GE14 | A research paper has found racial undertones in the sentiments of some rural Malays settlers who are feeling the pinch from the rising cost of living.

Rising costs are affecting Malaysians nationwidem and it is common to hear blame being assigned to the GST that the federal government implemented in 2015.

But a study on rural voters in Johor and Kedah found that among some rural Malays, the blame lay not with the federal government, but with Chinese business owners.

The findings were reported in the Iseas-Yusof Ishak Institute's Trends in Southeast Asia paper entitled "Malaysia General Election 2018: Understanding the Rural Vote" by researcher Serina Rahman. 

Read more: In rural Johor, pro-Umno parents stem tide of young Malay tsunami

In a focus group discussion among Felda settlers, the study found that "while respondents felt the crunch of increased costs of living, the older generation blames it on Chinese businesspersons and not the federal government."

Older women in west Johor also "blamed the increased cost of living on Chinese businesspersons who 'abused the GST and raised prices indiscriminately'."

Both groups were said to be overwhelmingly in support of BN, and that only the ruling coalition "could serve them best." However, the view was not shared by all rural Malays. 

Men interviewed in west Johor "blamed the increased cost of living on the federal government."

They also had positive views of the Chinese, including fellow fishermen in their village "who shared the same jetty and struggled as they did at sea."

Stagnant wages

Similarly, a young woman under the age of 35 interviewed in west Johor also noted that a Chinese NGO had come to her aid when others would not.

"What is the point of voting for the ruling party when they don’t know our problems? Who comes to help us? We tried going to so many people for help. Nothing. 

"In the end that Chinese NGO in Johor Bahru helped us with our medical expenses. A Chinese NGO!" the unnamed respondent was quoted as saying.

Overall, the research notes that in all its focus group sessions, participants cited the GST, rising cost of living and the removal of petrol subsidies as factors that added to their daily burden.

Many also complained that wages have been stagnant.

As for BR1M, "almost all responded that BR1M gave them a  single payout of up to RM1,000 but the government takes back far more through GST and rising prices."

BN has offered to double BR1M payouts under its manifesto for the coming polls. Pakatan Harapan, meanwhile, has vowed to scrap the GST should it form the federal government after the polls.