DHAKA: Malaysia’s prime minister has appealed for unity and an end to ‘the politics of hate’ amid soaring racial and religious tensions in the Muslim-majority country.

Prime Minister Najib Razak, weakened by an election setback last May, is seen as widely under pressure from conservatives in his ruling party intent on rolling back his reforms and pledges of greater civil liberties.

Najib said in a statement late Wednesday his government aimed to develop an environment ‘which is conducive to and will help promote national reconciliation’.

‘We must all commit to avoid spreading lies and slander, finally putting to rest the politics of hate,’ he said, reports The Straits Times.

BDST: 1903 HRS, JAN 30, 2014