Najib Wants Malaysians To Imbibe Three Pillars For National Unity

PUCHONG, May 24 (Bernama) -- To achieve national unity, the people should work with the government in making 1Malaysia a success by subscribing to the three pillars for national unity, said Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

The three pillars are the concept of acceptance, principle of nationhood and concept of social justice.

"We need to move from the concept of tolerance to that of acceptance. If we can accept our multiracial society as a strength, we will accept the other races as our loyal friends," he said after launching the national-level Unity Week, here, today.

The people, he said, should therefore forge national unity regardless of their race, religion and culture as it was the basis for a more progressive and successful Malaysia.

Through the principle of nationhood, Najib wants the people to know the nation's history, and appreciate the role of its past leaders in building Malaysia and the foundations of nation building.

"When we know the nation's history, we will be able to know where we stand and the nation's future direction," he said.

On social justice, Najib said each citizen, whether in the urban or rural areas, who need help must be helped.

Hence, he urged everyone to support the 1Malaysia concept in order to bring the country to greater heights.

He said the Barisan Nasional government was a considerate and responsible government which looked after the interests of all communities.

While refuting the various accusations against the government made by Hindraf leaders of late, Najib said the government was sincere about improving the lot of the people and did wish to be seen as cruel.

"They have been released (from detention), but are now making statements which are extreme and I leave it to the people to judge. There is a limit to what one can voice out...don't do anything that can threaten national unity and security," he said.

At the event, Najib also handed over Unity awards to the Unite Sports Club in the sports category, Alleycats lead singer Datuk David Arumugam or whose real name, Thiagarajan Arumugam, in the arts category, Sinar Harian in the media category and Zubedy Sdn Bhd in the corporate category.

Also present were the prime minister's wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Senator Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon and Deputy Foreign Minister Senator A. Kohilan Pillay.