Britain's deputy prime minister John Prescott today called for greater respect between Muslims and other communities in his country during a visit to predominantly Muslim Malaysia.

Prescott said there was a need for "respect between all the parts of the community" and more concerted efforts to establish mutual understanding.

"I think that's what they've all learned here," he said of Malaysia, where the Muslim majority lives alongside large Indian and Chinese minorities in relative peace.

Prescott downplayed the debate raging in Britain over the veil worn by some Muslim women, triggered by cabinet minister Jack Straw who said it promoted separate cultures in Britain.

"We've had somewhat of an argument about the veil, I think there are more substantial issues to be discussed," the deputy premier said.

During a three-day visit which ended Monday, Prescott met with Malaysian leaders and held talks with Muslim scholars in an effort to gain some insight into the religion, officials said.

Britain is in the grip of a debate about its Muslim community and their integration, 15 months on from a series of suicide bombings on London's transport system which killed 52 travellers and the four British Islamist bombers.