Malaysia's king on Monday appealed for unity in the multi-ethnic nation, and hit out at bloggers whom he said were causing "confusion" among the population.
"We are sad that despite 50 years of independence, racial issues are still being raised and debated," Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin said in a speech at the opening of parliament.
"The various races and cultures must be united and become a strength of our nation. The rights of each citizen (are) enshrined in the constitution which must be defended and respected," he added.
The king also criticised bloggers, who have unleashed an unprecedented discussion on race, religion and politics in a country where the media are strictly controlled by the government.
"We also view seriously the issue of groups that are easily led and believe lies and false news that are spread by certain groups including blog sites that have caused confusion among the public," he said.
Race and religion are sensitive issues in Malaysia, where deadly race riots broke out 1969.
Some 60 percent of the population are Muslim Malays and the remainder are mostly ethnic Chinese and Indians, as well as indigenous tribes.
"The constitution places Islam as the religion of the country along with the freedom to practise other religions. We want to remind all groups to respect this situation and not question it," the king said.
His comments come amid complaints of growing "Islamisation" by minority groups who say their rights are being eroded.
Their disenchantment was a major factor in general elections last year which saw the ruling Barisan Nasional coalition suffer its worst ever results, losing a third of parliamentary seats as minorities shifted to the opposition.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Malaysia's king appeals for racial unity
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