BN, Pakatan both counting on a perfect storm
The thing about this Chinese wave is that it has sent a counter Malay wave surging towards BN. There is no denying that the outcome of this general election will be decided in a big way by the politics of race.
Joceline Tan, ST
THE crowds at Democratic Action Party (DAP) ceramahs are growing and, as anyone who has been to one would know, they are predominantly Chinese.
Those supporting the party are very upfront about it. They surround the stage, clapping and cheering at everything said.
They put their money where their mouth is – they hand over red and even big blue notes when the collection box goes around while in Penang, the “Ubah” soft toy has been sold out.
The ones who hang around at the back are quieter and harder to read. They will just smile when you try to strike up a conversation; some of them will not even say if they are voting in the area while others quickly walk away.
The joke among reporters is that these are the ones planning to vote for the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition but are afraid to say so for fear of being scolded or bullied by DAP supporters. It used to be that the pro-BN supporters were the vocal and aggressive ones, but the tables have turned and the aggressors are now on the other side.
This is especially so online and in urban centres like Penang, the Klang Valley and Kinta Valley where the Chinese dominate political discussion and harangue anyone who does not toe their line.
The Chinese mood, after more than a week of campaigning, has not softened for BN. The conventional wisdom is that only about 20 per cent of the Chinese vote is firmly committed to BN in the urban seats.
Some call it an urban wave, others say it is a largely Chinese wave. It is nothing as devastating as the political tsunami of 2008 where the Indians and Malays also came along but it is giving the BN a big urban headache.
The thing about this Chinese wave is that it has sent a counter Malay wave surging towards BN. There is no denying that the outcome of this general election will be decided in a big way by the politics of race.
