Racing to reveal each other's weaknesses would only weaken the ummah - Raja Nazrin

The strength of the ummah and the race now seemed to have been eroded due to several factors including the attitude of Muslims and Malays who try to outdo each other in exposing each other's weaknesses, said the Regent of Perak Raja Dr Nazrin Shah.

He said they were painting a picture of the "ugly" Malay and if this continued, the Muslims and Malays would no longer need outside enemies to destroy the sanctity of Islam and the Malays.

Speaking at the 186th Perak Customs and Islamic Council Conference here Thursday, Raja Nazrin said that Muslims and Malays emerged as strong leaders during the pre and post independence eras because they realised their weaknesses and combined their strengths.

"The Malays and Muslims at that time were magnanimous and open in attitude and view, more confident and moderate, ignoring extremism and did not sensationalise trivial matters," he said.

Raja Nazrin added that during the pre and post independence as well as before and after the formation of Malaysia, although the Malays had different political beliefs, they remained united on important issues concerning the dignity and pride of the race and in defending the fundamental issues regarding the sanctity of Islam.

They were also ready to accept diversity, had respect for differences and were not homogenic, he said.

Raja Nazrin added that at that time, the strength of the Malay leaders lay in the faith of the people in their sincerity and determination to prioritise the people at the expense of themselves.

This was proven by the late Tun Abdul Razak and Tun Dr Ismail who served the nation and people even while suffering serious illnesses, Raja Nazrin said.