KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 11 — Datuk Seri Najib Razak has renewed his resolve to defend national peace, harmony and security.

The prime minister aid it was his duty as a leader to ensure that people of various ethnic groups and races could enjoy the potentials of the country.

“This is my responsibility to ensure a shining future for all is rest assured.

“This is because Malaysia has a big potential and hopes for all,” he said at a dinner in conjunction with the Second National Professor Congress Premier Discourse here last night.

He said past leaders had vision and commitment to ensure national prosperity was enjoyed by all without sidelining any ethnic group or community.

“This principle proved that diversity of races and ethnic groups is not a hindrance for us to live in peace and progress under one roof,” he said.

Najib said the diversity and peace must be defended despite efforts to disrupt them by irresponsible elements.

“Many people thought that the country would not be able to recover from the May 13, 1969 tragedy, but we did so rapidly. Furthermore, our nation becomes stronger from the incident,” he said.

The prime minister said this was attributed to power-sharing practised by the leaders then where sensitive matters were not discussed openly but resolved among them.

In this regard, Najib said complexity among the people should not hinder progress, instead help leaders to find ways to strengthen nation-building.

Najib said this prompted him to introduce the 1Malaysia concept in an effort to achieve national unity.

“The 1Malaysia concept was not introduced for the general election. The 1 Malaysia concept is for nation-building which must be done to ensure national development,” he said.

Najib later presented special media awards to Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) general manager Datuk Yong Soo Heong and other media representatives in recognition of the media contribution to the event.

The prime minister also received an interim resolution of the Second National Professor Congress from National Professors Council chairman Prof Emeritus Datuk Seri Dr Zakri Abdul Hamid. — Bernama