UPHOLD NATIONAL PILLARS - NORTHERN STATE RULER

SINTOK (Malaysia), Oct 3 (Bernama) -- The Sultan of northern state of Kedah,
Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah has urged the people to uphold the pillars of
the nation to ensure that peace and prosperity continue to prevail.

He said the pillars like the Federal Constitution, the judiciary, the
executive and the monarchy must be protected.

"I have noticed that there were continuous attempts to undermine them and
this could erode racial unity," he said when opening the 22nd Universiti Utara
Malaysia (UUM) convocation here Saturday.

He said although the people were free to analyse the pillars, absolute
freedom could lead to chaos and destroy the unity.

As the Malay rulers are the heads of religion in the states, he said the
position of Islam must be protected and the rules adhered to.

"I do not want to meddle in politics but Muslims, especially in Kedah,
should not let the politics of their parties to divide them," he said, adding
that they should unite in line with the 1Malaysia concept as "Muslims are
brothers".

Sultan Abdul Halim urged the people of various races to assist each other as
one big family and bridge the racial divide.

At the convocation, UUM pro-chancellor Dr Abdul Hamid Pawanteh was
conferred with an honorary doctor of philosophy (jurisprudence) degree while
businessman Wong Kim Hooi, honorary masters in sustainable tourism degree.
-- BERNAMA