PM CALLS ON PEOPLE TO MAINTAIN UNITY AND PEACE

PEKAN (Malaysia), Sept 7 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Najib Razak reminded
the people of the importance of maintaining racial unity and peace as this is
instrumental for the nation's success.

He said the country's development today might not have been achieved without
peace and harmony, so every Malaysian should be grateful and thankful for this,
and work at ensuring that this situation prevailed.

"We should be grateful that we are able to fast and carry out our other
religious obligations in a climate of peace and harmony. And this is the basis
for whatever we want to do and in living our everyday life" he said at a
breaking of fast and handing-over of Eid contributions to widows and senior
citizens at the Al-Amin Mosque in this royal town in east coast state of Pahang
Sunday night.

Najib said if there was chaos in the country, people would find it difficult
to go about doing things like performing their religious obligations and earning
their livelihood, while the country's development would be hampered.

"Our challenge is maintaining our nation's success and although there are
hurdles, we are still grateful to be in a country that is continuously
developing," he said.

Najib also called on Muslims to effect change in order to achieve greater
success in life as enjoined by the religion and Quran.

He said change must first come from oneself which would in turn bring
success to the Muslim community.

"Ramadan is a good month for us to look at ourselves and do some soul
searching as this could strengthen our spirit to face the challenges ahead," he
added.
-- BERNAMA