KUALA LUMPUR: Racial tension and issues are stirred by politicians who want the support of a particular race or community, says a Barisan Nasional lawmaker.

Pasir Salak MP Datuk Tajuddin Abdul Rahman said there are no problems related to unity at the ground level or in villages, as all the races get along very well.

"The relationship with the Malays, Indians and Chinese is all okay in these places.

"The problem lies with us politicians, we want the support of one race so we use this issue (on unity) but on the ground, and don't deny this... in villages and smaller towns, people get along like brothers and sisters.

"We can sleep at our non-Muslim friends' home, we buy goods from shops owned by Chinese and they buy things from our shops, too," he said when interjecting Datuk Dr Noor Azmi Ghazali (Independent-Bagan Serai) during his debate on rukun tetangga.

Tajuddin reiterated that the problems are due to politicians who politicise such matters.

He also said he was not pointing fingers at those from Pakatan Harapan and admitted that politicians from both the Opposition and Pakatan are equally guilty of it.

"We want the support of the Malays, we do anti-Chinese campaigns, we want the support of the Chinese and we go on an anti-Malay campaign.

"This is what is happening," he said.

Earlier, Dr Noor Azmi said it was pertinent to empower rukun tetangga, or neighbourhood watch to strengthen unity among the people.

Dr Noor said more allocations and support should be provided, as rukun tetangga can help improve unity in the country.