THE Chinese community has demonstrated its willingness to entertain Barisan Nasional (BN) leaders but this does not mean that they will be voting for the coalition in the next general election, political observers said.

Taking for example the reception of former prime minister Najib Razak at various Chinese community events. Community leaders said they are willing to invite Najib despite his being linked with a corruption scandal because he is not a religious extremist.

Hua Zhong president Goh Tian Chuan said the organisation maintains a positive attitude towards all politicians, as long as they take heed of the issues raised by the Chinese community.

They should be actively engaging and communicating with the community, he said.

Referring to former prime ministers Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Muhyiddin Yassin and Najib, Goh said all three have shown their concern for the community by communicating via social media.

Even Ismail Sabri (current Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob) has done so, he said.

“We welcome the attention the give to the community and hope they will engage further with us, Najib included,” Goh told The Malaysian Insight.

Goh said looking at the recent Johor elections in which BN won 40 seats out of the 56 seats it contested, there are some Chinese voters who have returned to the grand old coalition.

This, he said, has allowed MCA to be part of the state government, but DAP is still close to the people’s heart.

“Whether or not Chinese voters believe Najib’s past leadership is a personal opinion, I can’t comment on that.”

The Chinese make up 23% of the population and deserve more rights, Goh said.

Matters such as recognition of the UEC (Unified Examination Certificate), Bumiputera-centric economic policies and religious teachings should be reviewed, he said.

“In the spirit of Keluarga Malaysia, these should be looked into through better legislation and policy-making so that there is a greater sense of belonging (among the Chinese).”

Goh said he and other members of Hua Zhong are willing to meet with ministers and the relevant ministries to exchange views.

Najib not a religious extremist

Political analyst Dr Cheah See Kian said Najib successfully showcased his charm and influence at the 2nd Penang International Business and Investment Summit.

He has more appeal than Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Cheah said.

When asked if this is an indication that the Chinese voters will vote BN, Cheah said most are tired of politicians’ shenanigans.

Based on the election results in Malacca and Johor, Chinese voters did not actively participate in the polls, he said.

“They will neither please nor oppose Najib. He wanted to come to Penang, so they let him. He is still popular and is trying to make a comeback.”

“It is too early to tell whether the Chinese will vote for Najib”, Cheah said.

Speaking on the potential return of BN to Penang, Cheah said the coalition’s past failure is still fresh in the minds of voters there.

“In Penang, there is a clear battle between BN and Gerakan, but they have not done anything outstanding. They are just waiting for DAP to make a mistake so they can swoop in.

“MCA and Gerakan have to come up with better strategies to win Chinese votes.”

When BN was in government, it often preached Malay supremacy, many Chinese voters are waiting to see if it will be a repeat of that, he said.

Chinese voters will not condone corruption

Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (KLSCAH) president Ong Seng Khek said Chinese voters have not gotten over the corruption scandal Najib was embroiled in when he was in power.

Given that even the courts called Najib a disgrace, and the funds siphoned from 1MDB were taxpayers’ money, Chinese voters will not throw their support behind the former prime minister, he said.

While Najib is deeply entangled in corruption charges, Ong said the good thing about him is that he is a moderate, and due to his Western education, he did not put racial agenda at the forefront.

“When Pakatan Harapan was in power for 22 months, it disappointed Chinese voters by slashing funding to TAR college. This is now being used as ammunition by BN and MCA.”

Najib’s confidence that BN will win Penang in the next election stems from the coalition’s success in Malacca and Johor, Ong said.

However, a 2-3% increase in Chinese votes for BN at the two state elections is meaningless, he said.

Sixty years of economic and education oppression by BN will not be easily forgotten by Chinese voters, he added.

“It’s not easy for BN to change our views. Though DAP won 10 seats in Johor, if the opposition continues to be divided, the party will be affected.”

Ong said PKR and DAP must highlight issues put forth by the Chinese community in order for them to gain support.

In any case, he said the Chinese will maintain a neutral position and welcome all parties who are willing to hear them out.

“We will maintain a friendly relationship with all but fighting corruption is what we stand for. Najib’s corruption may be frowned upon, but not his moderate stance.” – March 31, 2022.