Raja Nazrin, our future ruler, advised the  young, who would be inheriting the nation, should be encouraged to embrace unity, when opening a function two days ago.

“Students must be taught to reject racial-based and extremist ideologies or fanatical standings in the name of religion,” he said at the presentation of excellence awards ceremony at Sekolah Menengah Jenis Kebangsaan Sam Tet here. “The voice of moderation and the practice of respecting each other’s religion and race should be the basis on which the community and country are built.”

“Malaysia achieved its independence and was recognised as a sovereign country as a result of the collective struggle of her people who were of various races, had different cultures, practised different religions and spoke different languages”

On education, he said:

schooling was not just about collecting paper qualifications but that it was also a platform for interaction.

“It is about discovering the world, about empowering the mind to explore wider horizons. It is about learning social skills, interacting with people of different races, religious beliefs and backgrounds.

“It is about learning to manage your time, respecting one another, realising your true potential and building upon your dreams — lessons that cannot be found in textbooks or on blackboards.

“School is, and must only be, one part of your education. The purpose of education is to challenge you to be analytical and to constantly think critically.”

Politicians and civil servants, please listen to these words of wisdom. If all of us can practice what the Raja has so wisely advised, the country will be a much better place to live.