Earlier today, Utusan Malaysia’s racist front page headline that read “Apa lagi Cina mahu?” (what more do the Chinese want?) fanned the flames over irate Malaysians.
The article, written by editor Zulkiflee Bakar says the Chinese were caught in Democratic Action Party (DAP)’s racial politics and failed to overthrow the BN government that is led by Malays. The article reports that despite DAP has won many seats, it’s still not satisfied as the party aims to hold illegal protests. Utusan also claimed to have received many text messages asking “what else of the Chinese want?”.
The paper quoted former Malacca chief minister, Mohd Ali Rustam, saying he was unhappy with the Chinese who did not vote for meritocracy.
“The say Malays are racists but it is they who are racist. The Chinese do not appreciate what we have done as they come late to my house to seek help and this is what I get in return.
“Am I that bad, for Malacca performed as the best in Malaysia, with lowest unemployment?
“The Chinese are as prosperous as the Malays, they have big houses and good basic infrastructure and when they are rich, they despise us,” said Mohd Ali, who lost hid bid for the Bukit Katil parliamentary seat.
Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak said in a press conference that Barisan Nasional’s poor performance was caused by a Chinese Tsunami, where he said the Chinese communities were “taken in” by the promises of the Opposition.
DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang said Najb was wrong to say this because it was a Malaysian Tsunami instead. Malaysian nationals insist on being identified as Malaysians as opposed to being identified by their heritage or race.
Malaysian netizens have also used Twitter to express their frustrations over the insensitive newspaper headline, going as far as to creating a trend called #apalagicinamahu.
Furthermore, a cheeky Tumblr site called titled “What Chinese Malaysians Want” was also created, creating memes related to stereotypical demands by everyday Chinese Malaysians. All of course, to be taken likely with humor.
(Source: Malaysiakini)