Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Nazri Abdul Aziz has openly challenged detractors questioning his identity and priorities as a citizen and said: ‘And yes, I am a Malaysian first and Malay next. Does any bigot have a problem with that?’

In this respect, he must be praised for his clear stand and support for Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak’s ‘1Malaysia’. Whether Nazri is anti-Dr Mahathir Mohamad is another matter.

For the general good and well-being of Malaysia, we must support Nazri on the issue, giving undivided support to Najib’s ‘1Malaysia’. Nazri is now being unfairly attacked by an Utusan Malaysia columnist who writes under the pen name ‘Awang Selamat’.

All Malaysians should give Najib the time and chance to fully implement his ‘1Malaysia’ concept or policy. Truly forging a ‘1Malaysia’ is the only way forward for our multi-racial nation.

We should appreciate Nazri’s consistent defence of the government against the critics of ‘1Malaysia’ that include Mahathir who is Perkasa adviser. At least Nazri has been consistent and forthright in his statements supporting Najib and the government.

Nazri said he would continue to defend the government, just as he did in the past when Mahathir and Abdullah Ahmad Badawi were the prime ministers. He has done no wrong and neither has he said anything wrong.

Nazri has rightly demanded ‘Awang Selamat’ to come clean on where his loyalty lies - either with Mahathir or Najib. Nazri also said he wondered whether Awang knew who his boss was because he was undermining the ‘1Malaysia’ policy of Najib by promoting the narrow racism of Perkasa chief Ibrahim Ali.

On this issue, Nazri therefore deserves the support of all Malaysians, irrespective of race or religion, for his clear stand and vision for a bright and prosperous future of Malaysia. It’s time for the rest of the ministers, MPs and politicians to follow our Nazri’s clear cut declaration.

The nation is proud of you. Syabas !

The writer is chairperson, Social Care Foundation, exco member, Malaysian Crime Prevention Foundation and MACC panel advisory commissioner.