Sultan Ibrahim warns politicians against stoking racial and religious tensions, highlights deepfake threats in official birthday address
Video courtesy of RTM
By Tengku Noor Shamsiah Tengku Abdullah
KUALA LUMPUR, 1 June 2026 — His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, used his official birthday address to deliver a firm message on national unity, declaring that those who refuse to uphold the Rukun Negara are unworthy of Malaysian citizenship, urging politicians to avoid stoking racial and religious tensions as elections approach, and revealing that his own image has been misused in deepfake content designed to mislead the public.
His Majesty delivered the titah in Malay at the 2026 federal investiture ceremony held in conjunction with his official birthday at Istana Negara on Monday.
“I have always stressed that unity is the foundation of the nation’s strength,” the King said, describing it as the cornerstone of Malaysia’s progress and stability.
Economic development, racial harmony and national prosperity, he said, depend on a people willing to stand together, respect one another and remain faithful to the principles of the Rukun Negara.
The King urged Malaysians not to forget what he described as one of the nation’s darkest chapters, the racial riots of 13 May 1969, which he said occurred when certain quarters went too far, demeaned others and lost respect for the country and its sovereignty, causing national unity to fracture and stability to collapse.
“Jangan sampai pisang berbuah dua kali,” he warned, invoking the Malay proverb that cautions against allowing a tragedy to recur.
His Majesty recalled that the Rukun Negara was introduced on 31 August 1970 as a national pledge and guiding philosophy following the unrest, and noted that generations of Malaysians have been taught to recite its principles in school.
He called on all citizens to embrace and practise the values embodied in the Rukun Negara in their daily lives.
“If there is any Malaysian who refuses to follow the principles of the Rukun Negara, my advice is this: such a person is not worthy of being called a Malaysian citizen,” he said.
Turning to politics, His Majesty said signs of an approaching election were already evident, with politicians beginning to position themselves and seek public support.
His advice to political leaders was unequivocal.
“My advice to all political leaders: mind your conduct and your words, and be careful whenever you make any statement,” he said.
The King urged politicians to refrain from provoking disputes involving sensitive issues related to the Malay Rulers, race and religion, warning that such actions could inflame public anger and threaten social harmony.
“Kerana nila setitik, rosak susu sebelanga,” he said, invoking another Malay proverb that a single drop of indigo can spoil an entire pot of milk.
His Majesty also devoted significant attention to the growing threat of digital misinformation, warning that false information and fabricated content were creating confusion among the public.
The problem, he said, has become increasingly serious with the misuse of artificial intelligence to generate fake news, manipulated voices and deepfake videos on social media platforms.
“In fact, my own image has been used in fake videos and content to mislead the public,” the King revealed.
While acknowledging the importance of freedom of expression, His Majesty stressed that social media should not be used as a platform for spreading slander, hatred or falsehoods.
He called on the authorities to continue strengthening monitoring efforts and to take firm action against such abuses.
Addressing recipients of this year’s federal awards and honours, the King congratulated them on their recognition while reminding them that the awards should not be viewed as symbols of prestige or self-glorification.
Instead, he said, they should serve as encouragement to continue serving religion, nation and society with sincerity and dedication.
His Majesty began his address by expressing appreciation to the Prime Minister and heads of foreign missions for their messages of congratulations.
He concluded by conveying the gratitude of both himself and Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah to Malaysians for their prayers and support throughout his reign.
Monday’s ceremony marked the third federal investiture presided over by His Majesty since his installation as the 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong on 20 July 2024.
“Let us pray that our country, Malaysia, will always be blessed with grace, peace and prosperity, and that its people continue to live in peace, harmony and unity,” the King said.
- TNS NEWS