Ku Li: 'Malay first' leader contradicts 1Malaysia

Former finance minister Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah said that although there is a 1Malaysia official document, one leader openly transgresses his own official policy by declaring himself "Malay first and Malaysian second".

Tengku Razaleigh, an Umno member, did not name the leader but the remark is believed to be directed at Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin.

The Kelantan prince said that the 1Malaysia concept involves the whole country, and requires every Malaysian to perceive oneself as Malaysian first before race.

"However, we have a leader who openly transgresses his own official policy by declaring that he is ‘Malay first’ and ‘Malaysian second’.

"The statement comes as a severe blow not just to the concept of 1Malaysia, but also as a nullification of Jiwa Malaysia or the National Spirit that (first prime minister) Tunku Abdul Rahman was trying hard to inculcate," he said.

Tengku Razaleigh said this in his speech titled 'A plea for Unity' at the breakfast meeting programme organised by Paddy Schubert Sdn Bhd today.

Tengku Razaleigh, who is also Gua Musang MP, also spoke about the New Economic Policy (NEP), formulated after the May 13, 1969 riots, was conceived in 1971, not long after the Tunku had retired as prime minister.

"It was primarily created to address poverty, and to raise the level of Malay participation in the economy. It was intended for all Malaysians, and not just for the Malays or bumiputeras," he said.

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