The Chinese Discontent - Waking up to a new reality.

DATUK Teng Chang Khim has tried to keep out of the spotlight since stepping off the political stage last year.

But the former Selangor DAP leader has been vocal on the “nasi kandar babi” issue with the Chinese vernacular media going to town with his opinions on the issue.

He was among a handful of Chinese political figures who dared to call out groups claiming that nasi kandar with pork would confuse Muslims because of its Indian-Muslim origins.

Teng pointed out that if that is the case, then dim sum and or chee cheong fun, which is now available in halal form, would also confuse Muslims. He said dim sum in its original form is pork-based, while chee cheong fun translates directly as pork intestine noodles.

“Please be logical when criticising Chinese businesses. They are trying to make a living, our community has feelings too,” said Teng.

The Chinese press admired him for speaking out because most Chinese politicians have tip-toed around Malay-Muslim issues.

The Chinese are slowly waking up to the new political reality.

They delivered 95% of their votes to Pakatan Harapan but feel they are being taken for granted. They think their interests have been overlooked and that the government is more eager to please and appease the Malays.

Chinese social media is seething with commentary while many groups have voiced their frustrations through the Chinese media.Earlier this week, Hua Zong president Tan Sri Goh Tian Chuan expressed disappointment that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim did not attend or send a representative to its annual Chinese cultural festival hosted by Sabah this year.

Hua Zong or the Federation of Chinese Associations is an influential body in Chinese society and almost every sitting prime minister has made an effort to be present at its annual festival.

An NGO known as “Ba Da Hua Qing” (Eight Chinese Youth Associations), during a recent courtesy call to Sin Chew Daily, said they felt neglected and had not been able to get an appointment to see the Youth and Sports Minister.

The Chinese rumblings had initially been about the economy, costs of living and the sliding ringgit. Then came dismay over what they saw as a political play for the Malay votes in the run-up to the six state elections.

The perception was that Anwar was trying to compete with PAS, to be more Islamic than Perikatan Nasional.

“They understand the PM is in a difficult situation. But they also feel let down,” said Teng.

A Chinese lawyer, who is a legal adviser to several Chinese organisations, said the community grew more alarmed following the Gaza conflict that resulted in Malays taking a radical stand in support of the Palestinian plight.

Social media is full of videos and images of empty tables at cafes and fast-food outlets in the boycott list of companies said to be supportive of Israel.

There have been appeals that it is hurting local Malay workers and some non-Malays have mocked the boycott as a trend that will not last.

But the boycott has intensified as more bombs fall in Gaza and as Malaysians grow more divided along racial and religious lines over the Gaza tragedy.

The sense is that the boycott campaign has become one of the most powerful demonstrations of Malay people power in recent times.

The Chinese moved as one to change the government. This time, the Malays are moving as one for what they believe in.

It is no secret the Chinese community is uncomfortable with the Prime Minister’s pro-Hamas stand. They think Anwar should spend more time and effort on domestic issues.

The above Chinese lawyer found the recent calls to “buy Muslim products” highly disturbing.

“Government leaders should intervene before it gets out of hand. They must try to bring reason and sense into the discourse instead of allowing elements to exploit the Gaza conflict like this,” said the lawyer.

Recently, Chinese media reported that someone on social media asked commuters not to ride on coaches and trains with advertisements of a popular fast-food that was reported to be supplying meals to Israeli soldiers.

A local coffee chain whose logo resembles that of a mythical Greek god also came under scrutiny because Greece is one of the pro-Israel countries. That is how bizarre things have become.

A Chinese influencer with many Malay followers was subjected to cyberbullying for going to a fast-food outlet that is on the boycott list.

A few days ago, a business entity known as US Pizza clarified that the name stood for “us,” as in “kita”, and not the United States.

“It is going too far, the government needs to step in,” said the lawyer.

But does the government have the political will to act?

What is the implication of the Chinese discontent? Will it shake the Madani government?

Fortunately for Anwar, the Chinese base is still intact because the Chinese fear of PAS and its Islamic agenda is too great.

“If an election is called tomorrow, the Chinese will still go for Pakatan,” said Teng.

The Chinese support has often been compared to a fixed deposit for Pakatan – secure and guaranteed of a return come rain or shine.

At the same time, it is easy to be taken for granted when you put all your eggs in one basket.

Author unknown.