Reject extremism, fanaticism, rigid ideologies - PM

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak called on the people to reject extremism, fanaticism and rigid ideologies, and continue to enhance mutual understanding and respect to maintain unity in the country.

"Although we have different cultures and religions, we are still Malaysians who love the country and will continue striving to make Malaysia a fully-developed nation by 2020," he said at the Malaysian Deepavali Open House yesterday.

He said the concept of unity in diversity promoted by the country's former leaders could not be found elsewhere in the world, hence making Malaysia a very special country.

As such, he said the people should feel proud with the government's success in maintaining peace and harmony in this multi-racial country.

He said this was because leaders of other countries had repeatedly expressed their amazement on Malaysia's success and their intention to learn the methods practiced in the country.

"I have spoken to the new Prime Minister of India (Nerendra Modi) who said that he was impressed with Malaysia's success and would like to learn how we did it.

"If a foreigner can feel that way about Malaysia, then why some of our own people continue to ridicule the success?" he said.

Also present at the open house attended by over 10,000 people were Yang Dipertua Negeri Melaka Tun Mohd Khalil Yaakob, Prime Minister's wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Idris Haron and Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz.

Meanwhile, Najib said government would continue helping the Indian community to move forward together with other races in the country.

He said various efforts had been done for the development of the Indian community through the 2015 Budget, including by providing Tekun loan amounting to RM50 million, and distributing another RM50 million for the maintenance and repair of Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Tamil nationwide.

"This is among the government's initiatives to strengthen the spirit of 'nambikei' or trust in developing Malaysia," he said.