Moderation the foundation of modern Malaysia: Najib

SHAH ALAM: Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak said that moderation in the multicultural society is the foundation of what Malaysia has become today.
He said past leaders had drawn up the Federal Constitution based on the politics of compromise and they believed in national integration and not racial assimilation.
"We have Bahasa Melayu as the national language but allow the use of other languages in the country; we also have Islam as the official religion but we allow the practice of other religions without any prohibition," he said.
Addressing the Gerakan national delegates conference in Setia Alam, here yesterday, the prime minister stressed on the importance of taking the moderate path.
Najib also said he and his BN component party leaders reject extremism in the country.
"We can show the world, in a humble way, our concept of moderation and political compromise," he said.
Najib attributed Malaysia's securing of a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council also to its success as a multi-racial and multi-religious nation.
He said practising moderation is not a sign of weakness, but of strength.
"It is easy to be a champion who shouts something just to gain popularity among small groups of followers. But to be moderate and be a leader accepted by all communities and faiths, that is a mark of a true leader," he said.
He said Gerakan needs to plan better than DAP if it wants to recapture Penang.
"Gerakan needs to have better plans than what DAP has for Penang.
"Find out how many affordable houses are needed, how to solve traffic congestion, how much investments has been brought in (by the current Pakatan Rakyat-led state government), compared with (former Penang chief ministers) (the late) Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu and Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon," he said.
"Always be prepared with facts, the Opposition likes to attack based on lies, but we need to use facts," he said.
He said Gerakan needs to cooperate with other BN component parties and have a sense of direction to lead the state in the future.
Gerakan was obliterated in Penang in the 12th general election in 2008, when Pakatan Rakyat swept 29 of 40 state seats.
The party's candidates again whitewashed in the 12th and 13th general elections.
MCA president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said he agreed with Najib on the call for moderation.
"We must not let extremists secure a foothold in the country," he said, adding that what is important for Malaysia is for everyone to live in unity, peace and harmony.