GEORGETOWN- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said he wants to get closer to the Chinese community in Penang and to better understand their sentiments.
Najib said this was encapsulated, among others in the video he made, which was posted on Youtube recently.
In the video, Najib was seen to be among the Chinese community during a Chinese New Year celebration and played the drum much to the amazement of everyone in the clip.
Najib said the reason he did the video was because he wanted to get closer to the Chinese community.
"The underpining message in the video is the show of respect to the Chinese culture.
"If you want your culture to be respected, you need to respect all cultures including the Malay, Indian and the Chinese.
"And of course I had to learn how to play the drum," he said in his speech when hosting Penang media to a dinner.
Among those present were State BN chairman Teng Chang Yeow, State Umno liaison chief Datuk Zainal Abidin Osman and Tasik Gelugor MP Tan Sri Nor Yakcop.
As for the Barisan Nasional Chinese New Year celebration event, Najib said the function was for the people of Penang and there was nothing political about it.
He said this was because the 1Malaysia concept was not political as it promoted total unity among the people.
"It is about building a stronger and united Malaysia, a Malaysia of all cultures and ethnic groups feeling a sense of belonging.
"People do not have to fear 1Malaysia. It is above politics and we have to rise above it," said Najib.
He said together, the people would make Malaysia a more successful nation.
"As your Prime Minister, I am dedicating myself to take Malaysia to greater heights.
"I can't do it alone. I need the support of everyone."
Najib also said he would not make empty promises as he believed in promises he could keep.
"That is what I meant with 'janji ditepati' (promises kept). When I say I want to address your housing and traffic problems (in Penang), it is a promise I intend to keep."
- New Straits Times
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