M'sian Pm Hopes Siamese Community In M'sia Will Help Maintain Peace, Unity

KUALA LUMPUR, April 13 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Najib Razak Friday expresed hope that the Siamese community in Malaysia will continue to be committed to preserving unity and peace enjoyed by the people. He said the prevailing peace and stability and development had enabled the government to protect each community in the country regardless whether they were the majority or minority. "Although this country is multiracial, multireligious and multicultural, we are still able to mantain unity and to live in peace. "With this, we are able to enjoy prosperity in this blessed country of ours. All this is due to contributions from all levels of Malaysian society irrespective of race, religion and descent," the prime minister said in his message in conjunction with the Songkran celebration, through his Facebook page Friday. Najib also went into the history of the existence of the Siamese community in Malaysia since the signing of the Anglo-Siamese Treaty in 1909 which brought to the surrendering of the states of Perlis, Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu to the British by the then Siamese (Thai) government. He said when Malaya achieved independence, these four states became part of the country, with the Siamese community in these states remaining until today. Najib also took the opportunity to wish all Malaysians of Siamese origin "Selamat Hari Songkran" (Happy Songkran Day) with the hope that their new year will bring them more happiness and prosperity. "In conjunction with the Songkran celebration, my family and I hope that the Siamese community would strengthen their commitment and resolve to preserving unity and peace that we are enjoying. "Let us all work together for a brighter future that will be inherited by the coming generations," he said. Songkran or New Year for the Siamese community is celebrated on April 13 each year. -- BERNAMA