Chinese Malaysians waning support for ruling party
- 12 years ago
A wave of alienation has swept over Malaysia's ethnic Chinese population.
With little to no representation in parliament, the country's 6.5 million Chinese residents have been favouring opposition parties in government.
And with elections likely later this year, Prime Minister Razak Najib's ruling National Front party risks loosing even more support.
But analysts say the move could come back and hurt Chinese voters.
The progress Najib has made so far in uniting the country could be at risk if right-wing Malay parties regain power.
The president of the Malaysian Chinese Association says Chinese voters need to remember change takes time.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) PRESIDENT OF MALAYSIAN CHINESE ASSOCIATION, CHUA SOI LEK SAYING:
"No political party including DAP can be a political superman that can solve all the problem of the Chinese community. Even the prime minister cannot solve all the problem in this country. Two, to convince the Chinese that MCA in the government is still relevant that all the Chinese problem whether at the state or federal level is still being raised by MCA."
A recent study shows support for the prime minister lowest amongst Malaysia's Chinese population at 56 percent.
Julie Noce, Reuters
With little to no representation in parliament, the country's 6.5 million Chinese residents have been favouring opposition parties in government.
And with elections likely later this year, Prime Minister Razak Najib's ruling National Front party risks loosing even more support.
But analysts say the move could come back and hurt Chinese voters.
The progress Najib has made so far in uniting the country could be at risk if right-wing Malay parties regain power.
The president of the Malaysian Chinese Association says Chinese voters need to remember change takes time.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) PRESIDENT OF MALAYSIAN CHINESE ASSOCIATION, CHUA SOI LEK SAYING:
"No political party including DAP can be a political superman that can solve all the problem of the Chinese community. Even the prime minister cannot solve all the problem in this country. Two, to convince the Chinese that MCA in the government is still relevant that all the Chinese problem whether at the state or federal level is still being raised by MCA."
A recent study shows support for the prime minister lowest amongst Malaysia's Chinese population at 56 percent.
Julie Noce, Reuters