Shrinking Chinese of Malaysia

The post on the shrinking Chinese population in Malaysia is an important - albeit sad - reflection of reality. Behind the numbers are stories and scenes that are at once familar and sad each time we encounter them in Malaysia.


The supreme irony, of course, is that even as we discuss this, both of us are in that same mirror; ethnically Chinese sons of Malaysia and Brunei who were educated overseas and are now residing elsewhere.


Almost none of the children among my father-in-law's circle of friends still live in their home town of Seremban. They are all now in Singapore, the UK, Australia, Hong Kong or at least in Kuala Lumpur or Peneng.

Go to a shopping mall during Chinese New Year and most of the cars came with number plates from out of state, from the children who came back for New Year.

One hear of solid middle class Chinese professionals; people who spent their lifetime as bank managers, accountants, dentists etc. whose sum of their entire life's work was a simple house and the rest were sunk into their children's overseas education.

Of the kids who were educated aboard, those who are lucky and able stay and make a living abroad. The rest take up entry level jobs back in a different kind of Malaysia where they probably have no hope of doing as well as the previous generation.

The biggest surprise from the write up - and something which I believe should not be overlooked - is that in real terms the Chinese population is Malaysia is growing and, in fact, has doubled since 1970. It is only dinimished in percentage terms with all the socio-political impact that brings. Nonetheless, 6.5m+ is not a small number. Which is why the structural weaknesses of the psychology of the Chinese community in Malaysia may be a more important determinant of the vibrancy of the Chinese community and culture in Malaysia.

In the smaller towns of Malaysia, the elderly re-live their childhood in retirement; surrounded by their childhood friends and relatives but often without children or grandchildren around them.

But while the older generations are surrounded by their friends of a certain age whom they have known since childhood. Many of the younger generation probably lost touch with their childhood friends and will eventually never have as many close friends.

Spend a few days back at the hometown, the older generations will show off the relationships they treasure and depend on: relatives, old friends, the auntie-from-across-the-street. Spend a few days with people of our generation: its feeling of security depended on money with 9-to-9 days, extensive travel for work, branded goods, fancy cars/gadgets at home, children with the maid and constant complaint of tiredness.

I think something was lost in the process. I think that's what the academic referred to as "placelessness". Its something emotional and really important. I love it, for example, just reading and commenting on this blog about Brunei and its recent history because I get to see photographs and write-ups about events, buildings and places in my hometown at the period I grew up with. Its hard to over-indulge in the pleasures of the recalling even the smallest things that form the emotional bonds.