Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on Sunday called for unity among his country's many races as its ethnic Chinese minority celebrated the Lunar New Year amid a robust economic outlook.

In a message marking the Chinese New Year, Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said Malaysia should be proud of its multi-ethnic heritage and use it as a strength.

"All our efforts will not bear fruit if Malaysians do not stay united and work together," Abdullah said in a statement.

"We should be proud of the uniqueness of our country, which has many races, cultures and religions. In Malaysia, we celebrate these differences and see it as our strength," Abdullah said.

His message follows a controversial year in 2006, dogged by simmering racial tensions, an increasing polarisation of the races and a lack of social unity.

Malaysia experienced deadly race riots between Malays and Chinese in 1969 sparked by political rivalries and anger over the wealth of the Chinese.

The country's ethnic and religious minorities often complain their rights are trampled on by the majority Muslim Malays, further straining ties.

Abdullah has reacted by halting the debate on religious issues in the media, which might have exacerbated ethnic strain, and has called on all political parties to stop raising sensitive issues related to religion and race.

"We are able to live in harmony because we have an agreement to power share among the various races," Abdullah said.

2007 'very important year'

In his message, Abdullah said 2007 was a "very important year" with many projects rolled out under the national development plan, or Ninth Malaysian Plan, as well as positive economic indicators.

"Economic indicators such as the nation's 2006 trade figure surpassing one trillion ringgit, and the rise in the stock market index shows the economy is progressing," Abdullah said.

"As prime minister, I will focus efforts on creating a multi-ethnic society that is dynamic, progressive, living in peace and harmony, confident and competitive."

Abdullah on Sunday gathered with Chinese ministers from the ruling Barisan Nasional coalition to usher in the Lunar New year to the sound of lion dances, traditional music and food.