UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on Thursday hailed Malaysia's programme to strengthen unity among its multiracial citizens, dpa reported. Ban said Prime Minister Najib Razak's One Malaysia programme - which calls on civil servants to promote ethnic harmony, national unity and efficient governance - is in line with UN efforts to foster unity among the peoples of the world. "I am impressed with Datuk Seri Najib's 'Satu' [One] Malaysia concept as it is very much in line with what the UN has been promoting," he said. "Malaysia is diverse but is aiming for unity." Malays comprise 60 per cent of Malaysia's 28 million people; the Chinese, 25 per cent; and Indians 7 per cent. Various indigenous groups make up the remaining 8 per cent. Ban also cited the government's move to repeal the draconian Internal Security Act, which allowed authorities to detain people indefinitely without trial. He expressed hope that the new law that would replace it would observe international human rights standards. Ban arrived in Malaysia Wednesday for a two-day visit. He was scheduled to leave for Singapore later Thursday.
