The debate on the “Chinese Tsunami” however highlights a larger imperative. Beyond just voting behavior the
debate highlights Malaysia’s continuing battle at managing
ethnic relations and Malaysians’ continuous grappling of
what constitutes the character of Malaysia’s political
economy. The claims and counter claims reflect the battle
of ideas between those who believe that Malaysians have
come of age and have moved beyond ethnic concerns and
those who feel that Malaysia is still struggling with jarring
inter-ethnic rivalries despite 56 years of independence.
These differing views are constantly fought in the public
realm as both camps understand that whoever wins the
argument would have an influence on Malaysia’s long term
policy prescription. The next sections discuss the role
ethnic conflict plays in electoral politics and the emerging
political economy of Malaysia