ISKANDAR PUTERI, Aug 25 – The Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Barisan Nasional (BN) alliance is the best combination to steer Malaysia away from religious and racial bigotry, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The prime minister said this was because the Opposition is employing extreme methods such as racial and religious issues to gain support.

"This is similar to fascist movements that exists in the political climate of western countries such as the United States.

"The government is now facing such challenges and pressures based on unfounded slander and baseless criticisms.

"This struggle is made more complicated as their incitement have aroused emotions, created prejudices and sowed hatred instead of using rational considerations,” said Anwar during his opening address at a unity government leadership programme at the Sunway Hotel Big Box in Medini City here today.

The prime minister was commenting on the current situation in Malaysia following results of six state election that showed the country is divided along ethnic lines.

Also present at the event were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi.

Anwar, who is also the PH chairman, said the phenomenon was not unique to Malaysia.

He gave an example in Europe, where the rise of neo-Nazis and fascism have caused many young people to start hating minorities.

"The answer to go against such narrow-minded ideologies is to use the foundation of wisdom and common sense to understand the true spirit of Malaysia,” he said.

Anwar added that with PH’s progressive outlook and BN with its administrative experience, this combination, which forms the unity government, was the best vehicle to save Malaysia at present.

He said that his administration was committed to ensuring that the rights of the Malays and Bumiputera as the majority in this country remain guaranteed.

"No one can dispute this and they also accept the presence of Malays and Bumiputera as the majority here.

"That is why language, religion and the special position of the Malays in the unity government is clear,” he said.

Anwar, who is the Tapah MP, called on all Malaysians to uphold the Federal Constitution and be considerate towards one another.

Malaysia held state elections in Kedah, Penang, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Terengganu and Kelantan on August 12.

The federal Opposition coalition, Perikatan Nasional, had campaigned on communal issues to win over the ethnic Malay vote.