End 'Malay first' mentality, says Rafidah Aziz

Former Umno minister Rafidah Aziz urged the rakyat to identify themselves as 'Malaysian first', rather than see themselves by their ethnicity.

She particularly said Malays must stop addressing themselves as Malay first, in the context of better nation building.

"I am proud to be a Malay. But I am a Malaysian first. Why do I say that? Is there a Malay country in the world?" asked the AirAsia X chairperson.

"Why not project your Malaysianness? So, begin to do that.

"I know, politically, some people don't want to. They (prefer to) say, 'I am a Malay first'," she said.

However, she pointed out to this particular group, the term 'Tanah Melayu' no longer exists with the formation of Malaysia, which saw both Sabah and Sarawak become members.

"Tanah Melayu is no more, it is Malaysia now," she said.

"So, let's be Malaysian first, but be proud to be a successful Malay, Chinese, Iban... Be proud, as this is your heritage." said Rafidah, who is popularly known as Malaysia's 'Iron Lady'.

The rakyat should be more proud especially of their country, she added.

Rafidah, who was a former University Malaya student and lecturer, was addressing a public lecture titled 'The role of education in the development of youth towards nation-building' at her alma mater.