In a message to mark the Chinese Lunar New Year, Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said the country's stability had come after years of effort to bridge differences among the three key ethnic races.

'I urge all Malaysians to continue to nurture and sustain an attitude of cooperation and compromise, to stay united and appreciate one another because these are keys to our peace and prosperity,' Mr Abdullah said.

'Malaysia is not owned by any individuals or race. It belongs to all of us, to every Malaysian citizen,' he said.

The Lunar New Year, which begins on Thursday, is the biggest and most popular annual festival for the Chinese, who account for a quarter of Malaysia's 27 million people. Muslim Malays make up about 60 per cent of the population and Indians around 10 per cent.

The government has tried to nurture harmony among the three races since the 1969 riots that killed more than 200 people.

However minority Chinese and Indians have voiced growing fears in recent years that their religions get second-class treatment.

National debates have erupted over religious disputes prompted by government actions such as a ban on conversions from Islam and the use of the word 'Allah' by non-Muslims.

Minorities have also complained that interfaith court cases in recent years have tended to favor Muslims.

Indians are demanding economic equality and have protested an affirmative action program for Malays. In an unprecedented show of dissent, some 20,000 Indians held an anti-government demonstration in November.

Mr Abdullah, who faces general elections expected to be called next month, said development programs he launched recently would sustain Malaysia's economic growth and ensure the country remains competitive.

Mr Abdullah's ruling coalition is expected to win in the coming elections but with reduced support amid public anger over growing inflation, crime, corruption and racial tensions.

A recent survey by the independent think tank Merdeka Centre showed Mr Abdullah's approval rating slipped to an all-time low of 61 per cent in December, from 91 per cent in late 2004. -- AP