As examples, he said Malaysian Indians were often associated with gangsterism, Malays with drug abuse, and the Malaysian Chinese community with gambling.

Speaking at the national Deepavali open house celebration in Batang Kali, near here, Zahid said: “We Malaysians must unite and set aside the negative elements to move forward.”

About 20,000 people attended the open house, organised by the tourism ministry.

Zahid said that Malaysia, unlike other countries, fully respected the various cultures and traditions among the various communities. “Although there are differences, we need to find common ground and the differences can be overcome by understanding the various cultures, religions and traditions,” he said.

He said unity and understanding could be encouraged through the various festivals celebrated by Malaysians and especially through the open house.

“Such understanding cannot be obtained through education or reading but the understanding will come from interaction among the various communities,” he said.

The national Deepavali Open house is one of six major festive-season events held by the tourism ministry.