The growth of the Pakistani community in Malaysia proves that this country is a flourishing cultural melting pot as it has never hindered cultural enrichment among its plural society.

The prime minister's wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor who said this, noted that the Pakistani community here had begun settling in the Malay States during the British colonial rule in the 19th century.

She said in the early stages, they had served as members of the security forces under the British administration and then settled permanently in Malaysia.

"The Pakistani community in Malaysia has been moving along with the times and has assimilated in Malaysian society while practising their culture which includes their traditional wear and cuisine.

"What is commendable is that this (assimilation) has been possible without sacrificing their identity," she said at the launching of the 1Malaysia Pakistani Community and their Aidilfitri function, here, today.

Also present were Malaysia Pakistani Community president Mohd Amin Ali Sidik and Malaysia-Pakistan Business Council chairman Datuk Saleem Fateh Din.

Rosmah said the Pakistani community in Malaysia had produced many corporate figures who has helped stimulate the country's economy.

Meanwhile, Rosmah also reminded Malaysians to appreciate the prevailing prosperity in the country and not to allow any conflict to exacerbate to the extent of threatening peace, like what was happening in some of the Middle Eastern countries.

"The peace we have been enjoying is due to the sustainable and wise government leadership in ensuring harmony among the country's multiracial and multireligious society," she said.