Photo: BERNAMA TV
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec. 31 (Xinhua) -- Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad urged his countrymen to close ranks and support the government's efforts to develop the country on Tuesday as part of his new year address.
In a televised speech, Mahathir said the country faced uncertain global economic conditions and the rapid changes in technology, and his administration would work towards helping the people face these challenges and be self sufficient as a country.
"In short, we must continue to strive and not depend on fate to advance ourselves. We need to accept this situation and try to push ourselves to address these changes and these challenges," he said.
The 94-year-old leader also urged those in the multiracial country to be respectful of one another and to practice tolerance and goodwill to prevent the country from becoming backward.
"These virtues represent all cultures, religions and races and the diversity of Malaysia should make us more aware of these values," he said.