KUALA LUMPUR, June 26 — Accepting the outcome of Election 2013 is the first step towards national reconciliation, Datuk Seri Najib Razak said today.

The prime minister added that the government was also looking at forming a National Consultative Council on Unity — which will include politicians on both sides of the divide, civil society and academicians — to resolve racial polarisation, promote inter-religious harmony and to ensure that government policies are socially inclusive.

“In our efforts to achieve national reconciliation, I want to stress that the first premise is that we accept the results of the general election,” Najib (picture) told Parliament here.

He added that he has yet to receive evidence of alleged vote-rigging in the recent May 5 general election.

“If there is none, don’t make accusations,” said Najib, and added, “If you are dissatisfied, there is the court to go to.”

The prime minister pointed out that all MPs had taken their oath yesterday.

“The elections are already over,” said Najib. “This is the time for us to move forward and to develop the country. Let’s build a better Malaysia.”

Pakatan Rakyat (PR) has organised several rallies throughout the country after the May 5 polls to protest against alleged electoral fraud in the contentious election.

PKR strategy director Rafizi Ramli said yesterday that accepting the results of Election 2013 did not mean closing the “chapter on electoral fraud”.

Pakatan Rakyat (PR) has filed election petitions in 24 federal seats, while commissions of inquiry in PR states Penang, Selangor and Kelantan will be held to investigate reports of electoral fraud in the 13th general election.

Rafizi noted yesterday that alleged vote-rigging in Election 2013 needed to be resolved to ensure that the next general election was free and fair.

Najib also said today that elections in Malaysia had been transparent since independence in 1957.

“Differences in opinions and ideas are not the cause of disaster and division,” said the Pekan MP. “The federal constitution gives freedom to people to voice their opinions.”