Learn from the past, rakyat told

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KANGAR: The Raja of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Syed Putra Jamalullail, has reminded the people that the future of the country is in their hands.

He said over the past 52 years, the country had seen many good and bad things happening.

Thus, the people should learn from the past and not repeat the mistakes made by others, he added.

He also expressed his concerns over what he described as the "divide-and-rule" policy of certain quarters which could undermine national unity.

He said there were certain groups trying very hard to disunite the people by playing on religious and racial sentiments.

Although these groups were not many, their attempts could have a significant effect on the country's efforts to unite the people under the 1Malaysia concept, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin said at the launch of the state-level 52nd National Day celebrations at Dewan 2020 on Monday night.

He said the divide-and-rule policy, which was effectively used by the colonial power to split the people at one time, was now being given a new lease of life by certain groups to advance their political agenda.

"They are masters in pitting the people against one another, playing up sensitive issues, bringing up religious prejudices and questioning the social contract."

He advised the people to stay away from those with negative agendas as they would not bring any good.

He also called on the people to strive to make 1Malaysia a success.

"The people of all races must unite, respect one another and abide by the Constitution and the country's laws."

He also expressed concern over the pace of development in Perlis as it was still lagging behind other states.