Reaction to religious issues should be expressed thoughtfully - Raja Nazrin

The Regent of Perak, Raja Dr Nazrin Shah said statements on religious issues and the reaction should be expressed thoughtfully and carefully to avoid provocation in a multiracial society. He said religion was a subject that was close to the hearts of the followers of each religion. "Therefore, every statement made and every action must be based on rational thinking and not be influenced by emotions. Any disagreement should not become polemic, nor be aggravated. Making provocative statements (on religious issues) openly should also be avoided," he added when opening the State Legislative Assembly sitting for the 13th Session, here, today. Raja Nazrin said the complexities in tackling religious issues needed to be understood and discussed amicably based on knowledge to result in mutual understanding. "Friction often occurs due to the lack of understanding of religious sensitivities, which should be handled civilly and wisely by looking at an issue in a fair and just manner, and understanding and delving into the thinking of other parties to ensure a climate of mutual respect as well as public order. "A harmonious situation is not possible if each party chooses confrontation and force. In this regard, the spirit of the Hudaibiah Agreement enjoined by Prophet Muhammad should be studied and made a guideline so that no one loses," be said. As tackling religious issues requires the understanding of all parties, Raja Nazrin hoped that all assemblymen in Perak, regardless of their race and religion, should set the best example so as to avoid religious issues being sensationalised and used as political capital. He also noted that the number of registered voters and percentage of those who voted had increased in the recent 13th General Election (GE13), which was a positive sign and proof of the people's confidence in the rights given to them to choose a government and that democracy was alive in this country. In Perak alone, there were 1.4 million voters and the number of those who voted increased to 82 per cent from 72 per cent in the GE12 in 2008, he further noted. Raja Nazrin said the positivity should be upped by addressing issues that had created doubts among the public and taking measures to correct any weaknesses or flaws to ensure the general election process be conducted with integrity and the people's fundamental rights enshrined in the Federal Constitution were safeguarded. Raja Nazrin also touched on the issue of poverty issue which he said could have negative effects like the erosion of religious faith and moral values, and collapse of the family institution. He urged that poverty eradication be a continuous government agenda with more assistance provided for the poor and hardcore poor. In conjunction with the country's upcoming Independence Day celebration, Raja Nazrin said to ensure public order and national security, the people should cooperate with the security forces who were facing various challenges each day, especially in fighting crime. The Perak Regent also expressed his appreciation for the sacrifices of members of the Malaysian Armed Forces, Royal Malaysian Police and other security forces in protecting the country's independence and sovereignty, and in ensuring peace and order in the country.