Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak has called on Malaysian Hindus to continue to place their "nambikei (trust)" in the government.

With this trust, he said, the government would be able to effectively engage with and help the community overcome challenges and achieve personal visions for a better life.

"We remain committed to fulfilling all our promises to the community and we'll do what's needed to help people achieve their dreams," he said in his message in conjunction with the Thaipusam festival posted on his blogsite www.1malaysia.com.my.

Najib noted that Hindus marked Thaipusam by offering their thanks and sacrifice throughout the country.

He said many would also be making vows and praying for a better life and a secure happy future for their children.

"It's a basic human wish to improve and progress towards a better quality of life for oneself and our loved ones," Najib said, adding that the government knew and understood this instinct for progress.

The prime minister took the opportunity to extend his greetings to all Hindus in Malaysia as they observed Thaipusam.

"We can, once again, appreciate our diverse culture as Malaysian Hindus mark the auspicious day," he added.