{
  "id": 3417960,
  "title": "Selangor Sultan urges leaders not to exploit differences to divide Malaysians",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/26/selangor-sultan-urges-leaders-not-to-exploit-differences-to-divide",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-26T03:50:16.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/08/1518947/selangor-sultan-urges-leaders-not-exploit-differences-divide-malaysians"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah of Selangor has cautioned political leaders against exploiting differences among Malaysians to create division within the country. While raising thousands of national flags during National Month is simple, the more significant challenge is fostering a society where every individual feels respected, accepted, and proud to be Malaysian, the Sultan stated in a recently issued statement. Independence is more than just a celebration, and the flag is more than just an emblem; their true worth lies in our capacity to coexist peacefully, with mutual respect and unity, he emphasized.\n\nThe Sultan urged leaders and politicians to exemplify moderation, tolerance, and compassion, and not to use political, racial, or religious differences to divide the populace. The Jalur Gemilang, the national flag, does not discriminate against any ethnic group, including Malays, Chinese, Indians, Kadazan-Dusuns, Ibans, or any other, nor does it differentiate between adherents of different faiths, such as Muslims, Buddhists, Christians, and Hindus. The Sultan also called for the younger generation to be educated in respecting individuals from diverse religions, races, and cultures.\n\nDespite the variety in race, religion, language, political beliefs, and backgrounds, the Jalur Gemilang serves as a reminder that we are all citizens of the same nation. This flag is for all Malaysians to be proud of, as it symbolizes national unity. The Sultan further encouraged the celebration of the spirit of National Day by honoring and appreciating the contributions of Malaysians who have devoted their lives to uniting communities and bridging divides. The Sultan also approved the flying of the Jalur Gemilang on the state flagpole at Dataran Selangor from August 26 to September 17. A flag-raising ceremony was held today to commemorate the event and promote patriotism and unity.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah has reminded leaders and politicians not to use political, racial or religious differences as an excuse to divide the people.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 4,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Vibes",
        "title": "Selangor Sultan: National unity must go beyond flying the Jalur Gemilang",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/26/selangor-sultan-national-unity-must-go-beyond-flying-the-jalur",
        "published": "2026-08-26T03:12:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Bernama",
        "title": "General : Sultan Of Selangor: Jalur Gemilang Belongs To All Malaysians",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/26/general-sultan-of-selangor-jalur-gemilang-belongs-to-all-malaysians",
        "published": "2026-08-26T03:55:16.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Malay Mail",
        "title": "Look beyond racial and political lines this Merdeka, urges Sultan of Selangor",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/26/look-beyond-racial-and-political-lines-this-merdeka-urges-sultan-of",
        "published": "2026-08-26T04:43:45.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}