GEORGE TOWN:
Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak said he specifically learnt to play the drums in a special Chinese New Year advertisement to show his commitment to engage with the Chinese community.
"I want the Chinese community to know that I respect the Chinese culture," he added.
He also said that all Malaysians should respect the Malay, Indian and Chinese cultures in the country.
"This is the underpinning, fundamental value of 1Malaysia," he said during his speech at a dinner with the media here on Sunday.
Najib said that 1Malaysia was about unity and not about politics.
"We must rise above politics and think of the nation. As your Prime Minister, I am dedicated to bringing Malaysia to greater heights," he said.
He also said that he would not perform the Gangnam style dance at the Barisan Nasional Chinese New Year open house on Monday.
"The open house tomorrow (Monday) is for the people of Penang, because I want to be connected to the people of Penang.
"Penang is an important state for us - it is a jewel," he said, adding that a lot could be done for the state.
