Don’t take solidarity lightly, says King

Unity and solidarity must not be taken lightly as these aspects are crucial to achieve the policies formulated to make the country a developed nation, said Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin.
The King said that efforts to unite the communities were something that must be done continuously.
“All underlying principles and policies formulated towards making the country and its citizens a community of a developed nation will not be achieved if the aspects of unity and solidarity is taken lightly by all parties,” he said in his address at the national-level Maulidur Rasul celebration held at Dataran Merdeka on Monday.
Tuanku Mizan added that when certain people became greedy, place self-interest above all others and neglected noble values by chasing worldly possessions, various catastrophes and disasters would befall the lives of the people because of the wrath of Allah.
He also said Islam forbade any form of misappropriation, abuse of power and discrimination but preached peace, equality and co-operation.
“Islam also makes its obligatory for us to guarantee protection and equality for all strata of society, for Muslims and non-Muslims alike,” the King said.
His Royal Highness urged Muslims to emulate Prophet Muhammad, whose life was the epitome of good examples and knowledge and who always placed great emphasis on unity and solidarity among the people as a catalyst to create a nation of excellence.
“Adherence to Islam as demonstrated by the glorious history of Islam has proven that the Muslim nations were at one time united on the axis of truth.
“At that time, there was an atmosphere of harmony, stability and understanding,” he said.
The King called on the Muslim nation to unite in an effort to carry out their responsibilities with full earnestness.
He said the theme of the occasion, “Unity as the Catalyst for Creating the Best Nation”, was apt with the expectations and challenges of the 21st century.
Also present at the celebration were Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, his deputy Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and their spouses.
Tuanku Mizan also presented the inaugural Maulidur Rasul Premier Award 2009 to Prof Dr Sidek Baba from the Institute of Education, International Islamic University (IIU). Five others received the Maulidur Rasul Award.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the celebration emphasised on unity as although there were differences in opinions among the Ummah this should not cause disunity among them.
“A year has passed since the general election and efforts are enhanced towards uniting the people,” he said.
He said the inaugural Maulidur Rasul Premier Award was in recognition of an individual’s exemplary contribution in dakwah bil hal (propagating Islam through community service).
The RM50,000 cash prize was sponsored by the Government, Tabung Haji and Yayasan Taqwa.
“We decided that an individual should be highlighted as an example of a Muslim intellectual who is progressive but moderate.
“His contribution is at the national and international level. The individual is an activist in the NGO and dakwah movement, accepted as an icon to all,” he added.
The celebration started with a procession of about 100,000 people who recited praises on the Prophet as they marched.
Participants include the public and private sector, non-governmental organisations, schools, public institutions of higher learning and training institutes, and representatives from mosques.
There were also performance by artistes as well as a convoy of 1,430 motorcycle riders.