PEKAN, Oct 21 (Bernama) -- The Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, has expressed concern over social ills among the younger generation today.
His Royal Highness said that he viewed the issue seriously, including drug abuse, bullying, online gambling and inappropriate social interactions.
“It is even more distressing that some young people are easily influenced by a culture of hatred and contempt towards religion and institutions, as if courage is measured by how loudly one can hurl insults at or belittle others,” he said.
He said this when officiating the proclamation of Dewan Tuanku Canselor (DTC), Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA), here, today.
Also present were Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abd Kadir and Pahang Agriculture, Agro-based Industry, Biotechnology and Education Committee chairman Datuk Seri Mohd Soffi Abd Razak, who represented the Pahang Menteri Besar.
Al-Sultan Abdullah said university students should be voices of wisdom rather than echoes of hatred, and should have the courage to offer criticism respectfully, while respecting differing views, without losing their sense of judgement.
His Royal Highness also reminded students to use technological advancements and social media wisely, as while these offered access to knowledge, they also carried the risk of spreading slander, eroding values and causing confusion in thought.
“Do not lose your sense of judgement in the real world in the pursuit of popularity in the virtual world. Do not become so carried away with expressing freedom that you forget the limits of courtesy, propriety and responsibility,” he said.
He said institutions of higher learning were responsible not only for producing graduates who excelled in academics and technology, but also for moulding individuals who were trustworthy, had integrity and possessed noble character.
-- BERNAMA