Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin noted that what needed to be changed was Malay thinking, attitude and culture, and not the party which had become the vessel for the Malay struggle. — Picture by Choo Choy May

JOHOR BARU, Nov 11 — The thinking, attitude and culture of the Malays which are often not competitive and demanding, should be changed to ensure their continuity.

Johor Umno Liaison Committee chairman Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the Malays must be rescued from such attitudes to ensure they continue to progress.

“Because for Johor Umno, Malays must be taught to be independent. The thinking and attitude of over dependence on rights and aid must be eradicated.

The anti-competition and anti-progress attitude must end,” he said in his speech at the opening of the 2016 Johor Umno Convention here tonight.

Mohamed Khaled, who is also Mentri Besar, noted that what needed to be changed was Malay thinking, attitude and culture, and not the party which had become the vessel for the Malay struggle.

He said the demanding and dependent attitude of the Malays and their thinking that in whatever situation (they were in), Umno was there and the party would continue to be obliged to help, because the party is supported by Malays, should be eradicated.

“Backward thinking like this is a major problem which causes the Malays to be left behind. This is the problem which makes it difficult for Umno to become more progressive,” he added.

Regardless, Mohamed Khaled said Umno, as part of the elected Barisan Nasional Government would continue to defend and introduce various affirmative actions to give the Malays a fair and needed start.

Also present to open the two-day convention was Umno vice-president and Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein. — Bernama