Racial stereotypes and distrust persist in multicultural Malaysia and half of Malaysians don't trust people of other races, a survey released today found.

The independent Merdeka Center for Opinion Research said the majority of 1,113 people polled agreed most ethnic Malays are lazy, Chinese are greedy and Indians are untrustworthy.

The population of 25 million people is dominated by some 60 percent Malays. Chinese and Indians make up 26 percent and 8.0 percent respectively.

"In general the state of ethnic relations is positive but is rooted in convenience," said Merdeka Center director Ibrahim Suffian of the results.

He told AFP race relations were largely based on superficial business and government dealings, rather than more meaningful interaction.

Overall, 92 percent of people said they enjoyed Malaysia's multicultural society, while 90 percent were proud to be Malaysian.

But it also found one in two Malaysians don't trust fellow citizens of different races.

Increased polarisation

Ibrahim said there was a lack of cultural understanding and this was a weakness that could be manipulated to inflame racial tensions.

"There is still some opportunity ... for extremists of whatever persuasion to take advantage of people's distrust and fear," he said.

The ruling Barisan Nasional coalition has worked hard to portray the country as an example of multiculturalism. But government officials have expressed concern over the increasing polarisation of races and a lack of social unity.

The survey, which was commissioned by New Straits Times and sponsored by German-based Friedrich Naumann Foundation, also found that 42% don't consider themselves Malaysian first, 46% say ethnicity is important in voting, 55% blame politicians for racial problems and 70% would help their own ethnic group first.

According to the survey, 58% of Malays, 63% of Chinese and 43% of Indians polled agreed that 'in general, most Malays are lazy'.

Meanwhile, 71% of Malays, 60% of Chinese and 47% of Indians agree that 'in general, most Chinese are greedy'.

Sixty-four percent of Malays, 58% of Chinese and 20% of Indians agreed that 'in general, most Indians cannot be trusted'.