KUALA LUMPUR, May 29 — The Yang di-Pertuan Agong not only symbolises the sovereignty of the nation, but is also a guardian who protects the citizens, safeguards the religion and is the mainstay of the nation's stability.
In conjunction with the official birthday celebration of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on June 1, the Friday sermon today specially reminded all Muslims to uphold proper conduct towards His Majesty the King and national leaders, while warning against abusing freedom of speech on social media for negative purposes.
“Indeed, religious and royal institutions form the key foundations that preserve the nation's sovereignty, the people's unity and the sanctity of the religion of Islam in this blessed nation. The Rulers are not mere symbols of government, but they protect the religion, peace and harmony of the society.
“Therefore, preserve decency and respect for the Rulers, leaders and the nation's institutions with ethical words and moral actions,” according to the sermon entitled “Dirgahayu Tuanku: Amanah Raja, Tanggungjawab Rakyat”.
The sermon prepared by the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Department (Jawi) was read out by Imam II Hassan Alfadhli Abdul Rahman and broadcast live from Masjid Negara during the Friday prayers.
The sermon also reminded Muslims that the well-being of a nation cannot be achieved through the strength of the leadership alone, but also through the efforts of its citizens.
On the contrary, it arises when trustworthy leadership and responsible citizens walk together, hand-in-hand and complementing one another.
Muslims are also reminded that the destruction of a nation does not only result from external threats, but usually starts when there is an internal fracture and disrespect of the nation's identity.
“When trust is disregarded, when morals are discarded, when fractures are ignored, those are the signals of the beginning of a nation's destruction,” the sermon read.
It also reminded Muslims to never abuse the freedom of expression on social media by spreading abusive words and falsehoods, which would eventually destroy unity, but instead, to protect the values of civility and courteousness as a strong shield that preserves the sanctity of the religion, race and beloved nation.
“Today, let us manifest our love and allegiance by proclaiming ‘Dirgahayu Tuanku’. Indeed, the responsibility should not only be carried by the leaders, but should also be shouldered by every citizen.
“If Rulers shield the nation with justice, then the citizens must surely prosper it with allegiance. If leaders protect the nation, citizens should preserve the nation's soul,” the sermon read. — Bernama
