Zuraida also called for an end to the hypocrisy of “speaking of unity, but still being a racist at heart.”

In a statement today, Zuraida said: “Let us rise and develop without distrust. We are all Malaysians.”

Her statement comes as political leaders have exchanged words over a campaign against non-Muslim products as well as political disputes over controversial preacher Dr Zakir Naik.

Zuraida, who is minister for housing and local government, did not mention specific issues in her statement but said her ministry was going all out to promote the spirit of integration among the people through community development and community based activities.

The de facto Islamic affairs minister, Mujahid Yusof Rawa, has also recently called for provisions on hate speech to be included in the Sedition Act.

In 2014, the National Unity Consultative Council had proposed laws against hate speech but nothing came of it.