James Chai was a Visiting Fellow at ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute and a columnist for MalaysiaKini and Sin Chew Daily.
CONTRIBUTORS
James Chai
Articles by James Chai (24)
Malaysia’s Chinese Primary Schools: Saved Yet Threatened by Rising Inflows of Malay Students
James Chai
Non-Chinese pupil enrolment in Malaysia’s vernacular Chinese primary schools (SJKC) has grown significantly over the past decades, from just 3-6 per cent in the 1990s to approximately 20 per cent by 2020, primarily driven by Malay pupils. These demographic shifts in SJKCs present a profound existential challenge to the Chinese community in Malaysia on whether they should preserve the cultural purity of SJKC or adapt to these demographic realities.
Interfaith Dialogues in Malaysia Declining at a Time When They Are Needed Most
James Chai
Interfaith dialogue in Malaysia is flagging due to past controversies associated with such activities.
Mainland Chinese Muslims in Malaysia: Cultural Diversity within a Specific Islamic Framework
James Chai
Muslim influence from China is rising in Malaysia, but it can only operate within limits proscribed by Malay Muslims who prefer the status quo.
Amidst Malaysia’s Rising Polarisation: What More Mandarin-speaking Non-Chinese Malaysians Show
James Chai
More non-Chinese Malaysians are enrolling their children in Chinese vernacular primary schools, and Malaysia’s job market increasingly favours Mandarin speakers as China’s power grows. How might this impact Malaysia’s inter-ethnic relations?
Bersatu’s Unending Crisis: No End in Sight
James Chai
Parti Pribumi Malaysia Bersatu is going through a vulnerable period, with defections by members and leadership tussles.