NEW YORK CITY, United States – Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak called on Muslims Saturday (September 28th) to unite against extremism, warning that sectarian violence risked tearing the Islamic world apart, AFP reported.

"I believe the greatest threat to Muslims today comes not from the outside world, but from within," he told the UN General Assembly.

Najib voiced outrage at violence between the Sunni and Shiite sects in Syria, Iraq and Pakistan, noting that nearly 5,000 Muslims died in conflict in the three countries in the holy month of Ramadan.

"It is time to end the killing and concentrate instead on building a common agenda for peace and prosperity," he said. "I believe that peace-loving Muslims – the overwhelming majority of Muslims – should unite against the extremists who use our religion as an excuse to commit violence."

"Our task is to reclaim our faith by articulating clearly the true nature of Islam -- the religion of peace, of moderation, of tolerance," he added.

Najib said he was committed to "mutual respect and inclusivity" in Malaysia, which is more than 60% Muslim ethnic Malay.