KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi made a personal pledge last night to hold fast to the principle of power sharing which he said was the only way to govern this country.

"I would like to tell you that I strongly hold fast to this principle because this is the only formula that works in governing this country,? the Prime Minister told a crowd of 20,000 attending the 50th Merdeka Anniversary Cultural and Arts Performance at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil.

He said the leaders before him also believed in this principle as they had always worked closely with leaders from all communities by ensuring a government of power sharing by all races in Malaysia and that he would also do the same.

"I will always work closely with the leaders from other communities and we shall work together for the people," Abdullah said to thunderous applause.

However, he warned those out to cause trouble that he would not hesitate to act against them.

"I know there are stories out there saying this and that about me and how soft Pak Lah is.

"I assure you that when it comes to the security and harmony of this country I will be tough," he added.

Abdullah said everyone must remember that progress and development must be shared by all communities.

"We must always remember, what we want is also what others want. It cannot be a monopoly for one race. It cannot be done and should not be done.

"We must not allow that to happen," he said.

Abdullah also paid tribute to several great Chinese tycoons whom he described as great Malaysians.

He cited the likes of Tan Sri Lim Goh Tong, Tan Sri Loh Boon Siew and Tan Sri Low Yat, who have all since died, as those who had worked hard and contributed tremendously to the country.

"They may have come from China but were loyal to Malaysia and sincere in making Malaysia their home. They worked hard and became great Malaysians."

He also told the crowd that his speech was one that came straight "from the heart, not one written by my officers."

"I wanted you all to know this. This is a heart-to-heart talk."

Abdullah also urged young Malaysians to make friends with those from other races.

"They should make an effort to do so. Ask yourself how many friends of other races that you have? I have a lot of Chinese and Indian friends," he said.

Abdullah also said he was at ease attending a function full of Chinese because "we are all Malaysians."

He also took the opportunity to thank those who attended his Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house recently.

Also present at last night's function were MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting, his deputy Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy, Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Malaysia president Tan Sri William Cheng, Federation of Chinese Guilds and Associations president Tan Sri Lim Gait Tong and Malaysia Seven Clans Association president Datuk Ng Teck Fong.

"Xie xie (thank you in Mandarin). I do not know how to speak Mandarin but I am a Penang lang (person). Kong (speak) Hokkien."

To this, he received thunderous applause from the crowd.

Abdullah was presented with a giant batik painting of a lion dance performance on a pole.