RE-ASSESS AND STRENGTHEN RACIAL UNDERSTANDING, SAYS M'SIAN PM ABDULLAH

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 24(Bernama) -- Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad
Badawi has called on the people to re-assess and strengthen the spirit of
understanding among the races which has been the basis of national unity all
this while.

He said that for this, they must play their respective roles to further
enhance ties among the multiracial and multireligious people.

"It would be naive of us to think that forging unity is the sole
responsibility of the government," he said in his Christmas message to the
nation.

He said the task of forging unity rested on the shoulders of every citizen
and the goodwill among the races must constantly be renewed so that the country
could tackle the problems that were bound to arise in a multiracial society.

Such efforts should go beyond building tolerance and holding celebrations
and should strive for greater understanding and more solid and sincere mutual
appreciation he said.


He said that as the Christians celebrated Christmas among family and friends
the people should not forget the less fortunate, especially the victims of the
recent landslides and floods.

"As we celebrate Christmas, let us extend a helping hand to those in need,"
he added.

Meanwhile, MCA president Ong Tee Keat, in his Christmas message,
urgesdMalaysian to cherish and not take for granted the unique Malaysian
Christmas celebrations.

"In addition to being familiar with the concept of tolerence, Malaysians
must now take it to a higher level of mutual understanding, mutual respect and
mutual appreciation which can only be forged through meaningful engagement and
interaction," Ong said.

In wishing Christians a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, he urged
Malaysians to take stock of what they had achieved in 2008 and plan to scale
greater heights next year.

Sabah Chief Minister Musa Aman, in his message, said the ability
of Malaysians to remain united was a key factor in overcoming the difficult
times in a highly competitive and globalised world.

He said the peaceful nation today was due to the people working together to
resolve their differences and also sacrifices made by past leaders and freedom
fighters who had worked very hard to gain independence for the state and the
nation.

"Malaysia promotes unity, cultural harmony and religious tolerance, and
today's Christmas celebration is a reflection of this," he said, adding that
this tradition had helped Malaysians to stand as one and to achieve solidarity.

"In some parts of the world, it would be impossible for people of different
beliefs to sit together and greet one another at open houses the way we are
able to in Malaysia.

"It is my hope that we in Sabah and in Malaysia, remain steadfast in our
vision to remain united," he added.

-- BERNAMA