Respect each other's religion and culture - Najib

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said that all Malaysians must respect each other's religion and culture to preserve peace and stability of the country.

He said Malaysians, regardless of race and religious background, should also reject any form of extremism to maintain harmony among the communities.

"We should continue the moderation (practised) in this country. I believe that we must reject any form of extremism, whether it is religion or racial.

"We must always respect each other's religion culture and every single ethnic group. And as prime minister, I believe that I must represent all communities and ethnics in this country," he said in his speech at the Federation of Chinese Associations Malaysia (Huazong) Appreciation Dinner, here today.

The event was held in appreciation of the donors who have contributed to the Huazong's new building construction.

Also present were Najib's wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor and Huazong's President Tan Sri Pheng Yin Huah.

Najib said the contributors would receive tax exemption of RM43 million.

"I believe with this new building, Huazong can play more effective roles for Malaysia to achieve high-income country in 2020.

"The government has also contributed RM5 million to support the construction of Huazong new building," he said.

He said the construction of the 12-storey building in Kajang, worth RM80 million, was expected to be completed in October or November this year.