Instead of just criticising Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak, Malaysians should step up and show leadership themselves, said former International Trade and Industry minister Rafidah Aziz.

This is because leadership begins with each individual and should be first practised at home, she said.

"Leadership occurs in all areas. So don't talk about the leadership of the PM or minister. Leadership begins at home.

"If we are good parents, and lead our families well, we will produce good offspring," Rafidah told a press conference in Kuala Lumpur today after officiating at an awards ceremony to honour top Malaysian brands

The former Wanita Umno chief added that organisations would function without a hitch if they had good leaders.

"So, be careful when you talk about leadership. Leadership is about looking at ourselves. We each have our circle of influence.

"Apologies, there is only one man up there (the PM) but 30 million below him," said Rafidah.

Rafidah has often spoken out against Umno and the government's policies, usually through posts on her Facebook page.

But she has refrained from joining the group of present and former Umno members who are openly moving against their party president.