'Chinese chauvinist faction in DAP' - veteran weighs in
INTERVIEW | Since the 13th general election, DAP has been attempting to make inroads with the Malay electorate and to shed its Chinese-dominated party image.
This led to a clash within the party dubbed as the “Blue Ocean vs Red Ocean” debate.
During the debate, labels such as “Hua Sha” (Chinese chauvinist) and “Da Ai” (great love) were hurled at the opposing factions. The latter term is a sarcastic reference for the faction which believes it is crucial for the party's future to win the hearts and minds of Malay voters.
In an interview with Malaysiakini, DAP veteran Liew Ah Kim weighed in on whether there is a “Chinese chauvinist” faction.
It appears that the answer, according to him, is both “yes” and “no”.
The 83-year-old former lawmaker, who is making a comeback after a 20-year hiatus, said that there also exists an “English chauvinist” label in DAP
He explained that the term “chauvinist” is merely used for the convenience of reference and this does not mean there are those who blindly believe that their race, culture or identity are superior to others.
Liew himself was dubbed as the “grandmaster of the Hua Sha faction” by former party member Hew Kuan Yau, who remains an influential figure of the faction despite quitting the party almost four years ago.
Labels started in the 70s
The octogenarian said the labels in DAP can be traced back to a party crisis in the late 1970s.
At the Pengkalan Kota state by-election in 1980, DAP nominated English-educated candidate Teoh Teik Huat against the will of then Penang DAP state leader Tan Yu Su, who wanted to field Chinese-educated Goh Lim Earn.
Teoh lost to an MCA candidate and this ignited the blame game.
Lim Kit Siang, who was secretary-general of the DAP at the time, was accused of suppressing Chinese-educated members.
The crisis ended with the sacking of four leaders who criticised the party decision - Tan Yu Su, Goh Lim Earn, Seow Han Cheng and Tan Teik Chuan.
However, the ripple effect of the crisis led to the emergence of factions which labelled each other as either "Chinese chauvinist" or "English chauvinist".
Liew, who joined DAP in 1966, believed that the factions arose due to differences in family and educational backgrounds, which led to those in the respective camps to focus on different issues.
"For example, the 'English chauvinist' faction talks about the judiciary, which is a more theoretical and academic thing.
“We, on the other hand, talk about racial equality, provisions in the constitution and how to protect the basic rights of minorities," he said.
This led to a clash within the party dubbed as the “Blue Ocean vs Red Ocean” debate.
During the debate, labels such as “Hua Sha” (Chinese chauvinist) and “Da Ai” (great love) were hurled at the opposing factions. The latter term is a sarcastic reference for the faction which believes it is crucial for the party's future to win the hearts and minds of Malay voters.
In an interview with Malaysiakini, DAP veteran Liew Ah Kim weighed in on whether there is a “Chinese chauvinist” faction.
It appears that the answer, according to him, is both “yes” and “no”.
The 83-year-old former lawmaker, who is making a comeback after a 20-year hiatus, said that there also exists an “English chauvinist” label in DAP
He explained that the term “chauvinist” is merely used for the convenience of reference and this does not mean there are those who blindly believe that their race, culture or identity are superior to others.
Liew himself was dubbed as the “grandmaster of the Hua Sha faction” by former party member Hew Kuan Yau, who remains an influential figure of the faction despite quitting the party almost four years ago.
Labels started in the 70s
The octogenarian said the labels in DAP can be traced back to a party crisis in the late 1970s.
At the Pengkalan Kota state by-election in 1980, DAP nominated English-educated candidate Teoh Teik Huat against the will of then Penang DAP state leader Tan Yu Su, who wanted to field Chinese-educated Goh Lim Earn.
Teoh lost to an MCA candidate and this ignited the blame game.
Lim Kit Siang, who was secretary-general of the DAP at the time, was accused of suppressing Chinese-educated members.
The crisis ended with the sacking of four leaders who criticised the party decision - Tan Yu Su, Goh Lim Earn, Seow Han Cheng and Tan Teik Chuan.
However, the ripple effect of the crisis led to the emergence of factions which labelled each other as either "Chinese chauvinist" or "English chauvinist".
Liew, who joined DAP in 1966, believed that the factions arose due to differences in family and educational backgrounds, which led to those in the respective camps to focus on different issues.
"For example, the 'English chauvinist' faction talks about the judiciary, which is a more theoretical and academic thing.
“We, on the other hand, talk about racial equality, provisions in the constitution and how to protect the basic rights of minorities," he said.
DAP veteran Liew Ah Kim
Liew argued that the so-called “Chinese chauvinist” faction should not be perceived as conservative.
“We are also concerned about environmental issues as well as the development of science and technology.
"We are not frogs at the bottom of the well. We are labelled as Chinese chauvinists just because we are Chinese educated,” he added.
Liew, who majored in the Chinese language at Singapore's Nanyang University and has written several novels and poems, said he worked hard to learn English as well.
Stressing that he respects all cultures, the former DAP vice-chairperson said he does not see himself as a “Chinese chauvinist”.
"I read Confucius and Mencius, but I also read the Bible," he said, adding that he speaks English with his friends in the church.
"It is really hard to believe that someone who speaks English in the church is a called a 'Chinese chauvinist'," he said.
New crop of DAP leaders
Acknowledging that the factionalism does not bode well for DAP, Liew, however, said Kit Siang has been able to serve as a conduit between the two sides.
On the same note, he believes that such factions do not exist among the new crop of DAP leaders.
"There is no such thing as 'Chinese chauvinist' in the new generation now. Who is a 'Chinese chauvinist'? Can you tell me?" he added.
Liew was elected as an MP and assemblyperson for three terms. He faded from politics after the DAP leadership crisis in the late-1990s.
“We are also concerned about environmental issues as well as the development of science and technology.
"We are not frogs at the bottom of the well. We are labelled as Chinese chauvinists just because we are Chinese educated,” he added.
Liew, who majored in the Chinese language at Singapore's Nanyang University and has written several novels and poems, said he worked hard to learn English as well.
Stressing that he respects all cultures, the former DAP vice-chairperson said he does not see himself as a “Chinese chauvinist”.
"I read Confucius and Mencius, but I also read the Bible," he said, adding that he speaks English with his friends in the church.
"It is really hard to believe that someone who speaks English in the church is a called a 'Chinese chauvinist'," he said.
New crop of DAP leaders
Acknowledging that the factionalism does not bode well for DAP, Liew, however, said Kit Siang has been able to serve as a conduit between the two sides.
On the same note, he believes that such factions do not exist among the new crop of DAP leaders.
"There is no such thing as 'Chinese chauvinist' in the new generation now. Who is a 'Chinese chauvinist'? Can you tell me?" he added.
Liew was elected as an MP and assemblyperson for three terms. He faded from politics after the DAP leadership crisis in the late-1990s.
The factions were also mentioned in the preface of his recently published memoir, which was penned by his protege Hew.
Hew pointed out that DAP members came from different backgrounds. The English-educated group can be further divided into liberals and social democrats, while the Chinese-educated members are mostly social democrats.
"The English-educated leaders are more persistent in defending civil liberties in a constitutional democracy while their Chinese-educated counterparts tend to pursue racial equality and strive for the dignity of minorities," he wrote.
The "English chauvinist" leaders, he explained, are mostly Chinese professionals or elites, who tend to "think in English", have a higher social and economic status and are relatively alienated from the grassroots and Chinese community.
Although the "Chinese chauvinist” faction has extensive support among the grassroots and community, Hew said DAP's previous central leadership was dominated by the “English chauvinist” fraction.
Red Ocean vs Blue Ocean
The differences also led to separate electoral strategies, known as the "Red Ocean vs Blue Ocean".
As the growth of Chinese support is reaching its limit, the “Blue Ocean” strategy was proposed to explore the “wider and greater market” - Malay votes
This narrative can be traced back to the outcome of the 2013 general election. Despite DAP winning most of the Chinese-majority constituencies, Pakatan Rakyat failed to capture Putrajaya.
However, some felt that DAP should not abandon its principles and core values in its attempt to attract more Malay votes.
For example, it should continue to defend secular principles, safeguard Chinese education and racial equality - the so-called “Red Ocean" strategy.
In 2014, DAP fielded Dyana Sofya Mohd Daud in the Teluk Intan by-election.
However, Dyana Sofya's defeat made it difficult to argue that a Malay candidate could break the stereotype that DAP is a "Chinese party" and this led to the debate regarding the two strategies.
Hew pointed out that DAP members came from different backgrounds. The English-educated group can be further divided into liberals and social democrats, while the Chinese-educated members are mostly social democrats.
"The English-educated leaders are more persistent in defending civil liberties in a constitutional democracy while their Chinese-educated counterparts tend to pursue racial equality and strive for the dignity of minorities," he wrote.
The "English chauvinist" leaders, he explained, are mostly Chinese professionals or elites, who tend to "think in English", have a higher social and economic status and are relatively alienated from the grassroots and Chinese community.
Although the "Chinese chauvinist” faction has extensive support among the grassroots and community, Hew said DAP's previous central leadership was dominated by the “English chauvinist” fraction.
Red Ocean vs Blue Ocean
The differences also led to separate electoral strategies, known as the "Red Ocean vs Blue Ocean".
As the growth of Chinese support is reaching its limit, the “Blue Ocean” strategy was proposed to explore the “wider and greater market” - Malay votes
This narrative can be traced back to the outcome of the 2013 general election. Despite DAP winning most of the Chinese-majority constituencies, Pakatan Rakyat failed to capture Putrajaya.
However, some felt that DAP should not abandon its principles and core values in its attempt to attract more Malay votes.
For example, it should continue to defend secular principles, safeguard Chinese education and racial equality - the so-called “Red Ocean" strategy.
In 2014, DAP fielded Dyana Sofya Mohd Daud in the Teluk Intan by-election.
However, Dyana Sofya's defeat made it difficult to argue that a Malay candidate could break the stereotype that DAP is a "Chinese party" and this led to the debate regarding the two strategies.
Dyana Sofya Mohd Daud, DAP Teluk Intan candidate in 2014
Quizzed on his position, Liew said DAP should adhere to its principles and consolidate the existing Chinese base. He lamented that DAP had deviated from its past struggle and this has disappointed the Chinese community.
"I have heard some people say DAP wants to give up the Chinese vote and explore the 'Blue Ocean' to get 30 percent (Malay) support. The question is can you do it?
"Do you think the Chinese community will always support you? You are betraying the community if you fail to keep your promises. Will they support you the next time?
"MCA is an example. The Chinese community used to support MCA because they gave people hope. It was some kind of sustenance.
"If DAP can no longer become their sustenance and hope, why should they support you? When you lose 50 percent of Chinese votes, how do you survive?” Liew asked.
"I have heard some people say DAP wants to give up the Chinese vote and explore the 'Blue Ocean' to get 30 percent (Malay) support. The question is can you do it?
"Do you think the Chinese community will always support you? You are betraying the community if you fail to keep your promises. Will they support you the next time?
"MCA is an example. The Chinese community used to support MCA because they gave people hope. It was some kind of sustenance.
"If DAP can no longer become their sustenance and hope, why should they support you? When you lose 50 percent of Chinese votes, how do you survive?” Liew asked.
Related:
(1) DAP veteran: Lim, you failed abysmally during Pakatan rule in allowing Mahathir to do what he liked
The cowardly people manipulating this poor Kung Kung should be ashamed of themselves. He will lose his pants come election time.
ReplyDeleteDAP's future is as a Liberal , Democratic party with a largely urban base.
ReplyDeleteThe Chinese Community is part of that, but it must not regress back to a traditional Chinese party .
1 speak eng or go to church doesnt make one less chauvinist, the three ccp musketeers here oso write n speak eng to demonstrate their chauvinism what.
ReplyDelete2 dap look more like a non malay party, however since indian doesnt mattter, so in actual fact dap still very chinese.
3. lim faction can do a lky by ditching the chinese ed after gaining power, but unfortunately the dichotomy here is race, not education or class.
4 liew doesnt impress much when he was an mp, seputih is a dog oso can win seat, so i really dun now what is he trying to prove.
4 that said, its always good to hv some dissent view, especially in a party command by emperor n son that wan to educate others what is democracy.
Formosa trained katak in its 坐井说天阔 mode of farts!
Delete1) "the three ccp musketeers"!
???
Worst still that those katak from that fart filled well - macam macam pun ada!
2) "DAP still very Chinese"!
Just like yr ketuanan parties r all very much melayu.
Mmmmm…… where the f*ck r u fit into them?
Acting as a nosily barking genuflecting doggie!
3) "dichotomy here is race, not education or class."
!!! In bolihland EVERYTHING r about race. Education & class included!
Wakakakakaka… coming from a known-nothing or more likely a ketuanan sophism trumpeted by a doggie.
4) "seputih is a dog oso can win seat"
!!!
Umno used to win every errections since the pommie oil their boots & f*cked off.
What happened now?
5) "always good to hv some dissent view"
Wakakakakaka… 《坐井观天》- a primary 2nd fable known by all Chinese pupils.
Yet a dickheaded katak wants to twist some fart out of it
Only when it happens within demoNcratic fart. Otherwise u get this twist of "a party command by emperor n son that wan to educate others what is democracy"
Truly a pariah loser!
1 ok fair
ReplyDelete2 umno proudly assert their ketuanan, thats the diff.
3 whatever as long as u r happy.
4 now seputih still 100% sure win, future no diff as long as racial policies continue n dap do liew ah kim way, seputih cheras bb kepong not a malay prefer neighborhood, moreover not cheap.
5 the d in dap is democratic, though in reality is dictatorship, get lims to change name first if u disagree with my take.
i go thru comments in mkini, almost all r delusional talking about the antithesis of umno as if dap is all abt multiracial, no one try to rebut liew ah kim point on defending the chinese rights, or minority rights. they r no diff with thaya, work with malay but insist on non malay right, lu ingat malay bodoh kah?
liew pov is relevant, n reflect reality, my reservation is liew the person. mca philosophy no matter how shitty work many years, dap only 22 months, n u cant do a lky bec u hv 20% n getting lesser n lesser.
n whats yr point beside making me the object of yr writes?
What's my point?
ReplyDelete"Almost all comments in mkini r delusional talking about the antithesis of umno as if dap is all abt multiracial."
DAP is indeed all about multiracial. Is it the fault of DAP if the ketuanan freaks, zombies, blur-sotong & mfers like u want to find bones in its toufu?
U r dead right - "work with malay but insist on non malay right, lu ingat malay bodoh kah?"
So how to try to rebut liew ah kim point on defending the chinese rights, or minority rights when there r many a mfers like u in promoting don't-spook-the-melayu-sensitivities?
"liew pov is relevant" ?!!!
Liew is living in a dreamland of days past! He should know his place. Instead, he wants to play chauvinistic pig by picking on the party he used to represented. This just shows his bloody irrelevancy in this days & time.
What a old fool of a blurred mfer with 'pov' way passed their relevancy when that f*cked ketuanan-ised alifbata has long since deep-rooted!
Talk about reflecting reality! In his & yr f*cked utopia lah.
"u cant do a lky bec u hv 20% n getting lesser n lesser."
There lies that mfering pink elephant that u people refused to see!
What lky did were just the the consequences of his time - where race numeric played supreme. & lky had more than 20%!
Only diehard demoNcratic dickheads pick & choose to voice their fart about populace numeric.
The current China - where minorities, not only the oft-quoted Tibetan & Uyghur, r been treated preferentially even though their numeric CAN'T compare with the Hans.
Then u fart about the current bolihland where the manna seeking majority is the tag of yr proclamation in preferential narratives - just bcoz of their numbers!
See the points?
Most likely - NO!
liew not necessarily right n the delusional crowd not necessarily wrong, but dap cant have it both ways.
Deleteone eg dap is never a multi racial, y seputeh is either liew or kok n not ali or ahmad? the change hv to start somewhere n by someone, as long as it is not dap?
ccp cant even handle hker with 95% han. dun blow la, malukan cina.
"liew not necessarily right n the delusional crowd not necessarily wrong, but dap cant have it both ways."
Delete!!!!
Proper England or Mandarin please. Not yr 南魔萬 England or hp6 Mandarin if u want people to understand yr reasonings.
Or u prefer fart? Then nothing has lost!
Putting Chinese M'sian in seputih is the only right thing for any political party sensitive to the ground sentiment.
It has nothing to do with Ali or Ahmad. Just like umno will never allow a Nons to be represented in his home turf, never mind that out right it is a racialist party. Ditto with pas will never put a kaffir in one of its zombified territory!
But can a genuflecting doggie sees that point? Perhaps in race outfit is the only thing a ketuanan narrative promoter could master its fart.
Or u have mixed race with politic, just liken to all yr farted dangdut pals! Zombified birds with feather flock together, no?
CCP can handle HK 废青 100% if no bcoz of the hamstring of that Sino British agreement!
So who's blowing?
U know malu?
Ooooop… for a katak-ised nonchinese, shame must have a very different definition.