a new federation, named the Federation of Malaya. Consequently, this momentous agreement nullified the Federation of Malaya Agreement 1948, thereby ending Her Majesty the Queen's sovereignty over Melaka and Penang, along with all her powers and jurisdictions over the Federation of Malaya.
5. In the speech delivered before the signing ceremony, Sir Donald MacGillivray expressed his belief that the sealed agreement would be able to fulfil all the requirements of a government that suits a multi-ethnic country, and that this new nation would face a grand and glorious future.
6. His Royal Highness the Sultan of Kedah, representing the Malay Rulers, conveyed heartfelt wishes and prayed to the Almighty for the events of that auspicious day to bring eternal happiness and prosperity to the nation. Twenty-six days later, on Aug 31, 1957, the Federation of Malaya Independence Agreement came into full effect as the Duke of Gloucester officially relinquished British colonial authority and power. This momentous occasion was then followed by the resounding declaration of "MERDEKA" (Independence) by the prime minister of the Federation of Malaya, Yang Teramat Mulia Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra, echoing with exuberant cheers from the enthralled audience at the Merdeka Stadium.
Secondly:
7. By divine will, this momentous event takes place at the Tun Dr Ismail Hall. The nation recently held a commemorative event to honour the statesman Tun Dr Ismail on Aug 2 at Dataran Merdeka, marking the 50th anniversary of Tun Dr Ismail's return to the Creator.
8. Tun Dr Ismail Abdul Rahman answered the call of Allah on the Aug 2, 1973, at the young age of 57, a short lifespan that was nonetheless sufficient to etch his name in the country's history. His contributions were invaluable — Dr Ismail served his nation with great dedication. He possessed a character of integrity, both inside and out. His words remained steadfast and true, irrespective of the audience he addressed, for he firmly stood by his convictions in every utterance.
9. Dr Ismail was known for his genuine Malay nationalist spirit, however, he repeatedly emphasised that Malaysian society is a multi-ethnic one, with each community having its own culture and traditions. He stressed the importance of having leaders who strive to create a united Malaysia, celebrating its diversity.
10. Hundreds, or perhaps thousands, of speeches were delivered by Dr Ismail both within the country and at international forums. I chose to quote a historic speech, likely the first that he delivered after the independence of the Federation of Malaya. It was delivered at 3pm New York time on Sept 17, 1957. Seventeen days after the Federation of Malaya achieved independence, Dr Ismail delivered Malaysia's maiden speech at the United Nations General Assembly after the Federation of Malaya was accepted as a member of the United Nations.
Quote:
"It is with pride and humility that I speak before you today so soon after the emergence of the Federation of Malaya as an independent and fully sovereign country on 31 August 1957. I speak here today in this, the greatest assembly of nations, as the representative of a small nation, a nation of only six million people, living in an area of only 50,000 square miles…
Although our material wealth and our standard of living compare very favourably with those of many nations in the world today, as a small nation, our basic strength lies not in these material things, but in the moral character of purposes of our people. We have in Malaya three major racial groups: the Malays, the Chinese, and the Indians, who have lived together for generations in peace and harmony. Neither the difference in religion and cultural background, nor the difference in their economic and social status, has created an insuperable barrier towards the national unity of these races. Our great desire is to have the right and good fortune to live as a free independent and united nation among the free nations of the world. The achievement of this desire, through peaceful and constitutional means, through friendly negotiations and a spirit of compromise, is the result of the abiding moral strength inherent in each of the three racial communities living in Malaya today…"
11. I also choose to quote a passage from Tun Dr Ismail's last speech delivered at 4.20pm on Aug 2, 1973, proclaiming the Silver Jubilee Celebration of GPMS (Gabungan Pelajar Melayu Semenanjung), held at Sultan Sulaiman Club Kampung Baharu, Kuala Lumpur.
Quote:
“Due to the fact that the majority of our population consists of the younger generation and recognising that our country's pattern is multi-racial, multi-cultural, and multi-religious, any measures taken by the Government are based on a balanced form and concept, in line with tolerance and national aspirations. This fact must be fully understood by all, both the older and younger generations."
12. Whether Tun Dr Ismail was delivering speeches at international forums, such as the United Nations Assembly in New York City, or addressing gatherings organised by a Malay organisation, GPMS, held in a Malay settlement in Kampung Baharu, Kuala Lumpur, his consistent stance on the nation's demographic composition and the importance of implementing a balanced framework and concept to build a united nation, where its citizens, despite coming from diverse ethnic backgrounds, practising various cultures, and adhering to different religions, can cohesively stand strong and united, was evident.
Thirdly:
13. The Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP), was established on the June 22, 1956, with the responsibility to promote and elevate the Malay language as the national language of the country. In tandem with the nation's independence, DBP also took on the task of developing the Malay language as a language of knowledge and a medium to foster unity. Various programmes aimed at developing the Malay language have been implemented by DBP, including the publication of books, magazines, and bulletins, as well as organising seminars and workshops. The resounding slogan 'Bahasa Jiwa Bangsa' (Language is the Soul of the Nation) was introduced in 1960, with a profound aim to fortify a cohesive society through the national language. Noteworthy commemorations such as National Language Week and Month were organised, complemented by a series of competitions and activities, carefully curated to bolster the populace's confidence in embracing Malay as the national language, a language capable of binding together Malaysia's diverse ethnic communities. Unity and ethnic harmony became the central themes in captivating competitions, spanning novel, prose, and poetry writing, as well as in elocution contests, debates, and Malay pantun recitals.
14. DBP has carved its own path in fulfilling its crucial role in fostering unity, through various initiatives and efforts. From the time of independence until the present, Malay literature has played a pivotal role in promoting unity and contributing to the cultivation of a peaceful, harmonious, and contented Malaysian society with a strong sense of self-identity.
15. Indeed, DBP also plays a significant role in fostering literary talent, particularly in the national language. The approach of using literature as a tool for unity among different ethnic groups proves to be the most effective compared to political or socio-economic approaches. Literary works in various forms, presented in beautiful and captivating language, such as short stories, poems, dramas, and life stories, have been shown to sow the seeds of unity, guiding human thoughts, attitudes, and emotions towards sincere spirituality, genuine gratitude, humility, good manners, submission, and reciprocity.
16. After Captain Mohana Chandran fell in battle against communist terrorists in the Ulu Kinta Forest Reserve on June 13, 1971, Inspector General of Police, Tan Sri Abdul Rahman Hashim, faced a brutal attack of 11 bullet holes on the morning of June 7, 1974. Additionally, Perak State Police Chief, Khoo Chong Kong, tragically lost his life on Nov 14, 1975, after being shot by two communist terrorists in Ipoh on Nov 13, 1975. These incidents deeply affected Malaysians from various ethnic backgrounds, inspiring them to express their grief and admiration for these fallen national heroes through prose and poetry writings.
17. The prose and poetry penned by Malaysian National Laureate always echo the voice of humanity that transcends ethnic boundaries, expressing the tears, sorrow, and anguish experienced by mothers, children, fathers, and wives. They also convey the voices of the impoverished rubber tappers, fishermen, labourers, or rickshaw pullers, as well as the suffering of orphans or the elderly who experience loneliness in old folks' homes without their families. These tears and lamentations represent the voices of suffering, anguish, and humaneness that transcend ethnic divisions. The writers possess a high sense of empathy, expressing in their works the voices of humanity that cross ethnic lines and do not reflect hatred towards any ethnic group.
18. In the prose and poetry crafted by Malaysian writers from diverse backgrounds, one can find positive values and optimistic ideals that uplift thoughts, awareness, and open the hearts of the community to the significance of unity in Malaysia. The spirit of unity, expressed both explicitly and subtly in literary works, requires firm reinforcement and continuous nurturing. DBP should reexamine its successful past role in promoting unity during the early years of independence through language and literature. Today, fostering unity is even more critical to counter voices that provoke the people's emotions in the name of ethnicity or religion. Voices that fuel hostility, if left unchecked, have the potential to poison the minds of the people, leading to conflicts, frictions, and divisions.
Ladies and gentlemen,
19. “Buku Siri Titah II Sultan Nazrin Shah” contains 34 addresses. Each time an address is delivered, I realise that the ruling monarch plays the role of a protective umbrella for every citizen from various ethnic backgrounds and religious beliefs, who demonstrate loyalty to the king and the country. I draw lessons from several verses of Allah Subhanahu Wata'ala found in the Quran. Allah says in verse 118 of Surah Hud:
“... If thy Lord had so willed, He could have made mankind one people: but they will not cease to dispute."
Allah says in verse 48 of Surah Al-Maidah:
"... If God has so willed, He would have made you a single people, but (His plan is) to test you in what He hath given you: so strive as in a race in all virtues. The goal of you all is to God; it is He that will show you the truth of the matters in which ye dispute.”
20. Being born into Malay, Chinese, Indian, Kadazan, Murut, Bajau, Dayak, Iban, and other families has been determined by Allah Subhanahu Wataala. The diversity of races and ethnicities is Allah's creation. And Allah says in verse 13 of Surah Al-Hujurat:
"O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise each other). Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of God is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And God has full knowledge and is well-acquainted (with all things).”
21. During his final sermon on the ninth of Dhul-Hijjah in the 10th year of Hijrah, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said among other things:
“Your Lord is One, your father is one, you all descended from Adam and Eve, and they were created from the earth. The best among you are those who are most mindful of Allah. There is no superiority for an Arab over a non-Arab, nor for a white person over a black person, nor for a black person over a white person, except through piety and righteous deeds. Know that every Muslim is a brother to every other Muslim. You are all equal, and no one is superior to another except through piety and good deeds.”
22. The words of Allah, the just and fair practices of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) during his rule, which led to the prosperity of Madinah, and the messages contained in his final sermon, as well as the practices, mandates, and messages of the founding leaders who established this nation, should serve as guidance and reference in fostering unity among our citizens.
23. After almost 66 years of gaining independence, it is crucial for citizens not to be swayed by hostile voices that can cause disputes, conflicts, and divisions. The nation requires leaders who embrace inclusivity, showing determination and wisdom in uniting the diverse elements into a strong and harmonious whole. May the aspiration expressed by His Royal Highness the Sultan of Kedah on Aug 5, 1957, for the nation to experience lasting happiness, be fulfilled for every Malaysian citizen.
24. I appreciate the efforts of DBP in publishing the collection of addresses that I have delivered. DBP's endeavour will, God willing, allow my thoughts and views to reach a wider audience. A ruling monarch bears the responsibility to ensure that the spirit of the Constitution and the underlying philosophy behind the establishment of an independent nation are understood, internalised, and uplifted by the common people, so that the nation remains sovereign, the land prospers, and its citizens live in harmony and peace.
25. I express my gratitude to the chairman, board members, director-general, and the staff of DBP for their efforts in bringing forth this publication. I deeply appreciate all the thoughts, efforts, energy, and time invested by various individuals and parties in creating this publication, especially the publishing editor, Tan Sri Mohd Annuar Zaini, and Suzana Ibrahim, who assisted in compiling, filtering, and editing the content, as well as the designer, Azman Shah Daud. I would also like to extend my appreciation to the organiser of this event, the sponsors who made reservations and took the responsibility of distributing this publication to a wider audience.
26. I express heartfelt gratitude to all the attendees who took the time to celebrate with me and enliven this event. Your contributions and efforts will remain eternally cherished in my memory throughout my life.
Pulau Pandan jauh ke tengah,
Gunung Daik bercabang tiga;
Hancur badan dikandung tanah,
Budi yang baik dikenang jua.
With the help and guidance of Allah, peace be upon you and the mercy and blessings of Allah.