Prime Minister Najib Razak said tonight the media must assume the responsibility to help the government to bring progress and renewal to the country.

He said the media also had the responsibility to safeguard the peace in the country as well as the renewal and progress attained by the people.

"We have to continue doing what our forefathers did to bring progress and renewal to the country.

"We cannot merely bring progress and renewal but have to initiate a quantum leap, and the media has the responsibility to help in this transformation.

"This leap demands understanding and openness. Emotions and sentiments must be set aside or the effort to achieve the leap will be difficult," he said at the breaking of the fast with the prime minister at the Sri Utusan printing complex in Bangi.

Najib said the media should act responsibly when safeguarding the rights of any community, and it should also safeguard the rights of all Malaysians as well.

"The 1Malaysia concept I proposed is pivoted on the federal constitution and the Rukun Negara.

"Besides, I also put forward the principles which encompass the responsible attitude which must be practised. We have to appreciate the principle of 1Malaysia in order to build a more progressive country.

"We have to be fair to all the communities. This is not merely something which we want but it is that which is demanded by Islam.

"The era of the government knowing better has ended, and we now have to interact with everyone. And for this, the media must understand the government's thinking, and vice versa," he said.

On the coming Aidilfitri, Najib said the people should be grateful that they could celebrate the festival in peace and comfort and with adequate supply of everything they needed.

"Our intention to achieve success can be realised with strength of mind and thought," he said.

- Bernama