Han Chinese, Mandarin in Malaysia

Introduction / History

The Han Chinese are the largest ethnic group in the world. Although the vast majority live in mainland China, many have immigrated to other countries, and today they reside in nearly every nation of the world including Malaysia.

Most Han Chinese speak one of the many Chinese dialects, which include Mandarin, Cantonese, Hokkien or Min Bei. The speakers of one Chinese dialect cannot understand the speakers of another. The writing system is the same so they can communicate on paper but not orally.

The Han Chinese fled to other countries after the Mongol invasion in 1276. Many other upheavals and conflicts followed, and the Chinese continued to settle in different nations, especially in Southeast Asia. Wherever they went, the Chinese settled almost exclusively in urban areas and became involved in business and commerce. Today, they are very influential in the economies of many of these nations, including Malaysia.

The first Chinese to migrate to Malaysia came in 1292. Their numbers increased dramatically during the 1800s. Chinese men who came as cheap labor eventually saved money and established small businesses. The ethnic Chinese dominated business and other aspects of life. This built up long-term resentment towards the Chinese. A couple of times there have been anti-Chinese riots in Malaysia.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Mandarin Chinese people tend to be self-employed. They own businesses such as shops and motels.

Mandarin Chinese society in Malaysia is founded on three pillars: clan associations, Chinese-language schools and Chinese media. All three help them maintain their cultural identity, but it also keeps them separate from the host culture. Almost all Mandarin Chinese send their children to Chinese schools. Their parents read news in the Chinese language, which gives them a different worldview than the Malay majority. Their clan associations and their religious institutions keep them socially apart.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Most Mandarin Chinese in Malaysia adhere to the traditional Chinese religion. They consult horoscopes in an attempt to determine what course of action will promote harmony and bring good luck. They also believe in a pantheon of spirits who inhabit the earth. The spirits of their ancestors supposedly roam the earth, and if treated properly, are benign and bring good luck. They believe ghosts exist as the spirits of people who are angry at the circumstances of their death; these spirits are malicious and capricious. By contrast, deities are the souls of people who lived especially virtuous lives. These deities have spiritual powers that can be used to benefit those who worship them. That motivates the Bin Mei to worship these deities. Although the Han Chinese still claim adherence to these beliefs, they seem to have little effect on their everyday lives. Many are non-religious in practice.

There is also a strong church among the Mandarin Chinese that can be a blessing to Malaysia’s Muslim population.

What Are Their Needs?

Materialism is a harsh taskmaster. It’s easy for Mandarin Chinese people who work long hours to keep their businesses alive to forget the one who empowers them to make money. There are Chinese Christ followers who can take Christ to the Muslims of Malaysia. The hard part is getting them to do it when the risk is so great. The Malay majority reacts quickly and harshly when someone tries to steer them away from the Islamic religious system.

Prayer Points

Pray for vibrant Christian Chinese in Malaysia to reach the Muslims for Jesus Christ.
Pray for the Lord's blessing of the Mandarin Chinese diaspora and the work of their hands as a testimony of his goodness and power.
Pray for Mandarin Chinese workers, filled with the fruit of the Holy Spirit, to disciple others, especially the spiritually neglected Muslims of Malaysia.
Pray for Mandarin Chinese speakers to have the spiritual hunger to seek and find Jesus Christ.

Text Source:   Joshua Project