Malaysia should build a new foundation for race relations based on a shared future, while taking into account the historical facts without putting aside current political realities and future potential, Malaysian Prime Minister said here on Thursday. Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, who is also president of the United Malays National Organization (UMNO), the largest political party in the country's federal ruling coalition, made this remark at the 61st UMNO Annual General Assembly. Najib said that the special privileges the Malays enjoy were enshrined in the Malaysian Federal Constitution, but when other races started questioning the special rights of the Malays, a sense of dissatisfaction would be created. If the polemic was not handled appropriately, national unity could be easily threatened, warned Najib, adding that for a nation to progress, good management of politics, economy and national unity was necessary. While each of these element strengthen each other, the absence of any single factor could cause instability in the country, said Najib. 'We must constantly remind ourselves that the success we are enjoying is made possible by the contributions, ideas and sacrifices of various races. It is not due to the exclusive contribution of one race, but the collective labor of all races,' said Najib. Malaysia is a multi-racial country with a population of 28 million. It comprises three main races, namely the Malay, Chinese and Indian. Najib stressed that when history was trivialized, forgotten, or interpreted by irresponsible quarters to suit their interests and narrow agenda, racial tension could be intensified. Najib said that opportunists manipulating the current situation and playing the racial cards should be rejected and disregarded as leaders since they were disqualified. He also reminded Malaysians to be wary of those dream merchants who are spinning myths and untruths, propagating hatred, and trading on slander as they were ready to pawn whatever Malaysians have been enjoying. While emphasizing the importance of understanding the history, especially the agreement reached upon the country's forefathers, Najib urged Malaysians not to be burdened by the past without looking into the future. Some 2,000 delegates participated in the UMNO meeting ending this Saturday. Issues related to the socio-economic position of the Malays, education and political status are expected to be debated at length during the meeting. 