Respect bridges all differences
AMIDST the country's vibrant diversity, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong stands not only as a constitutional monarch but also as a steadying force and symbol of unity for all Malaysians, regardless of race or religion.
Known for championing harmony even during his reign as the Johor Ruler, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, continues to embody the spirit of unity on a national scale.
For 31-year-old youth volunteer and entrepreneur T. Thashidaran, the King's call for racial unity resonates deeply.
Inspired by His Majesty's words that unity is the greatest gift Malaysians can offer, Thashidaran has dedicated much of his time to helping the underprivileged, including the Orang Asli community.
'I also believe that sports is a powerful medium to unify people from different backgrounds.
'That is why I provide free football coaching to over 150 students from several schools in the Klang Valley twice a month,' he shared in an interview.
Ho (left) and Ahmad Farhan both acknowledge the proactive role of the royal institution in building bridges among communities.
Thashidaran, who won the Selangor-level National Prime Minister's Youth Award this year, said he is actively involved in various non-governmental organisations (NGOs) including the Hindu Youth Organisation.
He has also helped install solar panels in Orang Asli villages and offered free school transportation for students at risk of dropping out.
Thashidaran credited the start of his active volunteerism with an incident a decade ago when his car tyre burst on an expressway in Kuala Lumpur.
He didn't know how to replace a tyre at the time and his location meant complications with towing.
'Left with no choice, I stood by the roadside for about two hours in the drizzle. Thankfully, a kind Chinese uncle stopped his car and came to my rescue. Soon after, an elderly Malay motorcyclist also pulled over to help us.
'The experience changed my outlook on life. This camaraderie is one of the small things that happen daily in Malaysia and is something we often take for granted,' he said, adding that after fixing his car, he called the two generous men to thank them for their help.
Thashidaran (right) and other volunteers preparing to distribute food to the needy in the Klang Valley.
He added that the King has always emphasised unity and harmony, and he hopes Malaysians take that message to heart.
Malaysian Youth Council (MBM) secretary-general Ahmad Farhan Rosli echoed this sentiment, highlighting the royal institution's vital role in safeguarding national harmony.
'The Agong is our symbol of unity and the umbrella that protects all Malaysians.
'His Majesty has the authority to speak up on issues that threaten peace and uses that voice wisely,' he added.
The MBM represents over 40 youth-based NGOs as Malaysia's largest youth federation and recently launched its Harmony Committee.
This initiative aims to enhance inter-racial and interfaith dialogue across the nation. Ahmad Farhan noted that the committee was officiated by Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, who serves as the Bandar Tun Razak MP and is Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's wife.
'Unity is a shared responsibility. We must go beyond tolerance as we must truly understand and get to know each other despite our differences.
'We need to actively seek understanding by engaging in dialogue and appreciating each other's cultures,' added Ahmad Farhan.
Thashidaran helping to install solar power panels in an Orang Asli village in Cameron Highlands.
Meanwhile, Johor Baru Tiong-Hua Association president Ho Sow Tong said Johor's deep-rooted multiracial harmony can serve as a model for the entire nation.
'The concept of Bangsa Johor was introduced by His Majesty's forefathers and reaffirmed by the Sultan himself.
'It shows how a multiracial society can thrive when built on mutual respect and cooperation,' he said.
Ho pointed out that many in the younger generation are unaware of the long history of the Chinese community in Johor, which dates back to the reign of Sultan Abu Bakar in the 19th century.
He said Sultan Abu Bakar personally invited the Chinese to settle in Johor and help develop the state's economy by planting pepper and gambier.
The royal family also introduced the Kangchu system, under which the Chinese established riverine settlements known as kangkar across Johor.
'At one time, there were more than 20 kangkar settlements across the state, each led by a chieftain or Kangchu.
'The Chinese were not pendatang; they were invited guests of the Sultan. This sense of welcome and shared purpose laid the foundation for harmony,' he said, adding that the spirit continues to this day.
The goodwill between the Johor royalty and the Chinese was further cemented when the Chinese community leaders gifted Sultan Abu Bakar the Dewan Cina, a hall within the Istana Besar grounds that still stands today.
'The hall was once used as a meeting place for the state assembly. Today, it is still known as the Chinese Hall and houses plaques, gifts, and royal collections of the Johor royal family.
'More than that, the building symbolises friendship, appreciation and cooperation between the Malays and the Chinese,' said Ho.
Ho added that Sultan Ibrahim walks the talk as His Majesty is often seen mingling with the people at various cultural functions, including the annual Johor Chingay Festival organised by Ho's association.
This serves as a reminder that Malaysia's strength has always come from its people – united in diversity, bonded by mutual respect and guided by a monarch who rises above politics to safeguard the nation's soul.
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