History is guide to avoid mistakes, says Sultan of Pahang

Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, has called upon the people to use history as a guide to prevent repeating mistakes that lead to disunity, thereby weakening religion, race, and the nation. His Highness stated that history demonstrates nations do not fall solely due to strong enemies, but rather from internal strife among their own people.

Therefore, the Sultan urged Muslims and the Malay community to remain united in defending the sanctity of Islam, preserving the dignity of their race, and respecting the Malay monarchies, which are the pillars of national stability and harmony. He warned that disunity among Muslims would weaken their voice, while infighting among Malays would erode their ancestral dignity. Conversely, unity based on knowledge, etiquette, justice, and compassion would not only defend their religion and race but also foster a more prosperous nation for all citizens, regardless of background.

Speaking at a thanksgiving ceremony and the inauguration of a new mosque in Kampung Desa Murni, Sultan Abdullah also cautioned that freedom of speech should not be used as a pretext to insult religion, mock Islamic symbols, or question matters agreed upon within the framework of the Federal Constitution. He expressed concern over the tendency of some individuals to openly belittle Islam, insult Malay institutions, and sow discord within society.

"Do not be so eager to defend your group that you forget to defend religion. Do not be so busy finding fault with your brethren that you forget to build strength together," he advised. "Do not let differences in flag colors break our ties of kinship. Do not let differences in views compromise our unity." He invoked the Malay proverb, "United we stand, divided we fall," emphasizing it as a time-tested formula for national strength.