Najib Abdul Razak today said Malaysian Chinese were not "pendatang" (immigrants) but loyal citizens of the country.

Opening the 57th MCA General Assembly at Wisma MCA in Kuala Lumpur, the prime minister said such a derogatory term and negative sentiments should be discarded.

"I agree with you that Malaysian Chinese should not be described as 'kaum pendatang' (immigrant community).

"That (the term) might be for the few generations ago but today, you are loyal citizens of Malaysia," he said to thumping applause from the floor.

Najib said that looking ahead, all Malaysians irrespective of backgrounds and creed should work together to contribute towards building a progressive Malaysia.

"Our forefathers had proven that we could work together and that such spirit should continue to be embraced today, so that Malaysia would grow stronger and compete at the global stage.

"My dream is for Malaysia to become a truly first-class, developed 21st century nation. Not a second-grade mediocre nation but to become among the best developed nation in the world."

Najib said as the government was taking various serious transformation initiatives such as the New Economic Model, Economic Transformation Programme and the 10th Malaysian Plan, all these would be useless without the support of the people.

"That is why I want a win so much in the 13th general election. We can't transform (the country) unless we get a fresh mandate (from the people) in the next general election.

"It is part and parcel of transforming Malaysia," he added.

- Bernama