What has happened to the Chinese in Malaysia?

9 days to CNY2011 and the new year business is far from hot yet. Is it something to do with consumers' REAL PURCHASING POWER?
How does it link to the record-high household debt?
How come the so-called improvement in economy does not benefit most people?
Why the garment industry claimed that this year is the winter year in pre-CNY sale? 新春购物热不起业者叹数十年来最糟糕
OR
It is because more Chinese (the younger generation) has forgetten the value of CNY?