A coalition of Malay-Muslim NGOs led by the Muslim Consumer Association of Malaysia has branded the prime minister’s brother Nazir Abdul Razak as "anti-Malay" after he spoke up for AirAsia X CEO Azran Osman Rani.

NONE Nazir (right) , the CIMB group chief executive officer, had yesterday praised Azran - who had criticised Utusan Malaysia for its “racist” headline ‘Apa lagi Cina mahu’ (What more do the Chinese want?) - as having the "mark of a leader".

However, Gabungan NGO Melayu-Islam was not impressed.

"We are very disappointed with Nazir's statement because, despite leading a famed conglomerate in Asean, he is trapped in a mindset that sidelines the sentiment and sensitivity of his own Malay race,” it said in a statement today.

"We would like to urge Nazir and Azran to willingly swap positions so that they can further strengthen their anti-Malayness.”

NONE Azran’s (left) criticism had led to a tirade for almost a week by Utusan , including reports of Umno veterans calling for a boycott of AirAsia .

The coalition said not all Malays are privileged like Nazir and Azran, and accused the duo of forgetting their roots.

"Nazir, living in a palace, has never felt the bitterness and hardship experience by the Malays who lived a tough life, only having enough just to survive.

"Nazir and Azran should realise (where) their roots (lie) and should not be arrogant because of their wealth, position and property.”

It added that what the success of the duo is the result of the struggles of their Malay forefathers and that they are expected to help out other members of their ethnic group.

The same coalition had urged a boycott of businesses that had purportedly backed Pakatan Rakyat in the 13th general election concluded on May 5.