The people have a greater role than the security forces in maintaining peace and security in the country, said Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

The Prime Minister said that it was for this reason that he wanted the people to not get easily influenced by militant and extremist ideologies.

Falling prey to these ideologies could undermine not only national security but also national prosperity, he said in a special interview today with Radio Television Malaysia at the Aidilfitri open house of the Prime Minister and Cabinet Ministers at Seri Perdana.

Najib said maintaining security should not be left only to the security forces personnel who kept threats at bay in the border areas.

"Today, we find that peace and security are well maintained. Otherwise, we will not be able to celebrate Aidilftri so freely. I want to state that the people themselves are key to security.

“If the people are not influenced by militant and extremist ideologies, we can celebrate festivals without any fear or worry. This is what we must safeguard forever,” he said.

“We feel secure, for example, with the good security control at today’s event. It shows that peace in the country is guaranteed without any undesirable incidents,” he added.

Replying to a question, the Prime Minister said unity was an essential foundation to ensuring political integrity and stability which gave confidence to everyone.

“If the country is peaceful and stable due to our being united and having respect for one another, I believe Malaysia will continue to progress and be more successful,” he said.

Asked about the response to the open house, Najib said it was extraordinary and summed it up as many people from all walks of life.

“I feel that this open house has been most meaningful for the people and for me as the prime minister because today I was able to open the doors of Seri Perdana to various races. This is a complete celebration that has brought forth spontaneous joy.

“I was informed that the people queued all the way to the main road. I am touched that the people came from near and far because they wanted to ensure that ties between the people and leaders remained strong, and they were willing to wait for hours to exchange greetings,” he said.

Najib said he hoped that the spirit of unity and goodwill and love for Malaysia would be maintained at all times because these were a source of strength in taking Malaysia forward.

Meanwhile, Najib’s wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor praised the security forces at the border areas for their sacrifice because they had to be away from their families on Aidilfitri.

She advised the people not to quarrel among themselves but to forgive one another so as to strengthen relations among relatives and friends.

“Let’s together pray for the peace and security of the nation,” she said.

-- BERNAMA