Ye Lin-Sheng's The Chinese Dilemma: A Malaysian Chinese Perspective on Affirmative Action
The Chinese Dilemma: A Book Review
The Chinese Dilemma is a book written by Ye Lin-Sheng, a Malaysian-born Chinese who migrated to Australia in 1986. The book explores the complex and controversial issues surrounding the ethnic relations in Malaysia, especially between the Malays and the Chinese. The book was published in 2003, three decades after the implementation of the New Economic Policy (NEP), a form of affirmative action that aimed to improve the economic and social status of the Malays at the expense of the non-Malays. The book examines the origins, effects, and implications of the NEP from various perspectives, drawing on historical, political, economic, sociological, and psychological insights. The book also compares and contrasts the experiences of the Malaysian Chinese with those of other Chinese minorities in Southeast Asia and with those of other ethnic groups in multicultural societies. The main argument of the book is that while the NEP has achieved some positive results for the Malays, it has also created many problems and challenges for both Malays and non-Malays, especially for the Chinese. The book argues that a more balanced and inclusive approach is needed to achieve a stable and harmonious society for all Malaysians.
The Chinese Dilemma Ye Lin Sheng Pdf 38 marghulbe
Summary of the book
The book consists of 13 chapters, each focusing on a different aspect or dimension of the ethnic relations in Malaysia. Here is a brief overview of each chapter:
Political Backdrop
This chapter provides a historical background of Malaysia's formation and development as a nation-state. It traces the origins and evolution of Malaysia's ethnic composition, which consists mainly of three groups: Malays (who are indigenous to the Malay Peninsula), Chinese (who came as immigrants from China), and Indians (who came as indentured laborers from India). It also explains how Malaysia's political system is based on a constitutional monarchy, a parliamentary democracy, and a federal structure. It highlights how ethnicity has been a major factor in shaping Malaysia's political landscape, especially since independence from British colonial rule in 1957. It describes how various political parties have emerged to represent different ethnic interests, such as UMNO (United Malays National Organization) for Malays, MCA (Malayan Chinese Association) for Chinese, and MIC (Malayan Indian Congress) for Indians. It also discusses how the Alliance Party, a coalition of UMNO, MCA, and MIC, managed to maintain political stability and interethnic cooperation until the 1969 racial riots, which marked a turning point in Malaysia's history.
Seeds of Discord
This chapter analyzes the causes and consequences of the 1969 racial riots, which erupted after a general election that saw the opposition parties gain more seats and challenge the dominance of the Alliance Party. It shows how the riots were triggered by a combination of factors, such as economic disparities, political grievances, social tensions, and cultural differences between Malays and Chinese. It also shows how the riots resulted in hundreds of deaths, thousands of injuries, and millions of dollars of property damage. It reveals how the riots exposed the fragility and vulnerability of Malaysia's ethnic relations and prompted the government to declare a state of emergency and suspend parliamentary democracy. It also reveals how the riots led to the emergence of a new political leadership under Prime Minister Tun Abdul Razak, who initiated a series of reforms to address the root causes of the ethnic conflict.
The Malay Dilemma Revisited
This chapter examines the rationale and implementation of the New Economic Policy (NEP), which was launched in 1971 as a response to the 1969 racial riots. It explains how the NEP was inspired by The Malay Dilemma, a book written by Dr. Mahathir Mohamad (who later became Malaysia's longest-serving prime minister) in 1970. It explains how The Malay Dilemma argued that Malays were lagging behind other ethnic groups in terms of economic and educational achievements due to their genetic, cultural, and environmental disadvantages. It explains how The Malay Dilemma proposed that Malays needed special assistance and protection from the government to overcome their inherent weaknesses and catch up with other ethnic groups. It explains how the NEP adopted The Malay Dilemma's diagnosis and prescription and aimed to achieve two main objectives: (1) to eradicate poverty regardless of race, and (2) to restructure society to eliminate the identification of race with economic function. It explains how the NEP implemented various measures to achieve these objectives, such as quotas, preferences, subsidies, scholarships, licenses, contracts, shares, and land for Malays in various sectors and institutions.
Chinese Grievances
This chapter explores the challenges and frustrations faced by the Malaysian Chinese under the NEP. It shows how the NEP has reduced the opportunities and rewards for Chinese in various fields, such as education, employment, business, politics, and culture. It shows how the NEP has created a sense of discrimination, resentment, alienation, and marginalization among many Chinese. It shows how some Chinese have reacted to the NEP by adopting different strategies, such as emigration, assimilation, accommodation, opposition, or cooperation. It also shows how some Chinese have tried to cope with the NEP by relying on their own resources, networks, values, and traditions.
The American Dilemma
This chapter compares and contrasts the affirmative action policies in Malaysia and the United States. It shows how both countries have faced similar problems of racial inequality and discrimination in their histories. It shows how both countries have adopted affirmative action policies to promote social justice and national unity for their disadvantaged minorities. It also shows how both countries have encountered similar controversies and criticisms over their affirmative action policies from various quarters. However, it also shows how there are significant differences between the two countries in terms of their historical contexts, political systems, social structures, cultural diversity, economic development, and demographic trends. It argues that while affirmative action policies may have some merits and benefits for certain groups in certain situations, they also have some limitations and drawbacks for other groups in other situations.
Affirmative Action: American and Malaysian Experiences
Criticisms of Affirmative Action
This chapter reviews the common arguments against affirmative action and their validity. It shows how affirmative action has been criticized on various grounds, such as violating the principles of meritocracy, equality, and justice; creating reverse discrimination, resentment, and conflict; fostering dependency, complacency, and mediocrity; undermining efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness; and encouraging corruption, nepotism, and cronyism. It also shows how some of these criticisms are based on misconceptions, exaggerations, or fallacies, while others have some empirical support or logical basis. It argues that while affirmative action may have some negative side effects or unintended consequences, it does not necessarily mean that it is unjustified or ineffective. It suggests that the evaluation of affirmative action should be based on a balanced and nuanced assessment of its costs and benefits, its goals and outcomes, and its alternatives and trade-offs.
Immigrant Chinese Society
This chapter describes the cultural and social characteristics of the Malaysian Chinese community. It shows how the Malaysian Chinese are a diverse and heterogeneous group in terms of their origins, dialects, religions, customs, and lifestyles. It also shows how the Malaysian Chinese have maintained their unique identity and heritage through various institutions and practices, such as clan associations, temples, schools, newspapers, festivals, and cuisine. It argues that the Malaysian Chinese have contributed significantly to the economic development and cultural diversity of Malaysia through their hard work, entrepreneurship, innovation, and creativity. It also argues that the Malaysian Chinese have adapted to the changing political and social environment of Malaysia by adopting different strategies of survival and integration.
The Ugly Chinaman
This chapter critiques the negative stereotypes and behaviors associated with some Chinese people. It shows how some Chinese people have been portrayed or perceived as greedy, selfish, arrogant, dishonest, disloyal, or unpatriotic by others. It also shows how some Chinese people have exhibited or manifested some undesirable traits or habits, such as materialism, corruption, gambling, prostitution, or crime. It argues that these stereotypes and behaviors are not inherent or exclusive to Chinese people, but rather are influenced by historical, structural, situational, or psychological factors. It suggests that these stereotypes and behaviors can be changed or improved by addressing their root causes and promoting positive values and norms.
Minority Experiences Compared
Minority Experiences Compared
This chapter contrasts the situations of the Chinese minorities in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand. It shows how these four countries have different histories, policies, and outcomes regarding their Chinese populations. It shows how Singapore has achieved a high degree of ethnic integration and harmony by adopting a multiracial and meritocratic approach that recognizes and respects the diversity and contributions of its Chinese majority and other ethnic groups. It shows how Indonesia has experienced a long history of anti-Chinese violence and discrimination by adopting a nationalist and assimilationist approach that denies and suppresses the identity and rights of its Chinese minority. It shows how Thailand has achieved a high degree of ethnic assimilation and adaptation by adopting a tolerant and pragmatic approach that allows and encourages its Chinese minority to adopt Thai culture and citizenship. It shows how Malaysia has experienced a moderate degree of ethnic coexistence and cooperation by adopting a consociational and affirmative action approach that accommodates and protects the interests of its Malay majority and its Chinese minority.
Cultural Crossing
This chapter discusses the possibilities and challenges of intercultural integration and assimilation for the Malaysian Chinese. It shows how some Malaysian Chinese have crossed cultural boundaries and embraced Malay or Islamic culture, either by choice or by necessity. It also shows how some Malaysian Chinese have maintained or strengthened their Chinese or other cultural affiliations, either by choice or by necessity. It argues that cultural crossing is not a simple or straightforward process, but rather a complex and dynamic one that involves multiple factors, such as personal preferences, social pressures, economic incentives, political constraints, religious beliefs, and historical legacies. It suggests that cultural crossing can be a positive or negative experience, depending on the motivations, expectations, and outcomes of the individuals and groups involved.
Striking a Balance
This chapter suggests how to achieve a fair and harmonious society for all ethnic groups in Malaysia. It shows how the NEP has created an imbalance in the distribution of wealth, power, and opportunities among Malays and non-Malays. It also shows how the NEP has failed to address the root causes of poverty, inequality, and injustice in Malaysia. It argues that a more balanced and inclusive approach is needed to promote social justice and national unity in Malaysia. It proposes some possible reforms and alternatives to the NEP, such as reducing ethnic preferences, increasing merit-based criteria, expanding social welfare programs, enhancing democratic participation, fostering interethnic dialogue, and embracing multiculturalism.
The New Economic Policy a Recapitulation
Evaluation of the book
This chapter evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of the book. It shows how the book has several merits, such as:
- It is original and insightful in its analysis of the ethnic relations in Malaysia and the role of affirmative action in shaping them. - It is clear and concise in its presentation of the historical, political, economic, sociological, and psychological aspects of the issues involved. - It is objective and balanced in its assessment of the costs and benefits of affirmative action for different groups and perspectives. - It is comprehensive and thorough in its coverage of various topics and dimensions related to affirmative action and ethnic relations. However, it also shows how the book has some limitations, such as:
- It is based on secondary sources and personal observations, rather than primary data and empirical evidence. - It is biased and selective in its use of information and examples, sometimes ignoring or downplaying contradictory or alternative views or facts. - It is simplistic and deterministic in its explanation of some complex and dynamic phenomena, such as culture, identity, and behavior. - It is incomplete and outdated in some aspects, such as the impact of globalization, migration, and technology on ethnic relations. Conclusion
This chapter restates the main argument and findings of the book. It shows how the book argues that while affirmative action has achieved some positive results for Malays, it has also created many problems and challenges for both Malays and non-Malays, especially for Chinese. It shows how the book examines the origins, effects, and implications of affirmative action from various perspectives, drawing on historical, political, economic, sociological, and psychological insights. It shows how the book also compares and contrasts the experiences of Malaysian Chinese with those of other Chinese minorities in Southeast Asia and with those of other ethnic groups in multicultural societies.
This chapter also provides some personal opinions and reflections on the book. It shows how the book has increased my understanding and awareness of the complex and controversial issues surrounding ethnic relations in Malaysia. It shows how the book has challenged some of my assumptions and stereotypes about Malays and Chinese. It shows how the book has made me think critically and creatively about possible solutions and alternatives to affirmative action and ethnic conflict.
This chapter also recommends the book to potential readers and explains why. It shows how the book is relevant and interesting for anyone who wants to learn more about Malaysia's history, politics, economy, society, and culture. It shows how the book is also useful and informative for anyone who wants to explore the broader questions of race, ethnicity, identity, diversity, and integration in a globalized world. It shows how the book is written in an accessible and engaging style that appeals to both academic and general audiences.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the book:
- Q: Who is Ye Lin-Sheng? - Q: What is the main argument of the book? - A: The main argument of the book is that while affirmative action has achieved some positive results for Malays, it has also created many problems and challenges for both Malays and non-Malays, especially for Chinese. The book examines the origins, effects, and implications of affirmative action from various perspectives, drawing on historical, political, economic, sociological, and psychological insights. The book also compares and contrasts the experiences of Malaysian Chinese with those of other Chinese minorities in Southeast Asia and with those of other ethnic groups in multicultural societies. - Q: What are some of the strengths and weaknesses of the book? - A: Some of the strengths of the book are its originality, clarity, objectivity, and comprehensiveness. Some of the weaknesses of the book are its reliance on secondary sources, bias and selectivity, simplification and determinism, and incompleteness and outdatedness. - Q: Who is the target audience of the book? - A: The target audience of the book is anyone who wants to learn more about Malaysia's history, politics, economy, society, and culture. The book is also useful and informative for anyone who wants to explore the broader questions of race, ethnicity, identity, diversity, and integration in a globalized world. The book is written in an accessible and engaging style that appeals to both academic and general audiences. - Q: How can I get a copy of the book? - A: You can get a copy of the book from various online platforms, such as Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk. You can also check your local library or bookstore for availability. - Q: What are some other books that are similar or related to this book? - A: Some other books that are similar or related to this book are: - The Malay Dilemma by Mahathir Mohamad - Beyond Mahathir: Malaysian Politics and its Discontents by Khoo Boo Teik - Malaysia's New Economic Policy by Edmund Terence Gomez - Ethnic Business: Chinese Capitalism in Southeast Asia by K.S. Jomo and Brian C. Folk - The Overseas Chinese in Southeast Asia: History, Culture, Business by Leo Suryadinata
This is the end of my article on The Chinese Dilemma by Ye Lin-Sheng. I hope you enjoyed reading it and learned something new from it. Thank you for your attention and feedback. 71b2f0854b