CHINESE President Xi Jinping will be visiting Malaysia from April 15 (tomorrow) to 17 and one wonders what reception he would get from the Malaysian public.
Given the country’s phobia about communism, the public reaction to Xi’s visit will be closely watched to see if there is any overzealous display of greeting for the Chinese leader.
Political parties like PAS which has always accused the DAP of being pro-communist will surely be monitoring DAP leaders if they are part of the welcoming party.
What are the tell-tale signs of communist leaning when Xi sets foot on Malaysian soil?
Let’s see how PAS sizes up top DAP leaders greeting Xi. Wide smiles, firm hugs, vigorous pumping of hand, loud back-slapping, facial expressions, whispering, boisterous laughter – these are all give-away signs.
What do these signs mean? As usual, PAS – wearing its blinkers – will come up with some silly interpretations.
Those ear-to-ear grins reveal DAP is overjoyed to meet a fellow comrade. Accompanied by tight hugs and robust handshake prove the party wants to become the best of buddies with the Chinese Communist Party.
Oh, all those hearty thumping on the back, twinkling in the eyes and guffaw could only signify DAP is so glad to meet this communist leader who is riding high on the world stage.
‘DAP accused of brokering visit’
And, oh mine, see them whispering? Sinister! Sinister! It could mean these DAP fellows must be pouring into Xi’s ear some unpleasant things about Malaysia or expressing boundless admiration for China’s economic miracle.
Not only would DAP come under PAS radar but also the local Chinese community. It is expected that a mammoth crowd (perhaps in the tens of thousands) will be on hand to catch a glimpse of this star and even grab his hand if he decides to mingle with the screaming fans.
This is too much. The Islamist party can’t bear to see these descendants of the Chinese diaspora screaming their heads off for the leader of a communist government whose secular ideology has no place for God.
“Sympathisers!” That’s the only label PAS can attach on the local Chinese for being too exuberant in welcoming Mr Communism.
The authorities too might be on hyper alert when Xi arrives for what is seen as a second historic visit, especially given recent warning against promoting communist ideology.
All about ringgit & sen
But anything can happen on the spur of the moment: youths spontaneously waving communist flags and sporting T-shirts bearing the face of the Chinese leader, shophouses displaying photos of Xi, street artists spraying graffiti of him on the walls to mark his visit.
Or Chinese new villages putting up red giant banners proclaiming: “We love you, Xi Xiānshēng! You’re a great leader!”
How will the authorities react without offending this very important leader? Will they crack the whip after Xi has left or will they make sure there is no contact with the local people?
In the end, does it matter? Xi is coming here not to promote an ideology but to talk business and trade. It’s strictly all about ringgit and yuan.
In the 11 months of 2024, bilateral trade with China hit nearly RM433 bil and is expected to grow this year especially amid raging trade war between Beijing and Wahington D.C. after China having retaliated to President Donald Trump’s series of reciprocal tariffs on the world’s second biggest economy.
Malaysia certainly does not want to turn off this spigot just because it flows from China. In the midst of a global trade war, Malaysia has no choice but to increase trade with this communist giant with a capitalist mindset. – April 14, 2025
Phlip Rodrigues is a retired journalist.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
Main image credit: Buletin TV3
