Viewing difference of opinions negatively can affect racial harmony - Sultan Nazrin Shah

Negative views on differences of opinions could disrupt harmony and upset the axis of equilibrium in race and inter-religious relations in the country, said the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah.

He said differences of opinions should allow for the proliferation of thoughts that would result in sound ideas and new discoveries for the benefit of all.

"It is most unfortunate to the civilisation of a community and to humanity if differences are viewed negatively and filled with suspicions," the Perak Sultan said at the 7th Convocation ceremony of Kolej Universiti Islam Sultan Azlan Shah (Kuisas), here, today.

He said differences of opinions should be positively and constructively managed through the platform of consultations to find common ground while respecting the perimeters of differences.

Sultan Nazrin Shah said this could be seen in Islam which allowed differences of opinions until four "mazhab" (schools of thought) were established.

He said the people needed to be taught to practise the principle of "agree to disagree" to avoid authoritarian and totalitarian thinking, where a "person thinks he's always right while others are wrong".

"Please realise that human beings are not perfect, that human beings have various weaknesses and that, perfection belongs only to Allah."

The Sultan also advised the ulama and current leaders to emulate the noble traits of the ulama of yore who argued based on knowledge and accepted differences of interpretations and opinions while maintaining good relations and remaining humble and patient.

"Their noble characteristics also played a big role in portraying the beauty of Islam as a religion with a sacred face and of moderation and justice.

"Beauty in society can be achieved if the foremost ulama and Muslims at large are able to celebrate differences and understand diversity with the spirit to consult in a harmonious situation," the Sultan said.

On Kuisas, Sultan Nazrin Shah who is also its chancellor, said the higher learning institution should realise its homogenous academic climate.

"Hence, Kuisas has a bigger challenge to educate and guide its community to have an open mind to the realities of a world inhabited by all kinds of people.

"Kuisas must produce graduates who are open, are prepared to accept diversity, and possess the skills to manage differences and to unite people amid diversity," the Sultan said.

At the convocation ceremony, the Sultan also presented the Royal Award to top Diploma in Islamic Counselling graduand Nur Hidayah Yusoff, 21, who received a certificate, medal and cheque for RM7,000.

Sultan Nazrin Shah also presented the Menteri Besar's Award to Diploma in Syariah Islamiyyah graduand Rodhiyah Shahimi, 22, and Kuisas Rector's Award to Nurul Husna Aina Junus, 22, who took up the Diploma in Islamic Studies.

A total of 235 graduands received their diplomas at the ceremony.