Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah has raised concerns over a growing crisis of adab (ethical conduct) among the Malay and Muslim communities, as differences of opinion and debates increasingly turn into disputes and hostility.
As Chairman of the National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs Malaysia (MKI), he also pointed out that unverified information was being shared without considering its consequences, while people’s personal faults and shortcomings were publicly exposed.
Perak Sultan urges Malaysians to listen before responding
The Perak Sultan stressed that the issue should not be taken lightly, as the decline of a society often begins with the erosion of its values and morals, according to Harian Metro.
“The Malay community and Muslim ummah (community) are currently facing a crisis of adab.
“Therefore, it is important for our community and the Muslim ummah to develop the discipline of listening before responding, understanding before making judgements, and verifying information before sharing it,” he said.
He also explained that adab goes beyond simply being polite or well-mannered. It encompasses a person’s relationship with Allah, others, nature, and themselves, while also requiring them to value knowledge and honour their teachers.
Sultan Nazrin described adab as a manifestation of knowledge, a safeguard for freedom, and the foundation of harmony.
He further highlighted the importance of syura (mutual consultation), noting that the ability to hold differing views without hostility is an important part of both syura and adab.
He explained that syura involves discussing and exchanging views before making a decision, while adab calls on people to listen respectfully, consider different opinions, and work towards decisions that serve the common interest.
“True strength does not come from having uniform views. Instead, it lies in our ability to hold differing views without hostility, offer criticism without humiliating others, and make decisions together with integrity and a sense of responsibility.
“When adab is upheld, differences can be managed. When adab is neglected, even knowledge and power can become sources of division,” he added.
“Freedom of speech does not mean the freedom to insult”
Sultan Nazrin stressed that syura is not a licence for people to speak without limits or disregard adab, noting that freedom of speech should still come with responsibility.
“Freedom of speech does not mean the freedom to insult. Differences of opinion are not an excuse to accuse or belittle others, let alone insult or defame them,” he said.
He explained that syura provides space for people to share differing views, while adab ensures those differences are handled with respect, courtesy, and wisdom.
This also requires leaders to remain humble, listen to different perspectives, accept criticism, and consider advice with an open mind.
Sultan Nazrin said practising syura with adab can help lead to wiser decisions, fairer leadership, and a more mature society.
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