At a dialogue on nation-building today, a prominent cultural activist noted how Malays were largely only half aware of their rich history and roots, including on the basic definition of what it means to be a Malay.

Socio-cultural researcher Eddin Khoo said the question of who is a Malay and what it means to be a Malay must first be answered if the Malay culture is to be recognised as Malaysia's defining culture that will influence inter-ethnic relations.