Sultan Idris II's Speech at the Mosque Pulpit at Age 11
Around 1935, a royal prince was named the second heir to the Perak throne; he was Raja Idris Shah Ibni Sultan Iskandar Shah. At that time, Raja Idris held the title of Raja Di Hilir Perak.
For the information of our loyal readers at orangperak.com, Raja Idris Shah was only 11 years old in 1935. For a young royal child to be given such a grand title, he must have surely felt the pressure of the burden and responsibility of carrying out duties as the future Sultan of Perak. We are sure you all know that Raja Idris Shah was the son of Sultan Iskandar Shah (the 30th Sultan of Perak). The purpose of this article is to revive memories and recollections of the time when the state of Perak was under the reign of the late Sultan Idris Shah II.
On the blessed Friday of January 11, 1935, as the story goes, the Raja Di Hilir Perak, Raja Idris Shah Ibni Sultan Iskandar Shah, set out to perform Friday prayers at the Masjid Ridzuaniah in Kuala Kangsar. Raja Idris Shah was accompanied by several dignitaries to perform the Friday prayers at Masjid Ridzuaniah. What happened after the congregation finished their prayers surprised everyone present. This was because the Raja Idris Shah took the opportunity to deliver a speech from the mosque's pulpit.
Image credit: Sembang Kuala
“Gentlemen, let us strive earnestly to please our God and our King, by seeking knowledge and performing acts of worship such as the five daily prayers in congregation and others. Let us strive earnestly so as not to incur the wrath of our God and our King, for whoever is cursed by their God will surely end up in Hell, and whoever is cursed by their King, there is no use living in this land. I am still a foolish child, but whatever I hear and whatever I see, I will report to my father; my only prayer is for the long life and safety of all the people of Perak.”
The speech by Raja Idris Shah was very short, concise, and quite profound! What he said was very meaningful in introducing his character. This speech made all the people present feel at ease, witnessing the noble character of a young prince who would one day become the Sultan of Perak.
Source and adaptation from the Warta Malaya newspaper dated January 16, 1935
