Zahid cautions against allegations of foreign media

He said the people should be positive and fend off all the issues raised by the foreign media.

"We must not mortgage our sovereignty and independence to the foreign media to dictate national politics. As a leader, I urge all Malaysians to be together as a force in the defence of the nation," he said in his Aidilfitri message issued in a statement.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also Home Minister, called on the people to make the new media a medium of unity instead of turning it into a platform to raise sensitive issues that could incite hatred among the communities.

"Basically, we have been successful in nurturing and nourishing the spirit of Bangsa Malaysia (a Malaysian race). However, surely this strength and uniqueness is the envy of foreigners.

"This is our challenge. They are trying their level best to break the bonds of unity among the people and the national leadership," he said.

Ahmad Zahid said the government would remain committed to addressing the issues of the cost of living, taxation and worrisome social problems such as bullying.

"The people''s trust in the government over the years will be realised effectively," he said.

In conjunction with Aidilfitri this year, Ahmad Zahid urged Malaysians to call at Aidilfitri open house to strengthen brotherhood in the pluralistic society of Malaysia.

"As a peaceful cosmopolitan society, let us celebrate Aidilfitri in an atmosphere of goodwill among family, relatives and friends regardless of religion, culture and colour.

"I wish all Muslims in Malaysia 'Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Maaf Zahir dan Batin'."