analysis The Merdeka Centre's recent public opinion poll seems to have captured the sentiments of disheartened Chinese Malaysians, at least in urban areas on the west coast of the peninsula.

The survey indicates that 60 percent of Chinese Malaysian voters are likely to vote for opposition parties in the next general election. Of the Malay and Indian respondents, only 32 and 33 percent respectively are likely to support the opposition.

Although the Merdeka Centre's surveys have a relatively small sample and are always subject to questions as to its accuracy, the latest poll reflects rather widespread dissatisfaction on the ground over what is strongly felt to be a 'directionless' and 'listless' economy.

This is certainly a major reason for growing pro-opposition sentiment in the Chinese-majority urban constituencies.

Many retailers and small businessmen, for example, feel that there is still no Chinese New Year "mood" yet although the festival is less than a week away.

A popular observation is that the mood has not picked up because many working people and households are experiencing financial difficulty and economic uncertainty. People seem to be spending less and trying to save more in anticipation of even harder times ahead.

There is similar dissatisfaction over the rising wave of crimes nationwide and a widely-held perception of a breakdown in law and order, as well as of the indiscipline, corruption and incompetence of the police force.

A strong sense of political alienation has developed in the Chinese Malaysian community, following the keris-brandishing by Umno Youth chief Hishammuddin Hussein during the party's general assembly last year.

To many, the fundamental message behind this is that the Chinese - and for that matter, other non-Malay ethnic communities - are still not treated as equal citizens. Umno does not treat then with dignity and honour even after 50 years of independence.

What is most worrying is that even young and better educated Umno leaders like Hishammuddin and his deputy Khairy Jamaluddin have jumped on the bandwagon of brandishing the keris, as a symbol of Malay supremacy.

The crucial question that arises is: what is the future? Is there any hope for the children and grandchildren of other Malaysians?

All-out engagement

There is a corresponding disappointment with Umno's Chinese allies like MCA and Gerakan for still being unable to reform the Barisan Nasional coalition after so many years and after so many appeals to give them time to "enlighten" Umno.

The MCA and Gerakan grassroots hold the opinion that since Umno does not 'give face' to their parties, there is a need to reciprocate in the coming general election by voting for the opposition or not working actively for Umno in semi-urban and ethnically mixed constituencies contested by Umno and PAS/PKR.

However, it would be premature for the opposition to think that any Chinese 'swing' will not be reversed between now and polling day.

The reason is not difficult to understand. Given their knowledge of current political sentiments, Umno and its Chinese allies can take measures to counteract the trend.

The mainstream media such as the New Straits Times has already come out in full force to defend the government's performance and to paint a rosy picture of the state of economy.

Most like than not, there will next be a drastic decrease of the number of crime reports in the mainstream media.

Above all, many public relations exercises will be conducted to change the perception and attitude of the Chinese in the coming months. MCA ministers will be issuing feel-good promises and announcements, such as more funds to build or renovate Chinese schools.

Whether these will succeed in winning back the hearts and minds of the Chinese voters is another story, considering the many broken promises and U-turns after polls of the past.