Malaysians have been urged to preserve tradition by disallowing any party to play the racist card as it will destroy the harmony built over the years.

Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said without the understanding and cooperation of other races, the prosperity enjoyed would not be realised.

"I hope that the Snake Year will bring prosperity and peace to the Chinese community and Malaysians in general.

"Let us keep the unity, harmony and stability of our country to ensure a more progressive and prosperous future," he said in a Chinese New Year message.

Muhyiddin said the Chinese New Year to be celebrated by the Chinese tomorrow is proof that the people have freedom to celebrate festivals with joy and in harmony.

While entending Gong Xi Fa Cai, he said there are no restrictions, much less a ban on ethnic groups, including the Chinese from practising their faith and celebrating in a big way.

"I believe in racial tolerance as it is integral to peace in Malaysia. It can be retained if mutual understanding, respect and cooperation continue to be practised.

"As the second largest community in the country, the Chinese New Year celebration has become more prominent with the participation of other races to usher the Snake Year," he added.

- Bernama