There will never be a 'true Malaysian' - Tun M

The former prime minister reasoned, this was because the people continued to hang on to their own identity, culture and language even after 56 years of independence.

Such obstacles would not only hinder unity but also block the government's efforts to create a new Malaysian race, he said, noting that the situation was different in neighbouring countries like Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand.

"There, the people of various races, languages and cultures accepted one identity for the sake of the nation and their future.

"(Whereas) We, in Malaysia agreed that each would retain their identity. It was agreed upon under the social contract at that time (1957).

"Nevertheless, we retained the identity of the original country. Because of that, we don’t want to change, (and as such) there will never be a true Malaysian," said Dr Mahathir.

He said this at a press conference after attending a discussion on the 'evolution of the identity of the young Malaysian', organised by the Youth Academy at the Perdana Leadership Foundation Saturday.

More than 150 youths and undergraduates from various institutes of higher learning, as well as NGOs attended the discussion.

He said the national education curriculum should also emphasise the development of a noble personality and not just focus on knowledge, so as to create a credible generation.

"We give our young all types of knowledge but we do not develop their personalities. This could result in the knowledge being misused," he said.

Meanwhile, Dr Mahathir said he was satisfied with the Gross Domestic Product of 6.3 percent for the first six months of this year, as compared to the 4.4 percent during the same period last year.

"It is really good. We can grow faster if we do not have the economic disparity among the races.

"If we only give importance to growth without equal distribution, it can lead to tension among the races," he said.