HRH the Sultan of Perak delivering his royal keynote address.

IPOH, 29 July 2024 – HRH Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah called on Muslims worldwide to unite in an effort to help people who are facing hardship and poverty, especially in countries stuck in conflict and war.

His Royal Highness said, with the sheer number of Muslims and their wealth and privileges, their solidarity can influence the policies of the Islamic world and make a positive impact on all Muslims.

"Muslims have one kalimah, one qibla, and one Al-Quran. Faith unites the ummah through these foundations and urges us all to stand together and through that togetherness, the poorest and weakest can become strong.

"However, at this time, our ummah cannot do much to help the millions of Muslims who suffer in poverty, including those in Gaza," he said.

Sultan Nazrin said this in his Royal keynote address at the 7th World Conference on Islamic Thought and Civilization (WCIT) 2024 at the Casuarina Convention Centre here.

Also present were Prime Minister Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Perak Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Saarani Mohamad, Deputy Prime Minister Dato' Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Former Indonesia Vice President Muhammad Jusuf Kalla, Orang Kaya Bendahara Seri Maharaja Gen. Dato' Seri DiRaja Tan Sri (Dr.) Mohd. Zahidi Zainuddin (Rtd), Higher Education Minister Dato' Seri Diraja Dr. Zambry Abdul Kadir, Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Shamsul Anuar Nasarah, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Dr. Zulkifli Hassan and State Assembly Speaker Dato' Mohammad Zahir Abdul Khalid.

State Secretary Dato' Ahmad Suaidi Abdul Rahim, State Legal Adviser Dato' Azmir Shah Zainal Abidin, State Financial Officer Dato' Mohd Zaki Mahyudin, State Exco Members, Sultan Azlan Shah University (USAS) Pro-Chancellor II Tan Sri Dato' Dr. Nordin Kardi, USAS Vice Chancellor Prof. Dato' Dr. Wan Sabri Wan Yusof, USAS Berhad Board of Directors Chairman Prof Tan Sri Dato' Seri Dr. Noor Azlan Ghazali and heads of state and federal departments also attended. 

Sultan Nazrin added that the latest United Nations’ Human Development Index (HDI) report shows an uneven global recovery. The report outlines how the gap between countries with the highest and lowest levels of development is widening, with countries at the bottom of the index at risk of being left further behind. 

He said that since October 2022, two major conflicts affecting Muslim-majority populations have broken out - the Sudanese civil war and the conflict in Gaza. Meanwhile, the war in Ukraine has continued into a third year, inflicting significant and prolonged hardship on the country’s citizens. 

"In facing these conflicts, innocent civilians of many faiths, including thousands of women and children, are bearing the brunt of the suffering. They have to face death, injury, and forced to leave their homes. 

"In light of the UN’s HDI trend and the terrible conflicts, it is fitting to focus on humanity. 

"We do not stand together until all of us are standing. We must not be content to leave a single member of our global community behind. Indeed, it is our duty to help one another. 

"So, we must take action to help vulnerable Muslims and non-Muslims alike, before it is too late," His Royal Highness said. 

The 7th World Conference on Islamic Thought and Civilization was organised by Universiti Sultan Azlan Shah (USAS) with the theme “Standing Together: Muslims and Global Humanity”. 

The three-day conference was the main platform for regional and international leaders, scholars, intellectuals, professionals and the general public to engage in constructive exchange of views for addressing contemporary issues affecting the world today.

Source : Corporate, SUK Perak.