The new archbishop-elect of Kuala Lumpur told the media to aid in "nation building" and not in "nation breaking" in a short address at a press conference to announce his appointment today.

The Vatican today appointed 50-year-old Rev Julian Leow Beng Kim to the post which was vacant for eight months, following Murphy Pakiam's ( left ) resignation late last year.

Leow, who will be ordained sometime in September, is currently the Archdiocesan clergy of Kuala Lumpur and has been a priest for the past 12 years.

"I hope the media will be trustworthy and report the truth. Be part of nation building, not nation breaking," he told the media.

He is the first Malaysian Chinese to become the archbishop as all his three predecessors were of Malaysian Indian descent.

The announcement was made at the Archbishop's office by the Vatican's envoy to Malaysia, Archbishop Joseph Marino ( left ) at 6pm today, when the embargo was lifted.

Speaking after the announcement, Leow said that he would reserve comments about the ‘Allah’ issue for a later date.

"I have just been announced, and I have my views on the matter. But I will reserve my comments until I have met with the team of lawyers, which I have not done," he said, when asked about the church's next step under his leadership.

He however said that having dialogues is important for nation building, including on the ‘Allah’ issue.

"I am happy that this archdiocese finally has an archbishop, but I am sad that it is me," Leow joked, saying that he had "mixed feelings" in being appointed.

Leow was born in Seremban and holds a Bachelor in Building Degree from the University of New South Wales in Australia.

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