Najib: I'm PM for all Malaysians

ASSURANCE: We can know each other better through discussions, PM tells Christians

PETALING JAYA: PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has reassured Christians in Malaysia that the government  recognised the needs of their community, amid growing concerns that they were being sidelined.
"I do not want to be a prime minister for only a section of the community, but for all Malay-sians," he said.

"We have, in fact, achieved quite a lot for the Christian community through subtle engagement, away from the glare of publicity."

He said this, among others, could be seen from the government's decision to lift the travel restrictions to Jerusalem recently.

"I believe that God-fearing Christians with strong values are a good thing for Malaysia," he said at a Christmas high tea organised by the Christian Federation of Malaysia on Tuesday.

It was hosted by the Lutheran Church in Malaysia and attended by about 1,000 representatives from churches in the Klang Valley.


Najib said his personal interactions with church leaders also showed the inclusiveness practised by the government. Continuous inter-religious dialogue and discussions were needed to engage with one another in a constructive manner, he added.

"We should not fear constructive dialogue as we can only respect and appreciate one another more if we know each other better.

"It is comforting to know that Christian leaders are active participants in the Committee on Promoting Harmony and Understanding among Religious Adherents, which has been meeting regularly for three years."
 
Acknowledging the fact that he had been a product of a mission school in his younger days, Najib lauded the community's contributions to education, which were immense even before Malaysia was formed.

"The community's contributions stretch beyond education, as many welfare homes, legal aid clinics and outreach and protection programmes are solely due to their innate goodwill."

He also urged the Christian community to work more closely with the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry to extend its outreach and accentuate its effectiveness.

Earlier, Lutheran Church of Malaysia bishop Philip Lok thanked the government for lifting the travel restrictions to Jerusalem, describing it as a "wonderful Christmas gift for its members".

He said the church was firmly committed to assisting in the development of the nation and Christians were doing their part to build a better Malaysian society.

Present were Najib's wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon, Information, Communications and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha and several opposition politicians.

Datuk Seri Najib Razak meeting the young and old at the Christmas high tea yesterday.

(Source: www.nst.com.my)