I too, will always choose Malaysia

I choose Malaysia because we are already living in “paradise.” We don’t experience destructive hurricanes, tornadoes, or cyclones — our annual monsoons are mild in comparison.

Aug 16, 2024


Dear Editor
I am responding to Jacelyn Johnson’s article titled I Will Always Choose Malaysia, (HERALD, August 4, 2024). While I agree with her sentiment that I, too, will always choose Malaysia, my choice isn’t about comparing it with Nepal or any other country.

I choose Malaysia because we are already living in “paradise.” We don’t experience destructive hurricanes, tornadoes, or cyclones — our annual monsoons are mild in comparison. We are free from massive earthquakes, sweeping wildfires, senseless mass killings, or riots and mass protests causing injuries or fatalities. We don’t face sub-zero freezing weather, sweltering heat waves causing heat strokes, or terrorist attacks – the only such incident I can recall was in 1975 when the Japanese Red Army took 53 hostages in the AIA building in Kuala Lumpur.

Yes, we may experience some forms of discrimination and encounter restrictive laws and regulations that seem to impede freedom. Yes, we may face political tensions, religious and cultural challenges, economic downturns, and high unemployment. But which nation in the world doesn’t?

For senior citizens and school-going children, there are numerous government subsidies, incentives, and benefits. Where else in the world can one find government healthcare costing RM1 for medical consultation and medicine? Where else can one find affordable street food for less than RM10 (USD 2.20) in the early morning hours, or pay RM2.05 (USD 0.45) per litre for petrol? For these simple reasons, I will always choose Malaysia.

Richard Chia
Kuala Lumpur

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