THE phrase ‘to paint a false picture’ means to describe or present a situation, person or event in a way that is untrue, misleading or deceptive. This creates an incorrect mental image or wrong impression in the minds of others.
This seemed to be precisely what Threader GourmetGuy (@gourmetttguy) has done by posting a list of 10 successful (and needless to say, fabulously wealthy) Malaysian entrepreneurs who happened to be all of Chinese descent.
“Just look at the race that dominates the economy of Malaysia,” asked this forlorn netizen, barely able to disguise his bigotry.
Making absolutely no bones about where he stood, this right-leaning poster asked that “Malay leaders unite to bring about mechanisms that would end such single race dominance”.
“Politics that break-up the Malays will lead to them to be further left behind economically.” he warned ominously.
The narrow, prejudiced perspective being spouted was seized upon by more than a few Malaysians unimpressed by his blinkered interpretations.
For starters, it was succinctly pointed out that the list recorded assets and wealth from legitimate businesses – not those built from sakau (wealth plundering)-related activities.
One amateur financial analysis even surmised that the wealth of the featured Chinese tycoons pale in comparison to that of other even wealthier magnates who remain unexposed whether they are Chinese or even Malays.
One commenter was more specific in naming where he thought these invisible and unseen Malay billionaires could be found – “UMNO”!
Countering the claim that the Malays were not privy to the economic pie, one commenter suggested that perhaps the imbalanced perspective is due to Malay ministers and their offsprings’ refusal to divulge the details of their wealth worth in the billions.
In contrast, the list highlighted by the poster was only made possible because those Chinese entrepreneurs declared their assets/wealth.
Twice former premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad was a target for many dissenters who sought to counter this perception of Chinese Rich List dominance with his children’s astonishing success as entrepreneurs!
Another commenter highlighted the centenarian’s failed strategy of placing hand-picked Malay business figures to lead the nation into a new era of prosperity. Most failed due to expensive divorces, bad business decisions or unexpectedly meeting the Grim Reaper.
The blinkered perspective was described as similar to one adopted by firebrand UMNO Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh. “As long as a misdeed is committed by their own kind, it’s fine.”
Some other Malay entrepreneurs were also mentioned that would have given the so-called Rich List some form of balance – the late Tun Daim Zaimnuddin, Tan Sri Syed Mokhtar Al-Bukhary and even famous social media influencer and restaurateur (founder of Rembayung) Khairul Aming.
The pushback from disgusted and, frankly, fed-up commenters from all backgrounds was evident.
One frustrated netizen listed the many privileges available to Malays and asked what more do they want? Another pointedly asked who owned the McDonald’s franchise in Malaysia as an example of big brands being controlled by wholly Bumiputera-owned companies.
Politicians and/or their spouses who were supposedly caught red-handed with incredible amounts of loot in their homes was also highlighted. Why doesn’t the poster speak up? It was pointed out that the Chinese entrepreneurs had to work to earn their largesse.
As expected with a blatantly racist posting, it invited plenty of tit-for-tat reprisals. Some took to labelling Malays as “lazy” while another simply saw the post as reflective of a sour grapes attitude.
“Some people learn to become millionaires; others only know how to be jealous” was the wry observation here.
“Hand in glove” was the observation made by some astute commenters. It was also pointed out that the Chinese tycoons’ successes were only made possible with the co-operation of Malay ruling classes.
It is very evident that each corner will have supporters loudly and eagerly championing its viewpoint.
Suffice to say that it is very sad indeed that this is still being made an issue in this day and age.
Ultimately, one commenter summed it up best when he concluded that there can be no progress and advancement so long as such a mindset persists. – Aug 24, 2026
