BN GOVT WILL NOT FAIL THE PEOPLE, SAYS M'SIAN PM

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 1 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad
Badawi Tuesday extended Hari Raya Aidilfitri greetings to the people and said
the National Front (Barisan Nasional) (BN) government will not fail
them.

"The government realises that the people are uneasy with the current
political situation because of the negative impact it has on them and the
country, and I wish to categorically state that the government is committed to
discharging the trust and responsibility given it by the people," he
said.

Muslims in the country celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri Wednesday.

The prime minister said that whatever the circumstance, the government
would
never neglect its duty of administering the country with prudence and
dedication.

He reminded the people that the country had faced various trials and
tribulations from even pre-independence days and that it had emerged victorious
every time.

Praise be to God, we have been able to overcome every trial and challenge.
It can be said that each of the challenges and trials has padded us with more
maturity, and given the country more resilience and strength to march on," he
said.

Abdullah, who is BN chairman and Umno president, said he regarded
inter-racial unity as the core buttress that had enabled the country to face all
the
challenges and obstacles thus far.

He said Malaysia had proven to the rest of the world that people of various
races and religions can live together in peace and harmony.

"As such, it was saddening when racial issues which can tear apart the
fabric of unity that has been woven together all this while were raised of late.


"I wish to emphasise here the fact that this country belongs to all of us,
every one of us. No citizen is recognised as being of a higher status than
another in this motherland," he said.

He also said he was convinced that all inter-racial and inter-religious
issues and problems could be resolved through dialogue and discussions and by
considering every issue and problem in a rational manner to find a solution.

"Everything is done on the basis of consensus, tolerance and mutual
respect," he said, adding that he was personally determined to undertake efforts
to strengthen and maintain unity among the people.

Referring to the Aidilfitri celebration tomorrow, Abdullah called on
Muslims to strengthen the bonds of unity which had been nurtured and safeguarded
all this while.

He said the people should stay calm and exercise patience to be able to
react in a matured and rational manner should any issue or problem crop up.

"Do not succumb to emotions to the extent that we overstep our bounds.
Remember that the unity amongst us was not achieved with ease but with much
sacrifice and hard work," he said.

Abdullah called on the people of all races to make the traditional "open
house" visits during the Aidilfitri tomorrow.

"Carry on with the practice of calling on one another and make use of this
opportunity to strengthen the bonds of friendship in a cordial manner," he said.


The prime minister also advised Muslims to exercise prudence in their
spending while celebrating Aidilfitri.

"Aidilfitri is not gauged by how much we spend. We should not be
extravagant
and we should not be miserly either," he said.

He also advised Muslims returning to their hometowns and villages for
Aidilfitri to ensure that their vehicles were in good condition and roadworthy.

"Those who are driving should get enough rest before starting the journey.
Drive carefully and patiently and abide by all traffic regulations. Better late
than never," he said.

Jeanne Abdullah, wife of the prime minister, reminded Muslims
not to forget to extend aid to the needy during the festive period.

"Give them hope so that they can put on a smile during this Aidilfitri,"
she said.