Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak will be discussing with the cabinet, the offer made by Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim for a national consensus on nation-building amid rising racial and religious tensions.

Speaking to media, he said that Anwar's proposal is similar to his call for “national reconciliation”, made soon after the 13th general election.

However, he noted, the opposition had rejected his earlier call as it had denounced the results of the May 5, 2013 polls.

“Now there is a proposal, which we had already made earlier. Regardless, let me discuss this with the cabinet later.

“The most important thing is to preserve the peace in our country so we can ensure prosperity. This is the priority.

“Whatever our ideological or political beliefs, it is important for us to continue following the rule of law and care for each others' religious sensitivities in accordance to state and federal laws,” he added.

He said this when commenting on Anwar's ( right ) olive branch offering for bi-partisan talks in order to reach national consensus over urgent matters like unity, interracial and inter-religious relations, good governance, transparency and accountability.

Anwar, in his special address on the issue yesterday, said that interracial and inter-religious tensions in Malaysia have reached levels comparable to just before the May 13, 1969 race riots.

'Unprecedented and proactive move'

Najib's statement comes after Umno vice-president and Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi welcomed Anwar's offer, calling it an “unprecedented” and “proactive” move.

While he welcomed bi-partisan cooperation in fighting crime, he said that whether BN and Umno would be open to talks is up for Najib to decide as BN chairperson and Umno president.

Speaking to media personnel at the Home Ministry this morning, he also urged all parties not to react to the “Jesus is the son of Allah” banners which had mysteriously appeared in several areas in Penang.

He said that this is “reverse psychology” by some quarters, and that police would investigate the matter.

“I hope NGOs - be it Muslims or Christians - remain calm and do not blow up the issue. Leave it to police to investigate.

“I urge all, be it individuals or groups, to not cause provocation. Religious harmony is our utmost priority,” he said.