Queen Raja Zarith Sofiah of Malaysia spoke out against the social stigma that traps people suffering from mental illness in silence, preventing them from seeking help. She delivered the message at the University of Reading Malaysia’s 10th convocation ceremony in Johor Bahru on August 1, where she was also awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Psychology [1, 2, 3].
The Queen highlighted alarming statistics showing widespread mental health challenges in Malaysia. She cited studies indicating 16.5% of children aged 5 to 15 face mental health issues and that one in four adolescents aged 13 to 17 experiences depression [1, 2, 3].
She also pointed to adults struggling with psychological distress linked to financial difficulties, debt, and complicated family relationships [1, 2, 3].
Her Majesty lamented the rise of hate speech and intolerance despite easy access to information through websites, social media, and podcasts. "It is a sad irony that at a time when information and knowledge have become easily accessible through online websites, social media, and podcasts, wherever we may be, we have become less tolerant, less kind, and still look for differences rather than seeking the similarities which we all share," she said [1]. Another version of her remarks added that people have become "less tolerant, less compassionate and even more inclined to search for differences rather than the similarities that we actually share" regardless of backgrounds or beliefs [3].
The Queen stressed that universities must prepare graduates with not only knowledge and skills but with strong character, judgment, and moral values to face complex societal challenges [1, 2, 3].
At the ceremony, the Queen was conferred an Honorary Doctorate in Psychology by the University of Reading Malaysia in recognition of her advocacy on mental health and public service [1, 2, 3].
Her speech and honorary degree come as Malaysia continues to confront mental health issues across all age groups.
The university's convocation is the latest public platform where the Queen has urged Malaysians to break the silence, show compassion, and seek solutions for mental health struggles.
