KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 27 (Bernama) -- Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi tonight emphasised that there won't be progress in the country if all spheres are dominated by a single ethnic community.

The Prime Minister said Malaysia needed the cooperation and consensus from all the ethnic communities in the country.

As such, Abdullah said the people should emulate the past leadership who placed emphasis on unity and cooperation in the development of the country.

"I know every community wants to make demands but we must be mindful that we are a (multi-racial) country and, as such, whatever we do should be acceptable to all," he said at the cultural show `Malaysia Gemilang' organised by the MCA at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium, near here.

Speaking to more than 5,000 guests comprising the Chinese community, the Prime Minister said the progress and prosperity enjoyed by the people now were achieved through the wisdom of the past leaders, particularly Tunku Abdul Rahman, who advocated the concept of power sharing.

"I value the principle of power sharing... I will strongly hold to this principle. Only this formula can work in a (multiracial) country like Malaysia," he said.

The Prime Minister said the people should regard all communities as `friends' in all matters.

Abdullah also described several Chinese community leaders including Tan Sri Lim Goh Tong who died on Oct 23 as individuals who worked hard and contributed to the country's development.

He also gave his assurance that the National Type Chinese Primary School (SRJKC) examination would remain to be conducted in two languages in response to MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Kah Ting's speech earlier on the matter.

"The government always gives priority to education for all communities," he said.

The guests, who included the Prime Minister's wife Datin Seri Jeanne Abdullah, MCA deputy president Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy and Gerakan acting president Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon, were entertained to cultural performances at the event.