The Demystification of Malaysia's Chinese -- And Why it Matters

Media Chinese International Director Rita Sim and Political Analyst Dr Ong Kian Ming talk about the so-called classification of Malaysia's Chinese into the G1, G2 and G3.

Following this classification, they discuss the dangers of engagement on a homogenous basis and on several levels, whether on a trade, political or social basis.

They also discuss the the Three PIllars of the Chinese community in Malaysia: Chinese Schools, Chinese Media and Chinese Organisations and how influential they are.

Briefly, these are the G1 and G2 definitions:

G1
- Chinese education part of socio-cultural life and even their identity as a race.
- Chinese associations and Chinese media form part of their identity.
- distinguished by their relative sense of self-sufficiency.
- do not depend on nor do they demand too much of the government.
- Many run their own businesses, mostly small and medium scale enterprises or SMEs.
- political stability, good economic environment to work and live in very important
- expect the powers-that-be to provide that climate for growth.
- want the government to be fair and not to interfere too much in their businesses
- wants to be left alone.
- think they can take care of themselves as long as there aren't too many barriers or interference
- Northern Corridor Economic Region, Iskandar Development Region do not excite the G1.
- feels it benefits the GLCs rather than SMEs like their own
- live in their own ethnic bubble
- probably know more about what is happening with political personalities in Taiwan than, say, Umno or PAS.
- uncompromising when it comes to Chinese education.
- Political affiliations, historically:
     * 30% hardcore DAP
     * 25% hardcore MCA
     * 10% indifferent to politics, elections
     * 35% swing voters

G2
- not Chinese-educated
- speak English, include large number Christians, peranakan, Lions and Rotary Clubs set.
- does not subscribe to the three pillars concept
- have begun sending their children to Chinese schools.
- think these schools offer a better standard of teaching and that it is useful to learn an additional language.
- more likely to read English and Malay papers than Chinese papers
- social life and networking do not revolve around the traditional Chinese associations.
- more open to Western ideas and ideals.
- G2 are issue-oriented.
- influenced by issues and their votes swing from one election to another.
- mostly middle-class, articulate and prone to take issues to the press and Internet
- not afraid to air their political views or who they will vote for.
- have been the most critical of the ruling party in recent years.
- The Christians in the G2 are particularly concerned about the issue of Islamic state.
- survival of the common law and the secular state very important

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