The celebrations of the independence anniversary of Malaysia were marred due to fresh racial and religious rows; and Monday saw Najib Razak, Malaysia's Prime Minster requesting the citizens to maintain unity in the multicultural nation.

The Malaysians were urged by the PM to "repair the bridges and tear down the divisive walls" that are present between the races in the nation even 52 years after nationhood and the end of colonial rule.

Mr. Razak said in his first National Day address since coming to power in April: "Bear in mind that what we have now will not necessarily become better. On the contrary, we can lose it all if we are not careful."

A "One Malaysia" campaign has been unveiled by Mr. Najib to meet the hurdles between the nation's ethnic groups, Muslim Malays who dominate the population, and ethnic Chinese and Indian minorities.

The basic aim of the new premier is to win back support from Malaysia's minorities, who last year swung towards the opposition in national elections that handed the ruling coalition its worst ever results.

Malaysia, home of many religions, regularly has to face racial and religious fights; with the most recent one held on Friday, when Muslim protesters trampled on a severed cow's head during their protest at the building of a Hindu temple.