RESOLVE TO BECOME BETTER INDIVIDUALS, BETTER MALAYSIANS - M`SIAN PM

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 13 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Najib Razak
today wished Malaysian Chinese a very happy Chinese News Year and hoped all
Malaysians look ahead with greater optimism and resolve to build a stronger and
more dynamic 1Malaysia.

"This is an opportunity for all of us, in the Year of the Tiger, to reflect
on personal achievements, shortcomings and challenges and resolve to become
better individuals and better Malaysians in the year ahead.

"Open houses will be held to mark the beginning of the lunar New Year and
in keeping with the 1Malaysia spirit, I encourage every Malaysian to join in the
celebrations, visit your Chinese friends and be part of the festivities to mark
this auspicious day with your fellow citizens," he said in his Chinese New Year
message.

And, as has been the tradition for centuries, Malaysians of Chinese descent
would strengthen family ties with reunion dinners, pay homage to senior citizens
and renew friendships, noted the prime minister.

"We must be bold and more courageous in getting to know our neighbours
better and be more dynamic and committed in the workplace, so as to contribute
to the betterment of society and the country," he added.

Najib said, according to the Chinese zodiac, the tiger symbolised courage,
optimism and dynamism, adding that those born in that year were natural leaders,
brave, strong and daring.

Meanwhile, MCA (Malaysian Chinese Association) president Ong Tee Keat, while
wishing all Malaysian Chinese a happy Chinese New Year, hoped Malaysians of
other races could share the joy of celebrating the Lunar New Year, in the spirit
of 1Malaysia.

"The upcoming lunar year is the Year of the Golden Tiger. The tiger is a
symbol associated with speed of thought and sharpness in action. It is also a
symbol of passion, courage and generosity.

"It seems to me a perfect year for transformative change. Like the tiger
feline, may we always land on our feet," he said in a statement, in conjunction
with the lunar new year, which will be celebrated by the Chinese community
Sunday.

Ong, who is also transport minister, wished those returning home for the
celebrations, a safe journey. He urged them to be patient, careful and adhere to
traffic rules.

MIC (Malaysian Indian Congress) president S. Samy Vellu said the Year of the
Tiger would give a "roaring start" for Malaysia's economy to fully recover from
last year's economic slowdown.

People's Progressive Party president Datuk M. Kayveas hoped the Chinese
community would strive to further strengthen relations among the various races.

In his Chinese New Year message, he said the peace and harmony enjoyed by
the country should be further nutured for its betterment.

In the southern state of MELAKA, Chief Minister Mohd Ali Rustam urged the
people of various races to strenghten unity and build a strong society towards
achieving 1Malaysia.

He said unity, spirit of friendship and tolerance were crucial for the
country's progress.

"We should take every opportunity to further strengthen this," he said in
his Chinese New Year mesasage.

Social activist Lee Lam Thye, a trustee of the 1Malaysia Foundation,
said other races should also join in the Chinese New Year celebrations through
the concept of open houses to adopt the spirit of 1Malaysia.

He reminded Malaysians that racial harmony and unity should never be
taken for granted as shown by recent events affecting religious harmony.
-- BERNAMA