ABSTRACT
The study of the local politics of a particular city and place answers the calls for geographical and spatial specificity in the understanding of the postcolonial city. The author's reading of Kuala Lumpur suggests that it is a contested city in which the oppressive force and the hegemonic construction. These Chinese urban spaces, i.e. Chinatown and the KL Chinese Cemeteries, are the sites of spatial struggle and conflict. The construction of Malay dominance by the state's projects is related to the state's understanding of the Chinese. Decolonisation also means a construction of a subject and self-identity, or recovery of self. This can provide us with more understanding of postcolonial architecture and urbanism. The general election in Malaysia saw a rise of opposition political power and a discussion of a more multicultural and inclusive interpretation of national identity. Perhaps this is where we find the value of the internationalisation of postcolonial studies.
