KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said he was looking forward to seeing how much more the Government could help support the Chinese community as there was much more work to do this year.

The Prime Minister said the Barisan National government recognised the importance of having open channels with the Chinese community to better understand their needs.

"Through my Ah Jib Gor alone, we sifted through many suggestions, which have formed part of the basis of Budget 2013.

"One area of real importance is education where we have allocated RM100mil to national type Chinese schools money which will help refurbish school buildings and buy new school equipment," he said in the message posted on his 1Malaysia.com.my blog.

Through the National Education Blueprint, he said the Government was also aiming to increase the number of Chinese language teachers in order to meet student demand.

"And the top students of Chinese secondary schools have been given scholarship to ensure the most diligent minds can continue to serve our society once they have graduated," he said.

Thus, Najib said it was his hope that the Chinese community would continue to support the Government towards this goal.

As Chinese New Year is just around the corner and Malaysia has begun easing into the festive mood, Najib said he was also looking forward to having some Yee Sang, a truly marvelous dish.

"Yee Sang is one such traditional dish which is symbolic of good luck, prosperity and health. To me, this also serves as a reminder of how important the Chinese community is to Malaysia.

"My father, the late Tun Abdul Razak, was very clear on his stance towards the Chinese community, who have helped in the development of our country in many ways since we achieved independence - and I share his vision," he said.

Najib said he could not imagine a Malaysia lacking the Chinese culture that was so tightly interwoven into the society.

"I think it's fair to say this enthusiasm has passed on to another generation now that my son Ashman speaks fluent Mandarin," he said.

In the spirit of 1Malaysia, Najib wished all Chinese Malaysians Gong Xi Fa Cai and a Happy Chinese New Year. - Bernama

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