Bigotry has taken centre stage in Malaysia in recent times but this should not prevail, says Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Joseph Kurup.

"It saddens me when racial and religious bigotry takes centre stage in our media and it has only got worse.

"Do not let the present prevailing situation to be the future of our country," Kurup said when launching the 'Say Something Nice' campaign in conjunction with Independence Day and Malaysia Day.

He said that resolving tensions required "a little sacrifice from everyone" by way of respect for every Malaysian.

"For a start, let's stop saying to one another, 'I am right and you are wrong' but instead say to each other 'let's work together ironing out our differences for the sake of our nation's unity'."

Kurup also urged all moderates to "stand up and be counted".

"Moderation has generally been in the DNA of the people in Malaysia because, as a country, inside of us we are mostly moderate and inclusive," he said.

Meanwhile, Bernama quoted Kurup as saying that information collated by the National Unity Consultative Council (NUCC) would be presented to the prime minister and cabinet by year’s end.

He said the information, collated from town hall meetings nationwide, would be used to make a unity blueprint.