Gerakan supports Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Mohd Nazri Aziz’s open stand that “he is a Malaysian first” , saying his said sentiment resonates with majority of moderate and fair-minded Malaysians of all races and religions.

Gerakan deputy secretary-general Liang Teck Meng said Nazri was also forthright to confront media that tried to undermine Prime Minister Najib’s 1Malaysia policies.

“Nazri’s remarks are consistent with the wishes and aspirations of the majority of Malaysians that the spirit of goodwill, friendship, mutual respect, understanding and co-existence of all Malaysians should prevail in the country,” said Liangin a statement.

He said it was all parties, including media must be committed to promote 1Malaysia concept and not to undermine it.

Liang said Gerakan strongly believed that every citizen should speak in one voice for 1Malaysia and against any form of extremism.

“This is the way forward for Malaysia. We should not subscribe to extremism of all forms, regardless of race or religion,” he said, adding that what the people asked for are social justice and fairness, based on non-racial line.

In an Open letter to Awang Selamat, a columnist with Utusan Malaysia, Nazri said his boss is the Prime Minister and he will support him even if he loses his job.

Nazri also said “he is a Malaysian first and Malay next” and questioned whether any bigot has a problem with remark.