LIVE IN HARMONY, AVOID DISPUTES, SAYS RULER

KUALA PILAH (Malaysia), Jan 14 (Bernama) -- Ruler of southern state of
Negeri Sembilan Tuanku Muhriz ibni Almarhum Tuanku Munawir has called on the
people to unite and live in harmony and face the challenges rationally.

"By inflaming racial sentiments, it will only prolong disputes, which will
not benefit any quarters. Indeed, unity is the foundation of progress and
development.

"If upheavals were to happen, they will render the country unsafe," he said
at the investiture ceremony to mark his 62nd birthday at Seri Menanti Palace
near here Thursday.

Tuanku Muhriz hoped the people would strive for harmony and respect the
racial and religious backgrounds of one another in an effort to achieve an
everlasting unity.

On development, he hoped the policies and programmes laid out by the
government would bring prosperity and progress to the people.

"However, if the programmes and polices are not embraced by the people, it
will stifle efforts to meet the targets set," he added.

In his pledge of loyalty speech, the state's Chief Minister Mohamad Hasan
said the state government placed importance on the needs of the people in its
development's strides.

He said the 1Malaysia concept, which was in line with the state government's
objectives, would be broadened to reach the people throughout the state.

"Through the concept, I hope the people of Negeri Sembilan will appreciate
the benefits of development and unity," he added.

Tuanku Muhriz later presented state awards and medals to 103 recipients
headed by his older sisters, Tunku Anne Dakhlah, Tunku Deborah and Tunku Deanne,
who received the Darjah Kerabat Yam Tuan Raden (DKYR) awards.

Tuanku Muhriz was installed as the 11th Yang di-Pertuan Besar or Yam Tuan of
Negeri Sembilan on Oct 26 last year after he was proclaimed to the throne on Dec
29, 2008 following the death of Tuanku Ja'afar ibni Almarhum Tuanku Abdul
Rahman, his uncle.
-- BERNAMA