How could Malays’ boycott of Chinese companies translate for the tourism industry?

KUALA LUMPUR- Following the narrow majority won by the Barisan Nasional in Malaysia, the party coalition which retained the power since independence, they have been repeated calls in some Malay media as well as consumers association to implement a boycott of Chinese companies in Malaysia, to “punish” the Chinese community to have chosen in the last election the opposition parties. The call came as a surprise to most Malaysians. It has not only a clear racist background but also is a total nonsense from an economic point of view. The government has so far condemned softly the stance of these groups.

The new Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Hasan Malek declared that the Federal Government did not approve of the campaign. But at the same time, he defended the right of the right-wing groups to express disgruntle by calling to a boycott.

But let’s play a little bit of fiction for now. What could be a boycott if it was actively implemented to tourism activities in Malaysia? Let’s imagine an upper middle class Malaysian family who decided to boycott effectively Chinese companies. On a week-end they go for a shortbreak domestic holiday with their two kids. Well, they already have to ban Melaka and Penang… far too Chinese in terms of population. What about a trip abroad by taking a plane? Not with AirAsia which is also under a boycott spell, since AirAsia X CEO Azran Osman Rani judged inappropriate and racist the boycott call from Utusan Malaysia newspaper; out of question to go to Kuching, not to name overseas destinations such as Singapore, Hong Kong, China or Taipei… Too Chinese as well.

Anyway, taking the KLIA Airport Express Train to the airport would also be a problem. It belongs to YTL Corporation. Which is owned by Sir Francis Yeo. Sounds rather Chinese, isn’t it? Worse, YTL not only managed the Airport Express but owns also the JW Marriott and the Ritz Carlton in Kuala Lumpur, the Majestic in Melaka, Pangkor Laut Resort, Cameron Highlands Resort or Star Hill Shopping Centre in KL.

Most of the popular shopping centres in Kuala Lumpur and large Malaysian cities generally belong to Chinese owned real estate companies… The other big real estate company Berjaya Corporation Bhd has no better chances as well. Its founder is Tan Sri Dato Seri Vincent Tan, another Chinese tycoon. Gone are then the possibilities to spend a holiday at ColmarTropicale Resort or on Tioman Island or also to shop at Berjaya Times Square. Genting Highlands Resort with its casino and entertainment park is also Chinese from origin.

Well, the list would be endless. And there will be no mention of restaurants or shops which are into Chinese hands… Finally what could do this family for a fun holiday in Malaysia? Take their cars and head to the Northern Peninsular states of Terengganu or Kelantan with is homogenous Malay population. Or stay home to watch cable TV. Astro, Malaysia largest cable tv provider, has a CEO who is indeed Malay. But this is all fiction!

Sourced: TravelDailyNews