KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian Chinese shared different views when asked if race played a part in the Olympics and who they would support; Malaysian Malays or Chinese nationals.
Seven Malaysian Chinese were interviewed in a TikTok video shared by @Sgkakinang, a content creator from Singapore.
While three expressed support for Malaysian Malays, the remaining individuals sided with China.
The three individuals backing Malays and nationality over race, cited their Malaysian identity and residency as the reasons for their support.
"I would support Malaysian Malays because I live in Malaysia!" said one of the interviewees.
"Malaysia lah, I am Malaysian, what!" echoed another participant.
Conversely, supporters of China offered different rationales for their preference, with one saying that a shared ethnicity matters.
"I support China because I am Chinese. Although, by right, we should be happy if a Malay athlete wins, we have been oppressed by the Malaysian government for too long," said one of the interviewees. He also said victories by Malaysian Chinese athletes bring happiness, unlike those by Malaysian Malay athletes.
Meanwhile, a woman in the video said she supports China because, "Whatever job we do, we do not earn much, but Malays are very rich!"
@sgkakinang Which side will Malaysian Chinese support when Malaysia vs China in the Olympics? #tiktoksg #sgtiktok #singapore ♬ original sound - SG Kaki Nang
The comments section elicited varied reactions, with some advocating support for Malaysia regardless of ethnic background, while some attributed the mixed responses to racial and economic divisions.
@DConnie said, "It is so sad that Malaysian Chinese support China rather than Malaysia in sports competitions.
"I wonder whether Malays treating Malaysian Chinese as second-class citizens is valid."
@aquakey86 said, "This is what race-based politics does to a country."
@User8463391136115 commented, "I support Malaysians regardless of ethnic background. I am a Chinese Malaysian. I support Malaysia."