In order to do this more systematically than ever before, in 2009 Najib introduced the 1Malaysia concept, calling on his government to put even greater emphasis on ethnic harmony, national unity and efficient governance.

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The men, all supporters of Mr Odinga's opposition Orange Democratic Movement, denied involvement in attacks on members of Mr Kibaki's Party for National Unity and his Kikuyu ethnic group in the Rift Valley.

BBC: Kenya election violence: Uhuru Kenyatta at The Hague

It is a defining moment on whether a kinship-based society, dominated by tribal, religious and ethnic loyalty has reached a level of critical mass sufficient for national unity.

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The attacks were directed against particular groups, namely the Kikuyu, Kamba, and Kisii ethnic groups, because of their perceived political affiliation to Kibaki's Party of National Unity, the ICC said.

CNN: Kenyan leaders to stand trial on human rights violations

Khamenei, who hosted al-Maliki in the city of Mashhad on Thursday night, said national unity was "the key to solving problems" and urged Iraq's various ethnic and religious groups to cooperate.

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