If they are, it probably stems from their historical and overwhelming support for DAP—over the last several decades.
In continuously supporting DAP, they could have inadvertently placed and positioned themselves as political pawns for politicians.
Predictable and easy to please.
Politicians, regardless of which political party they represent, generally perceived Malaysians of chinese descent as largely concerned with institutional equality, fair economic opportunities, and cultural recognition.
If there are any promises from them to address these issues, it will satisfy them and in return they will vote for these politicians.
Naïve or outdated beliefs?
Are these still valid in today’s era?
Historically, their political stance has involved a pragmatic balance between accommodation and pushing for reforms.
During the almost 60 years of governance under the BN coalition, they basically accept and live with whatever policies introduced by the government of the day.
None dare to harbour any thoughts of changes to policies which they perceived to marginalise them during those 60 years.
May 2018 changed that view.
Finally, they thought that for once, they will witness and see merit-based policies and the reduction of race-based affirmative action systems, such as university scholarships, civil service representation, and government procurement.
Feb 2020 sadly put all that positive feel back to its rightful place, buried deep underneath.
Then Nov 2022 reignited all that.
Progress is slow or marginal but it is a start.
What was revealing post Nov 2022 is that Malaysians of all races, have seen politicians from every political party, clearly for what they are.
People who speak of public good while manouevring for power behind the scenes.
Moving forward, would Malaysians of chinese descent falls back into its predictable and easy to please political stance or they still want them to be represented by a chinese-based political party or a multi racial party that is supported mainly by Malaysians of chinese descent?
For sure that whichever party that is taking the vote of Malaysian of chinese descent for granted will be making a big mistake.
Hopefully, in the next GE, Malaysians of chinese descent will also join in and support political parties that focus on inclusive, needs-based policies and merit-driven governance and end race based political parties.
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