Agong calls on Malaysians to appreciate, emulate Tun Dr Ismail's statesmanship

Comptroller of the Royal Household of Istana Negara Major General Datuk Zahari Mohd Ariffin said His Majesty also regarded Dr Ismail as an irreplaceable statesman.

In fact, he said Al-Sultan Abdullah also described the late statesman as one of the main figures in promoting national unity and playing a crucial role in strengthening harmony among the people of diverse races and religions, especially after the racial riots of 1969.

"His Majesty acknowledges that throughout Dr Ismail's tenure as the Deputy Prime Minister and a member of the Cabinet, he had displayed outstanding qualities of humility, integrity, and a willingness to contribute to the country.

"Therefore, His Majesty expresses the hope that the deeds and sacrifices of the late Dr Ismail will not only serve as an inspiration and example for all Malaysians but also be emulated by the community and political leaders for the prosperity and well-being of our beloved nation," Zahari said in a statement today.

Zahari said the King also expressed delight and welcomed the government's initiative, particularly the Ministry of Communications and Digital's programme today, to commemorate the deeds and contributions of Dr Ismail in conjunction with this year's National Month celebration.

"His Majesty says that besides commemorating and honouring Dr Ismail's contributions, the programme can also help instil and enhance patriotic spirit among the people, especially the younger generation so that they do not forget or take for granted the sacrifices made by the country's statesmen like Dr Ismail.

"His Majesty also prays for Allah's mercy upon the late Dr Ismail and that his soul be placed among the pious and the righteous," he said.

In conjunction with the National Month celebration, Zahari said the King also invites the entire nation to join in praying for Malaysia's continued prosperity, well-being, lasting unity and protection from any form of calamity and disaster.

The Commemoration of Statesman Tun Dr Ismail Al-Haj - The Pillar of National Unity, is organised to educate the younger generation about the contribution of the statesman in nation-building.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is scheduled to launch the event at Dataran Merdeka, this afternoon.

Also present were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil, National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Al,and Dr Ismail's son, Tawfiq.

In the meantime, Anwar described Dr Ismail as a true nationalist who had a clear policy and vision to help build a nation, especially after the bloody tragedy of the 13 May 1969 race riots.

"Even though Tun was from the aristocrats group, meaning he was close to the palace and the upper class, he never showed off when talking about policies, rural people and rural development.

"What I can reveal is that he had a clear policy, which was to develop the country, drive growth, save the country and give hope to every citizen, whether Malay, Chinese, Indian or people in Sabah and Sarawak," he said.

The Prime Minister said that the celebration held to commemorate the contributions of the great statesman Tun Dr Ismail today is not just a matter of nostalgia, but rather to serve as a guide for the current generation.

"We want to bring to life the message that Tun Dr Ismail brought, his sacred voice in laying the foundation to save the nation... so this celebration is very relevant in addition to it being during the National Month and the celebration of Malaysia Day soon," he said.