Malaysians must continue to work together and stand against extremist and racial elements in the society to enjoy lasting peace and stability.

MCA President Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the country's political environment has undergone changes which was affecting Malaysia's multi-cultural and multi-ethnic relations.

He added that the national spirit was being eroded and these racial, cultural and religious differences were now testing our ingrained harmonious ethnic relations.

"We must advocate diversity in order to ensure an equitable balance in our political environment to safeguard national unity.

"Now, more than ever, we must go beyond tolerance and embrace acceptance and understanding," he said in his 2014 Chinese New Year message for the Lunar Year of the Horse that will be celebrated on Friday and Saturday.

Liow stressed that since Independence, Malaysia had always pursued a moderate path which had served the people well and this had become the foundation on which the country’s government was established.

He said under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak's leadership, the government was actively promoting the spirit of inclusiveness and national unity by advancing as a "1Malaysia" society.

"Whilst it appears some have forgotten this, looking back to remind us of our past will serve as a salve to the current social illnesses plaguing our society. I would like to remind everyone that harmony is the only way for our nation to progress," he said.

Liow said for long-term stability of the country though, the government must keep in mind that unity was essential and the country must be governed as one nation.

However, he reminded the people that the government had the responsibility of planning ahead for the future of the nation and policies that may appear unpopular now would later be realized as a pillar for the betterment of the nation.

Stressing that MCA now embarked on a transformation agenda, he said the party would continue to strive to uplift the Chinese community by addressing issues like education, economic enhancement, national harmony and welfare.

In extending his Chinese New Year greetings, Liow called on the people to learn from the energy, strength, endurance and grace of a horse, and hoped the 'horse year' would bring prosperity, peace and harmony to Malaysians.

He said Najib and his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor and other cabinet members were scheduled to attend MCA's Chinese New Year open house at the party's headquarters here, on Friday.