KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, February 06, SPA -- The leader ofMuslim-majority Malaysia called Wednesday for racial unityto ensure the country remains stable and progressive. In a message to mark the Chinese Lunar New Year, PrimeMinister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said the country's stabilityhad come after years of effort to bridge differences amongthe three key ethnic races. «I urge all Malaysians to continue to nurture and sustainan attitude of cooperation and compromise, to stay unitedand appreciate one another because these are keys to ourpeace and prosperity,» Abdullah was quoted as saying by the Associated Press. «Malaysia is not owned by any individuals or race. Itbelongs to all of us, to every Malaysian citizen,» hesaid. The Lunar New Year, which begins Thursday, is the biggestand most popular annual festival for the Chinese, whoaccount for a quarter of Malaysia's 27 million people. Muslim Malays make up about 60 percent of the populationand Indians around 10 percent.--SPA www.spa.gov.sa/524575