Najib: Malaysia's success, due to government policies

He said the concept of integration emphasised by past leaders served as a unique path in uniting the people of various races through the Malaysian way.

"We allow various ethnic groups to enjoy their cultures and we are the only country in the world that recognised vernacular education," he said in his speech at the 2013 Chinese New Year Festival which was attended by about 20,000 people at Pavilion, Bukit Bintang here.

The prime minister said the concept of integration had to be nurtured, practised and made an inspiration in the lives of the people from all walks of life.

Also present at the function were the Prime Minister's wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor and former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and wife, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali.

Apart from that, Najib said the success enjoyed by Malaysia today was a result of the perseverance in overcoming all challenges, including the Asian financial crisis in 1997 and 1998.

He said every challenges and obstacles that came should not weaken the country, instead made it stronger.

"We cope to recover (from) the darkest racial riot in May 13 1969 and the Asian financial crisis in 1997.

"We know who was the finance minister during that time. We also know who was responsible for cutting down the non performance loan, pushing interest rate above 40 per cent.

"We all know who was willing to surrender the sovereignty of Malaysia to the IMF (International Monetary Fund)," he added.

He called on the people to continue to support the present government under his leadership to ensure continuity in the country's development.