Pursuing chinese studies amidst identity politics in Malaysia

Abstract

This chapter seeks to analyze the development of three aspects of Chinese Studies, namely Sinology, China Studies, and Chinese Overseas Studies in Malaysia. Each aspect corresponds to different levels of looking at China: civilizational, state, and ethnic. It also examines how identity politics in Malaysia shapes the development of these fields and how these fields produced different images of China. Sinology depoliticizes China and presents the magnificent Chinese culture as positive element in Malaysian nation-building project. Chinese Overseas Studies decenters China and examines the multiple identities of the Chinese people. China Studies were officially pursued under the agendas of intercivilizational dialogue and friendship between China and Malaysia.