KUALA LUMPUR, Dec. 2 -- Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak on Monday called for a more open and transparent politics, effective and stable governance in facing common changes across the world.

Speaking at the Umno international forum hosted by the ruling United Malays National Organization (UMNO), in which Najib holds the president post, he said changes in demographics, technology and development have made it incumbent upon governments to modernize and keep up with the times.

"More information is more accessible to more people than at any time in history," he said. "Voters are better informed and more discerning; free to compare and contrast their political systems like never before."

Najib said governments should respond to this change with greater transparency.

The prime minister said governments must be able to provide young people a stake in society and greater opportunities, and cautioned that the Arab Spring serves as a warning to leaders.

He added that developing countries are facing a growing sense of economic inequality that could also undermine social harmony, calling for better growth that is economically, environmentally and socially sustainable.

The forum, attended by participants from 25 countries and more than 30 political parties, will be followed by the annual UMNO general assembly, when Najib is expected to outline the future direction of Malaysia's ruling party since its independence.

The UMNO-led ruling coalition retained power in a closely contested general election in May with a reduced majority, and Najib retained his post as prime minister and UMNO president.

"This year's general election was hard fought, and hard won... My party was returned to office with a mandate, but the result betrayed increased polarization in the country," Najib said. "I acknowledge it. But I want to heal these wounds and achieve national unity."