Prominent Malay academician Ungku Abdul Aziz Ungku Abdul Hamid has poured cold water over the constant calls for Malay unity.

In an interview published in Umno-owned Berita Harian today, Ungku Abdul Aziz said that such demands were unachievable, and that Malays should instead focus on self-improvement.

"To me, Malay unity is but a dream. We must accept that.

"But if Malays are smart, then they will become more united," he was quoted as saying.

Ungku Abdul Aziz - who is father to Bank Negara governor Zeti Akhtar Aziz - also lamented about the community’s tendency to prefer getting titles instead of striving to be the best in their fields.

"The problem with Malays is that they do not strive to be the best. This is a result of our education system.

"Malays like accepting assistance and titles. Everyone wants titles and positions. When they get a 'Datuk', they want a 'Datuk Seri’," he told the Malay-language daily.

The former Universiti Malaya vice-chancellor also urged patriotism among Malaysians by obeying the government.

"In this country, there is a lack of patriotism. If there is (spirit of patriotism), they would not be challenging the government," he was quoted as saying.