Malaysia Courts Its Chinese Vote ; in Monday Elections, Asia's Anti-West Leader for the First Time Faces A

Mahlon Meyer,, The Christian Science Monitor

In most countries, a politician who pledges funds for better schools would win accolades from voters.

But here in this farming community in northern Malaysia, Yap Shui Fah sees the government's offer as dirty money.

"We asked them for 18 years, but now they are in a dangerous position," says Mr. Yap, manager of a printing shop. "They want to give us a bribe."

In the run-up to general elections on Monday, the government is going all out to court Chinese like Mr. Yap, who make up more than one-fourth of the country's population of 22 million. It's an indication of how seriously Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad views the challenge to his 18 years of rule. …

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Publication information: Article title: Malaysia Courts Its Chinese Vote ; in Monday Elections, Asia's Anti-West Leader for the First Time Faces A. Contributors: Mahlon Meyer, - Author. Newspaper title: The Christian Science Monitor. Publication date: November 26, 1999. Page number: 6. © 2009 The Christian Science Publishing Society. Provided by ProQuest LLC. All Rights Reserved.

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