PARLIAMENT | Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak has attributed Malaysia's racial unity and harmony to the country's leadership being able to manage the different races and religions.

He noted how even former United States president Barack Obama praised Malaysia as modern and progressive despite its multi-racial and multi-religious background.

In a written parliamentary reply, Najib stressed that unity has been the country's strength since independence.

"We have witnessed many countries destroyed due to... conflicts while in Malaysia, we (continue to live) in peace and harmony.

"This is because the country's leadership is capable of managing the diversity to the extent of being recognised and respected by other countries and refered to as one of the model countries which is able to maintain its unity and stability," he added. 

Najib was responding to Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah (BN-Tambun), who questioned if the country had achieved genuine unity and what were the indicators.

Najib then cited academician Shamsul Amri Baharuddin, who described the relationship between the different ethnic groups as in a state of "stable tension".

The prime minister said Shamsul, who is the director of UKM's Institute of Ethnic Studies (KITA), said Malaysia is able to settle the small misunderstandings between the different groups.

Najib also pointed out that Malaysia is ranked 30 in the 2016 Global Peaceful Index.

He also name his Transformation Nasional 2050 (TN50) and the government's commitment to prepare National Unity Blueprint, as among the indicators of the unity of the country.

"To conclude, (we) need to admit that managing race relations is a continous effort that needs to be monitored and the mechanism adapted to the changing environment," he said.

"Success could only be maintained if every Malaysian was honest and sincere in making sure the unity would not be compromised by irresponsible people," he added.