Would it be appropriate to say that our economy would be facing a downward spiral should the Chinese ‘Balik Tongsan’? Yes it is. A fact is a fact and other races concede it always. Let alone the economy - what about their influence on the political front? Remember the bashings BN took during the 2008 general election dubbed the ‘Political Tsunami’? BN lost its long-held two-third majority in the Parliament.

Certain Umno leaders have been heavily blamed for their antics against the Chinese during Umno’s general assembly in the same year.

Realising the importance of the Chinese voters, BN set to tone down its hardline conservatism lately to slowly draw the Chinese people’s support. This is indeed a timely move by BN, to face the upcoming 14th general election and wrestle back the three opposition-held states. Even the prime minister and his deputy spared no chances to highlight the Chinese community’s contributions to the well-being of our economy.

However, BN’s landslide victory in Sarawak’s 11th state elections in May last year had marked the returning of the Chinese voters to the BN’s fold. Their return to BN speaks for itself in another major victory of BN in the twin by-elections held in Sungai Besar and Kuala Kangsar, last June. These elections were widely regarded among the local political analysts as the litmus tests for the14th general election, which is expected to take place early next year.

And needless to say about the expected result of another by-election in Tanjung Datu which is slated for Feb 18. If BN’s candidate is lucky enough, he or she could win the by-election without even competing with the opposition. Probably these past election results could have had mooted BN to further expand their wings to draw more Chinese support at all costs, in order to stay in power.

On the other hand, we don’t need a rocket scientist to discover that the culture of the Chinese community here is still largely similar to the one in China. The Chinese, no matter where, won’t easily compromise on their deep-rooted cultural aspects. So, what do you expect from them when their country of origin- now the second largest economy in the world after the US, opening up plenty of business opportunities via their multi- billion deals with Malaysia?

The aforesaid government-to-government deal would have definitely opened many of our Chinese businessmen’s eyes on the business opportunities lying therein. In fact, the government also needs the local Chinese’s expertise - not only to ease the dealings with the China officials who prefer to converse in Mandarin, but also to gain their trust.

A blessing in disguise

Despite the opposition’s tireless effort to magnify all the scandals of the government, especially 1MDB, the Chinese people by now should have realised that China’s intervention to leverage the government of Malaysia could be a blessing in disguise. Furthermore, it is natural for the Chinese Malaysians to have a high regard for China, for being their root and pride in the global front.

Though critical against the government in social media, the Chinese community - especially business people - are expected to give their paramount importance to earnings rather than political rhetoric.

Being a more result-oriented and pragmatic community, the Chinese Malaysians are expected to be supportive to the government and eventually tap into the multi-billion dealings between China and Malaysia.

Therefore, it won’t be surprising if the BN win its two third- majority seats back in the GE14, with the strong support from the Chinese. And if lucky enough, it could win back at least one of the opposition-held states.

Happy Chinese New Year.