KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 25): Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah has expressed his concerns over the lack of "tact and good manners" among Malaysians, especially leaders in public spaces. He said this could foster animosity and hostility among the rakyat, posing a threat to the nation's peace and harmony.
The Perak ruler said that the use of harsh, obscene, slanderous, abusive and insulting language by certain individuals, often done with pride and arrogance, is disconcerting.
"Despite our country, Malaysia, being rich in customs, culture, values and morals, there is growing concern over the diminishing emphasis of tact and good manners. Of late, this trend is not being ignored amongst the uneducated or those in the lower social positions but being sidelined by the educated high-ranking individuals, happening not in the streets or flea markets, instead happening at august public platforms, forums and venues, and even in places of worship," he said at Universiti Malaya's convocation ceremony on Saturday.
Sultan Nazrin posited that it is crucial to incorporate the fifth principle of Rukun Negara — courtesy and morality — into educational programes in order to protect the minds of citizens, especially school-going children, from the negative influence of uncivilized behaviour and misguided values.
The Sultan relayed the history of the declaration of the Rukun Negara in 1971, which was introduced in response to the perceived fragility of racial unity following the ethnic clashes on May 13, 1969.
These clashes, Sultan Nazrin said, sparked by provocative speeches and sentiments related to race and religion, created tensions among the multiracial society in Malaysia at the time.
"The lessons drawn from the bitter events of 1969 call for proactive measures to prevent the propagation of provocative voices that could incite inter-ethnic and inter-religious conflicts.
"Allowing individuals, particularly those in leadership positions, to engage in behaviour involving mutual condemnation and insults is hazardous. It holds the potential to foster animosity and kindle the flames of hostility, presenting a threat to both citizens and the nation," he said.
Sultan Nazrin, who is the chancellor of Universiti Malaya, said universities should serve as intellectual havens, equipped to educate and nurture individuals to foster a spirit of mutual respect, harmonious interaction, politeness and decorum.
"Universities should play a pivotal role as educational gardens in instilling a deep appreciation for the culture of consultation, encouraging the orderly and polite expression of opinions, engaging in reasoned argumentation and conducting discussions in a civilized manner. This spirit of consultation is essential for crafting pathways to unity with honour when confronted with divergent views," the ruler said.
Sultan Nazrin went on to remind that the foundational principles of courtesy and morality serve as the cornerstone for building a harmonious society and a prosperous nation and indicate the progress of a civilised society.
"It is imperative to acknowledge that the behaviour of citizens, especially leaders, shapes the image, countenance, and identity of our nation on the global stage. The standard or level of courtesy and morality observed among citizens functions as a barometer for the nation's progress and level of civilization," he added.
The 63rd convocation ceremony of Universiti Malaya, spanning 15 sessions from Nov 25 to Dec 2, honours the accomplishments of 8,326 graduates. Among them, 500 are receiving doctor of philosophy degrees and 2,643 are being conferred with master's and postgraduate education diplomas. Another 4,186 graduates are receiving bachelor's degrees, while 997 are being recognized for advanced diplomas, executive diplomas and diplomas.