Attacks on houses of worship 'work of extremists'

Prime Minister Najib Razak said desecration of houses of worship and dumping severed pig heads at mosques did not reflect 1Malaysia's failure.

Rather, such incidents showed that there was a need for such a concept for Malaysians.

He said the torching of churches and surau and dumping pig heads at mosques might be the work of extremists.

"If we take the middle path, be moderate in attitude and stand. Then, those on the left and right are the extremists.

 

"Sooner or later, they (extremists) will have no place in Malaysian society because we support 1Malaysia," he said in his speech at the national-level Chinese New Year celebrations in Pandamaran here tonight.

 

Najib said Malaysians should not be upset over such incidents, but view them as both a challenge and lesson.

"It is a challenge for us, we should unite as one nation, one people. This is the spirit which we should inculcate," he added.

Malaysia celebrates six major festivals

Najib said the nation's well-being lay on the uniqueness of its people of various races which could not be found in other countries.

In Malaysia, the people celebrate six festivals at national-level and the government recognises the cultural heritage of the minorities.

This is the spirit of the 1Malaysia concept, as mirrored by the 'yee sang' ingredients comprising fish, herbs, vegetables and honey which were mixed into one special dish, he added.

Najib thanked the people of Pandamaran who came out in full force and were willing to wait for him and his wife, Rosmah Mansor, in the rain.

"Despite the heavy downpour, the people of Pandamaran say, 'no problem'. They say the rain brings 'ong' (luck), the Malays say, the rain is a blessing," added the prime minister.

- Bernama