Malaysia’s adroitness in preserving racial unity is a model to emulate in the administration of a multi-racial country. Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said there would be an influx of immigrants to developing countries within the next five decades as he doubted the ability of developed countries such as the United Kingdom and the United States to cope.

"Countries that already look to Malaysia as a role model will turn to us on how to manage a multi-racial society," he told reporters after presenting a keynote address at a unity gathering organised by the Penang Consultative Goodwill Committee at Dewan Sri Pinang here.

The gathering was attended by some 1,000 people who included Dr Mahathir's wife, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon, State Legislative Assembly Speaker Yahaya Abdul Hamid and the committee's chairman, Datuk Seri Mohd Yussoff Latiff.

Also present were representatives of 15 ethnic organisations, elected representatives and diplomats.

Dr Mahathir said Malaysia’s success was due to racial unity, political stability and the ability to devise its own policies for economic success.

He said foreigners could not understand how a coalition Government comprising 14 political parties could work together in administering a multi-ethnic society.

"This is a refreshing change to them, as I have come across coalition governments made up of only two parties that are unable to come to agreement and are often at loggerheads with each other," he added.

"The sensitivity we display as fellow Malaysians has enabled us to live in peace and harmony as a nation and the same goes for our willingness to share political power.

"Our ability to make sacrifices for the sake of national unity has resulted in there no being no losers in Malaysia. We share the gains which come from these sacrifices."