Deputy Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Nazrin Shah cautioned against impulsive and emotional leadership that prioritizes short-term gains, saying such decisions ultimately harm innocent citizens who bear the consequences. He delivered his remarks on June 17 at the National Level Maal Hijrah 1448 celebration held at Masjid Putra in Putrajaya, attended by about 5,000 people including Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof and Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Dr Zulkifli Hasan [1, 2].
"It is most unfortunate for a nation and its people when leaders act impulsively, emotionally and rashly, making hasty decisions driven by short-term interests, the consequences of which are ultimately borne by innocent citizens at great cost," Sultan Nazrin said [2]. He emphasized that leaders should remain calm, open, and cautious, basing decisions on well-informed judgment rather than emotion or haste [1, 2].
Citing the historic Hijrah as an example of strategic and visionary leadership, Sultan Nazrin noted the wisdom in appointing Abdullah bin Uraiqit as the guide despite him not being Muslim at the time, highlighting his trustworthiness and expertise [1, 2]. He stressed that sacrifice is a fundamental factor behind every great success, involving a willingness to leave comfort, endure hardship, and place greater interests above personal ones.
"A struggle becomes meaningless without sacrifice. Sacrifice is not merely about accepting the loss of something we cherish, but the willingness to place greater interests above personal interests. Sacrifice demands courage, perseverance and sincerity," Sultan Nazrin said [2]. He expressed concern that the true meaning of sacrifice seems to be fading among the Muslim ummah and urged that sacrifice be cultivated as a way of life [2].
The Maal Hijrah 1448 celebration carried the theme “Madani Dihayati, Ummah Diberkati” and gathered approximately 5,000 attendees. The event served as a platform for Sultan Nazrin to call on leaders to learn from the past and govern with patience and wisdom to avoid causing harm to the people they serve [1].
