Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, born on November 27, 1956, in Penang, Malaysia, is the 35th Sultan of Perak, a position he has held since May 29, 2014. He is the eldest son of the late Sultan Azlan Muhibbuddin Shah and Tuanku Bainun.
Sultan Nazrin's academic journey is distinguished by his pursuit of excellence. He earned a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics from the University of Oxford. Furthering his studies, he obtained a Master in Public Administration and a Ph.D. in Political Economy and Government from Harvard University.
Before ascending to the throne, Sultan Nazrin was appointed as Raja Kechil Besar in 1984 and later as Raja Muda (Crown Prince) in 1987. His enthronement as Sultan of Perak took place on May 6, 2015, following the passing of his father.
Beyond his royal duties, Sultan Nazrin has been actively involved in various national and international roles. He served as co-chair of the United Nations High-Level Panel on Humanitarian Financing in 2015 and was Malaysia’s Special Envoy for Interfaith and Inter-civilisational Dialogue at the United Nations Alliance of Civilisations. Domestically, he holds the position of Chancellor at the University of Malaya and is the Colonel-in-Chief of the Regiment of Royal Engineers and the Royal Medical Corps in the Malaysian Armed Forces.
Sultan Nazrin is married to Tuanku Zara Salim, and they have two children: Raja Azlan Muzzaffar Shah and Raja Nazira Safya.
His Majesty is widely respected for his intellectual contributions and advocacy on issues such as good governance, multiculturalism, and the rule of law. His leadership continues to inspire and guide the people of Perak and Malaysia.
Speaking at the pledge of royalty and investiture ceremony in conjunction with his 68th birthday at Istana Iskandariah, Sultan Nazrin emphasized the dangers of exploiting religion and ethnicity for political gain.
“When religion and ethnicity are used as currency in politics, excessive rhetoric disguised as religious fervor and provocative ethnic slogans emerge, threatening to ignite a spark that could devastate our nation,” he said.
A Call for Unity and Leadership
Sultan Nazrin highlighted the importance of wise and fair leadership during times of rising divisiveness. He called for leaders who instill confidence and comfort, free from prejudice and suspicion, and who foster a genuine appreciation for Malaysia’s diverse cultural heritage.
“Provocations involving race and religion sow distrust among citizens, pulling them further away from unity,” he added.
Protecting Cultural and Institutional Heritage
The Sultan also addressed a growing trend of individuals mocking the royal institution, describing it as a form of cultural subversion.
“The Ruler’s role extends beyond constitutional duties. It bridges tradition and modernity, preserving a civilisation shaped by respect, refined character, and the beauty of our cultural practices. This legacy is essential for building a disciplined and progressive nation,” Sultan Nazrin stated.
He urged Malaysians to reject cultural encroachment and oppose actions that contradict the refinement and decorum of national customs.
“Our heritage is far too valuable to crumble due to the actions of individuals with a shallow understanding of tradition. We must not permit anyone to become uncivilised or devoid of respect for our customs,” he said.
Addressing Broader Concerns
Sultan Nazrin’s comments come amid heightened concerns about the exploitation of identity politics and its impact on national harmony. He reiterated the need for collective efforts to safeguard Malaysia’s cultural and institutional integrity, emphasizing that unity and mutual respect are foundational to the nation’s progress.
The Sultan’s speech serves as a timely reminder of the importance of preserving Malaysia’s diversity and cultural richness in the face of challenges that threaten its cohesion.
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