The people should give strong support to the party that can ensure the minorities can practise their cultures without any hindrance, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Mohd Nazri Abdul Aziz.

He said that, in the states controlled by the opposition, Chinese and Indians have complained that their freedom to practise their cultures and traditions was being curtailed.

"Hence, the leaders voted by the people should not be in favour of their own race, but should also be able to provide support and assistance to the people regardless of race and religion," he said.

Nazri was speaking at a 1Malaysia Charity dinner in conjunction with Chinese New Year, organised by the Yuen Long Buddhist Temple n Kepong, Kuala Lumpur, last night.

More than 4,000 people of various races, including Gerakan president Koh Tsu Koon and Umno information chief Ahmad Maslan, were present.

- Bernama