Najib urges M'sians to go back to their faiths to make Malaysia a greater nation

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians, regardless of their religions, must go back to their faiths if they wish to make Malaysia a great nation.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak said believing in the teachings of one's faith is the key in taking the country to the path of sustainable peace and harmony.
"Go back to your faith and the answers are there. You must be a true believer no matter what your religions, whether you are a Christian, Muslim, Buddhist or Hindu.
"Be a true believer of your faith and Malaysia will be a truly great nation," he said in his speech at a dinner function organised by the Christians for Peace and Harmony in Malaysia here today.
Najib also urged Malaysians of all races to learn to trust one another through the practice of "give and take" and accommodating the different customs and way of life.
In providing an example, Najib said there were reasons for the Chinese to don red attire during Chinese New Year, and celebrating it with drums and fireworks.
He explained that red is the symbol of prosperity to the Chinese, while playing drums and fireworks is believed to be able to chase away evil spirits.
"When the Chinese make a lot of noise, it is not because of any ill intention but because they want to chase away the evil spirit," Najib said.
"This is an example of how the people's understanding of one another can lead to social peace and harmony," he added.
Najib pointed out that the peace and harmony sought by every Malaysians was not something that could be created naturally and instantly.
He added everlasting peace among various races in the country begins with a better understanding of one another, including the different practices and beliefs of members from other communities.
"It is not sufficient to just attend open houses during festive seasons. Instead, we need to understand each other better, know their culture and why certain things are done in certain ways," he said.