Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad yesterday named corruption and Muslim extremism as the main dangers facing his nation.
He also called for the creation of a new Malay culture in tune with the modern world, and criticised nationalists opposed to the use of English.
His opening address at the annual party conference of the United Malays National Organisation indicated that repeated campaigns against corruption had yet to stamp out the practice.
Dr Mahathir, the party president, warned that corruption could stifle Malaysia's growth and destroy its economy.
'Those involved in corrupt practices will face the consequences because they will live in a backward and poor country and will be humiliated by other countries,' he said.
Dr Mahathir also targeted extremist religious groups prepared to 'attack and slaughter other Muslims for not accepting their teachings'.