Politicians must not sow hatred and suspicion among the voters in their quest to garner support, said Deputy Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak today.

The deputy premier advised politicians to be watchful of what they say and must never address contentious issues in a contentious manner.

"Politicians of all stripes, in their quest for support, must never employ the maxim that the end justifies the means. Is the pursuit of political support the end all and be all of a political party?

"Are we so desperate for votes that we are willing to sow hatred and suspicion?" he was quoted as saying by Bernama .

Najib said that even with 50 years of nationhood, many people were still speaking of the need for the nation to be more united but, at the same time, employed divisive logic in their arguments.

"More than 50 years ago, when our forefathers thought of seeking self-rule, there were many doubters, even at home, that we could not make it on our own without the support of the colonial masters," he added.

He said despite the diversity, the nation had survived and thrived by marrying idealism and pragmatism.

"Malaysia has prospered and not faltered in spite of the diversity, when others with less variables thrown into their national mixes have failed.

"Of course, we should not gloss over our flaws and sweep our problems under the proverbial carpet, but why are some of us bent on suggesting that things are worse now than ever before?" he said.

Higher expectations

According to Najib, things were better now than before and it was only that now the people had higher expectations than before.

The deputy premier called on politicians to leave aside politics when celebrating achievements of the nation as it turns 50 on Friday.

"This Aug 31, let us instead remember the sacrifices of those that came before us. Let us celebrate all of us who put our faith in the democratic system.

"Let us celebrate the success that is Malaysia. Let us celebrate 50 years of nationhood, sacrifices, tolerance and cooperation," he added.

Najib pointed out that the country reached the milestone of half a century not by chance, but by working at it.

"Our forefathers worked at the idea of nationhood and over the years, we all have worked towards making this country the success that it is now," he added.