KUALA LUMPUR, 10 MARCH: The Yang Dipertuan Agong, Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah Ibni Almarhum Sultan Badlishah addressed parliament during the first meeting of the second session of the 13 Parliament earlier this morning. His Majesty’s speech touched on  religion, and unity related to the various conflicts that have clouded the nation in the last few months.

The Agong called on religious bodies of the nation to solve the issue of pluralism, labeling it as a threat to the Islamic faith. This was in reference to Islamic sects of different religious perspectives from Sunni Muslims. His Majesty went on to say that strict action must be taken against parties who intend to spread these ideologies which are aimed at destroying the fabric of the constitution.

“The nation’s official religion Islam, as stated in the constitution must be continually upheld.  Threats to the faith such as the understanding of pluralism and the propagation of deviant religions but be handled by the religious authorities… Action must be taken against evil parties (anasir jahat) spreading these ideologies to shatter the values and foundations of the country’s constitution.”

His Majesty also condemned all acts of provocation against any segment of society, that if escalated, would disrupt the peace and unity in the country.

“I call on the nation to refrain from making statements and provocations that disrupt peace and unity in the country,” said His Majesty.

In the preceding months, tensions rose with the news of Molotov church bombing and pork meat being found in a mosque, both of which had occurred in Penang.

The Agong reminded Malaysians that when unity disintegrates, the country would be on its way to destruction.