The Changing Demographic Landscape of the Chinese Community of Malaysia Since 1970

TEY Nai Peng(郑乃平) ； LAI Siow Li(赖晓丽)

《Malaysian Journal of Chinese Studies》 7卷1期 (2018/06) Pp. 19-35

https://doi.org/10.6993/MJCS.201806_7(1).0002

摘要

After the Second World War, natural increase has been the predominant determinant of population growth of the Chinese community of Malaysia. This paper discusses the changes in the demographic landscape of the Chinese after 1970. A discussion of the historical perspectives of the growth of the Chinese population is followed by a brief discussion of the socio-economic conditions of the community to obtain a better understanding of the reasons behind the demographic transition. The focus of this study is on the demographic changes affecting the Chinese after 1970 in terms of the population size, rate of growth, and subsequently on mortality and fertility trends that determine population growth and age structural changes, and the shrinking share of the Chinese community to the total population. Rapid socio-economic changes in Malaysia have resulted in the continuing decline in fertility, especially among the Chinese with an ultra-low fertility of 1.4 children per woman in 2015. The postponement of marriage or non-marriage and the widespread use of contraception are the two main proximate determinants of fertility. With relatively longer life expectancy and lower fertility, the population of the Chinese is also ageing rapidly, a phenomenon with profound ramifications on the care and support of the elderly. The shrinking share of the Chinese to the total population of the country has resulted in the erosion of their political power and roles.

關鍵字

Chinese population ； the percentage share of the Chinese ； demographic changes ； fertility ； age structure and ageing ； socio-economic factors