The Malaysian Insider

PETALING JAYA, Nov 19 – Perak Raja Muda Raja Nazrin Shah said today Malaysians must embrace multiculturalism and reclaim religion from those who distort the truth.

He pointed out that people of different cultural backgrounds should be allowed to live their lives freely without being forced to do things they do not want to do.

The crown prince also warned against the dangers of modern day tribalism, and pointed out that great dangers lie ahead “if we continue on our present path.”

“What characterises democratic life is that it is the person who decides whether he or she wants to adjust and be absorbed or remain aloof.

“At the same time, the need to forge a community of people with shared values and interests remains paramount,” he said.

Raja Nazrin said this in his keynote address when launching the fifth “Diversity Matters” conference, a Commonwealth forum on cultural diversity, held at the local branch of Monash University here today.

The crown prince also touched on religious radicalism in his speech.

“We need to reclaim religion from those who would distort its truths. We must reject radicalism and extremism of all types.

“If there is someone in my society who is hungry, or unemployed or sick and cannot afford treatment, then it diminishes me even if he is of a different race or religion,” he elaborated.

Multiculturalism, he said, is fast becoming the rule rather than the exception

Raja Nazrin observed how people of different ethnicities and religion had settled down in Malaysia and helped create a “more heterogeneous and prosperous state”.

“Today, all are integral to the Malaysian landscape,” he added, emphasising that “all belong.”

He also noted that at the same time, Malaysians in their national identity, had ventured all over the world and carved a name for themselves in various industries.

Raja Nazrin pointed out, however, that many pluralistic societies failed to take advantage of the inherent ethnic and religious differences in their people and turn them into a source of strength.

“If we continue on the present path, great dangers lie ahead.

“We must avoid falling into a new and destructive form of modern day tribalism.”

He also called for a serious study of diversity and multiculturalism.

Raja Nazrin stressed that diversity is “essential” to the development of a strong, progressive and united nation. As such, it needed to be promoted at every level of society, from the government down to the grassroots.

“A pluralistic society is one that not only tolerates but appreciates and encourages the active participation of those of different races, cultures and lifestyles,” he said.

He explained that principles of equality and fairness were necessary to the creation of a “truly pluralistic society.”

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