Perak Regent Raja Nazrin Shah today called on youths to reject "politics of hate" and accept only civilised democratic practices based on universal respect.

judges conference 090408 raja nazrin In his lecture to about 1,000 students at the Universiti Tenaga Nasional (Uniten) in Kajang, Raja Nazrin lamented that society is "excessively politicised and polarised".

It has engendered a lack of goodwill and cooperation because positions have become deeply entrenched, while arguments appears to be increasingly without restrictions.

"Whereas we had an unwritten code of civility before, some of the things that are said and done in the name of democracy today, go far beyond common decency," he said.

Raja Nazrin said a democratic society should rightfully be able to disagree without wishing ill on detractors or facing insults, threats and humiliation.

"We should attempt to bring others to our point of view not through coercion but by the force of our arguments and the justness of our cause.

"Have the courage to change your views if they come into conflict with the facts, instead of trying to tailor the facts to suit your beliefs," he said.

The Perak royal family has been the target of stinging criticisms from segments of the public for its role in the fall of the Pakatan Rakyat state government in February.

A flurry of fierce condemnation flooded the Perak Sultan's website, following which at least eight Internet users were charged in March for allegedly insulting the sultan.

Act now, don't stand idle

Raja Nazrin also called on youths to contribute to Malaysia's development by engaging in issues of concern and strive for good governance.

"It is very easy to be cynical - to stand on the sidelines and shout obscenities at the opposing players and the referee.

"It is much more difficult to go down to the field, practice and get involved in the game," he said.

The regent said the responsibility of youths meant getting involved and actively taking part in the decision making process.

He advised students to demand good governance and display qualities of honour and integrity and be mindful of the debilitating effects of corruption and poor governance.

"But do not just insist that others show qualities of honour and integrity. You must internalise these qualities yourselves. Strive at all times to uphold the rule of law."

Raja Nazrin was delivering his keynote address titled ‘Values and Beliefs: The Compass for the Young Towards Creating a Brighter Future'.

He is the sixth speaker in Uniten's Dr Mahathir Mohamad Lecture Series which was established in 2005.