Perak ruler Sultan Nazrin Shah has expressed concern over the firebombing of a KK Mart outlet in Bidor, Perak, on Tuesday.
Perak palace spokesperson Zahidi Zainuddin, in a statement, said His Highness views the incident as a worrying sign that should be given serious attention and (dealt with) serious action so the flames of racism are contained before they spread further.
“His Highness believes the majority of Malaysians are rational, moderate and prioritise harmony and peace.
“His Highness gives his assurance to protect Malaysians of all races and religions so they can continue to live in harmony and develop the country together,” the statement read.
The ruler’s statement comes after a glass bottle containing kerosene was thrown into the convenience store’s Jalan Bruseh outlet. Fortunately, the bomb failed to detonate.
This comes after KK Mart became mired in controversy after socks bearing the word Allah were found at its outlets in Sunway, Selangor.
Aside from the firebomb attempt, KK Mart also became the subject of boycott calls from Umno Youth.
‘Racial twist’ on old decree, report lodged
Meanwhile, Zahidi said the Perak ruler’s office lodged a police report yesterday over a viral statement on social media that gave a racial twist to a decree given by Sultan Nazrin 19 years ago.
Zahidi said the viral statement “Amanah Membina Negara” had misconstrued the ruler’s decree during the Second Malay Education Congress on March 27, 2005, when he was the Perak crown prince.
He said it is believed some quarters want to fan racial and religious flames by framing the ruler’s decree in the wrong context.
“Throughout the speech, the ruler did not in any way link or express incitement against any race in this country.
“To protect the good name of His Highness from being dragged and tarnished by any quarters to fulfil their explicit and implicit agenda, his office filed a police report yesterday,” Zahidi said.
He added that Sultan Nazrin, who is also Deputy Yang di-Pertuan Agong, has expressed concern that such irresponsible actions could affect peace of the country.
Zahidi explained that in the decree, the Perak ruler had revealed an overview of the factors that affect the weaknesses and strengths of the Malays and highlighted the importance of being independent while enriched with positive values.
“His Highness stressed that religion, leaders, family, society as well as knowledge and education have a strong role in the culture of the Malay community.
“He reminded the Malays to be vigilant so as not to be trapped quickly, easily repeating negative expressions that degrade their dignity.
“The ruler wants the people to be aware that when a certain race chooses to look down on its own kind, it opens up opportunity for other races to humiliate it. Therefore, that race will be seen as ‘poor’ (fakir) - its customs will be eliminated.” - Mkini
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