Malaysian leaders have urged Malaysians to unite to tackle the challenges emerging from the global financial turmoils.

All parties must fully cooperate to implement the measures being taken by the Government to stimulate and strengthen the economy, Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said in his Chinese New Year message carried by local newspapers on Sunday.

Malaysia had successfully get through various economic challenges in the past based on a strong spirit and firm cooperation, he said.

Badawi stressed that unity among all races in the country was very important as development and economic progress could not take place if the country was in a state of chaos.

The political stability in the country would not exist without the effort and cooperation of all Malaysians, he said.

He urged Malaysians to work together to make the country continue to develop and bring prosperity to all.

Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak also urged Malaysians to be more diligent and work hard to cushion themselves against the impact of the global economic crisis.

As the Chinese were ushering the Year of the Ox, he said, everyone should practice those good qualities of the Ox, such as resilience and determination as well as diligence and hard work, Najib said on Saturday in Pekan, Pahang State.

This was the right time to emphasize such qualities as the country was facing a lot of uncertainties in the global economy, he added.

(Xinhua News Agency January 25, 2009)