The recent discourse on X about Malay has got me studying the Chinese culture here in Malaysia and our neighbor Singapura.

I noticed a few distinctions between our Chinese here in Nusantara and the Chinese in Mainland China.

The Chinese in our part of the world, seems to have a certain kind of idealism towards the Westerners, this is a complete contrast against the Chinese from the Mainland.

Our Chinese seems to be more sympathetic towards Western narratives.

This is evident both in Malaysia and Singapura.
What is even more interesting is that, Netanyahu recently stated, albeit indirectly, that they view China as an enemy nation.

Though, there seems to be no reaction from our Chinese to back Mainland China.

Why is that so?

Us Malays have had historically good diplomatic relations with China ever since the time of Ming Dynasty in the 15th Century and even earlier.

During both the era of Empayar Melayu Srivijaya and Empayar Islam Melayu Melaka.

The Chinese Emperor during that time played a pivotal role in legitimizing the Kesultanan of both our Empires and bolstered our protection against the hostile Siamese Thai and Jawa Majapahit.

In this modern age, we want to remain friends with the Chinese here in Malaysia and Singapura too.

But it seems their persistent idolization of the Western colonizers are making it harder for us to do so.

JAUHARI JOHAR
11th October 2025