The new nation-building narrative for Malaysia must focus on economic fundamentals rather than rhetoric of race or religion, PKR president Anwar Ibrahim said today.

Anwar said the country as a whole must remain focused on its priorities, uniting the people by addressing common issues faced by all Malaysians.

"Focus on the economy, on upholding justice. To show concern for problems of the poor, gross inequality in our society.

"The central issue remains the need to forge a new vision for this country based on ethics and governance," said the Port Dickson MP, who argued that various studies have shown how Malaysia's economy had stagnated over the last 15 years.

He was speaking at the launch of the sixth global congregation for three Muslim NGOs - the Muslim Youth Movement (Abim), Wadah Pencerdasan Umat Malaysia (Wadah) and Persatuan Kebangsaan Pelajar Islam Malaysia (PKPIM).

His call was made several weeks after some 5,000 people had gathered for the Malay Dignity Congress, which had been held by Malay-Muslim NGOs.

The Malay Dignity Congress had made thorny demands to the government, including that top government posts be reserved exclusively for Malays, while Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad admitted his government was not 'Malay enough'.

Their demands also came after Zainal Kling, the chief executive of the Malay Dignity Congress secretariat, opened the congress with a hardline speech emphasising the sovereignty and special position of the Malay race.

Anwar in his speech today further underscored how Malaysia, under 60 years of BN rule, has suffered from endemic corruption and abuse of power, due to a lack of ethical considerations in governance.

"We can talk and harp about religion or Islam, or Malay civilisation, but without ethics, without akhlak, we cannot succeed as a nation," stressed Anwar.

Earlier, Anwar recalled how the subject of Islam in a multiracial society has been discussed by Abim and its affiliates since the 1970s.

Anwar, who co-founded Abim in 1971, said lengthy discussions on the subject has led to the groups' current position which does not compromise on constitutional safeguards for Islam or Malay and bumiputeras, while respecting the rights of other races.

Citing the status of Bahasa Malaysia as an example, Anwar said Malay leaders must take the lead to enforce its use in all official functions, rather than blame other races for their weakness in mastering the national language.

The one-day function held at Bangi Avenue Convention Centre saw participation from Abim, Wadah and PKPIM members nationwide.

Among key ideas discussed in its main speeches, and elaborated through a series of forum sessions, include on Islam's role in a multi-racial, multi-religious society; the rise of 'right-wing populism' both in Malaysia and abroad; as well as the role of leaders in nation-building.