Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah warns against divisive race and religion posts online, fearing escalation with AI and ahead of elections
KUALA LUMPUR: The Sultan of Selangor has voiced profound concern over the proliferation of hate postings and fake news on social media.
Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah said he is disturbed by the rising tide of divisive issues centred on race and religion.
The Ruler advised netizens to think deeply before posting or commenting online.
“There is a cost to your postings, especially on matters relating to race and religion,” said Sultan Sharafuddin.
He warned that such content has consequences, including causing harm and stirring unnecessary hatred.
His Royal Highness questioned the purpose of race-based narratives that lead to polarisation and mistrust.
“What is the point of calling fellow Malaysians ‘Type C’ (Chinese) or ‘Type M’ (Malays) or kafir and non-kafir, orang kita or jenis dia? Stop such nonsense, please,” he said.
He delivered this message in an exclusive interview with Bernama chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai.
Sultan Sharafuddin urged the people of Selangor to care about Malaysia and the state.
He called for unity and cooperation regardless of race or religion.
“Focus on the commonalities of all races. Don’t harp on the differences,” the Ruler added.
He expressed concern that the situation could worsen in the run-up to the next general election.
“With AI, I can only sense more damaging content being created to stir up political negativity,” said Sultan Sharafuddin.
While acknowledging AI’s benefits, he stressed the need for laws to prevent its abuse.
He cited deepfakes as an example often used by scammers.
The Ruler said strict laws must be applied and enforced to stop damaging content.
Sultan Sharafuddin stated that hate speech tied to race and religion jeopardises social harmony.
He emphasised that such behaviour is legally actionable under existing laws.
“Many of these comments and postings are provocative, disrespectful and harmful,” he said.
In Malaysia’s context, with high sensitivities around ethnicity and faith, he said such online behaviour cannot be tolerated. – Bernama
