Malay unity ‘crucial to 1Malaysia’

(Bernama) – Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir said today it would be difficult to realise the 1Malaysia concept if the Malays are not united.

He said the Malays played an important role in ensuring the country's progress as they are the majority in the country.

"If they are not united, how are we going to realise the 1Malaysia concept? This will be detrimental not only to the Malays but also to other races," he told reporters after opening the A-II Area Farmers' Organisation's general meeting in Kodiang, near here.

He said that the Malays, as the pillar in making 1Malaysia a reality, should lead the way and be an example to others.

"When we talk about Malay unity, we are not talking from the racism point of view. We have accepted the fact that there cannot be a government which is led 100% by Malay leaders… we have been practising power sharing for so long," he said.

Meanwhile, Selangor, MCA vice-president Datuk Liow Tiong Lai said the Chinese had been reacting positively to the 1Malaysia concept mooted by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

The Chinese community appreciated the changes introduced by the prime minister especially in spurring economic growth through stimulus packages and economic liberalisation, he told reporters today.