Chan Xin Ying, a research analyst with the Malaysia Programme at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS), NTU Singapore, wrote in a commentary that President Xi Jinping this year described relations between China and Malaysia as the “best ever” in history, echoing what Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak had said two years ago. While the majority of Chinese Malaysians have viewed China’s presence in the country positively, in reality, their feelings are mixed. Malaysian observers say that China should be more cautious in its engagement with the Malaysian government and society. Its claim to be the protector of overseas Chinese and its consequent meddling in local politics could have the opposite effect: China could in fact harm the interests of the Chinese Malaysians.