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Mad Dogs and an Englishman, An American, A Bruneian, A Danish and A Nigerian Would Never Live Anywhere Else But Malaysia. #MalaysiaKita
By Mihar Dias
(C) Copyright August 2022
"You guys don't know what a great country this is!" replied Bob an American-born Japanese (ABJ) who has lived in Kuala Lumpur for more than 20 years when asked why he chose to live away from his birthplace in a small town in California.
"First Malaysians are friendly. I am welcomed wherever I go. It's clean and green. The sports facilities are great. I think you have more golf courses than any other country in the region. The roads are good and the infrastructure in KL is better than in some cities in the US. But more importantly, utilities are really cheap. Then there are fewer taxes. You don't have to pay state and city taxes on top of the federal ones, like in the US. I love it here. Of course, the main reason for being here is that my family is here".
Then there's a Bruneian who has lived in KL for more than 25 years. When he became a regional manager for an American oil company he decided to make KL his base. He bought an apartment in a posh condominium at Mont Kiara. He said that compared to other countries in the region Malaysia offers the best option in terms of education, entertainment and an environment conducive to a great quality of work-life balance. "I am still a Bruneian but I choose to live here in KL simply because there's a lot more to do here. Food, entertainment and sports. Not so in Brunei. Brunei may be a quiet restive place perhaps for my retirement!"
A Danish friend who was listening to our conversation at breakfast decided to say share her views. "Malaysia is one of the best-kept secrets for ex-pats who are new to the Orient. My ex-pat friends in KL keep saying we shouldn't publicise this too much. In case more might show up then it's no longer exclusive, anymore!"
Everyone laughed except a Swedish guy who was not pleased because of the new rules introduced for the renewal of MM2H which he said will lessen the number of ex-pats coming to the country.
"That's really sad for Malaysia. A great place but your immigrants don't understand the reason why we are here. So, other countries are offering better deals. Maybe I'll move to Thailand but how I wished I don't have to!"
That reminds me of a friend from Switzerland who had made Malaysia his second home long before the government started MM2H.
He has his P.R. now after 30 years in the country. He's a former CEO of a leading Swiss brand with a regional office in KL. "When I first started in the 1960s there's a hardship allowance for coming to the East, Malaysia in particular. Malaria, cholera and TB were quite common. So, our company gave fantastic allowance but never once did I get any of those diseases. Touch wood! I get extra leave every year and good financial compensation for volunteering to come out to Malaysia. But I love it here. Tennis, golf and many good places to get tanned all year! Our children had a good education and ended up in colleges overseas and now regard Malaysia as home".
Then there is a Nigerian sports coach who is married to a local, have two kids studying overseas and does not think about wanting to live anywhere else but KL.
He said, "This is paradise. The weather is like Nigeria but cleaner and more organised. If you're willing to work hard in this country you can easily succeed. That's why I don't understand some locals who think the grass is always greener elsewhere. But for me, this is green enough. I ain't going nowhere!"
My last session on why ex-pats love Malaysia is with an old member of the Royal Lake Club. "If you don't write my name I'll tell you a story".
He's typical of every ex-pat I talked to. They do not want to be identified. Anyway, I bought him a drink and he rattled off why he loves Malaysia like no other.
"Have you ever heard of the expression, Only mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun?"
"Rudyard Kipling, right? Used as a warning about extreme midday heat in places like India!"
"Yes, you are right it was coined by Rudyard Kipling, later popularized in a 1931 song 'Mad Dogs and Englishmen' by Noel Coward who mocked the behaviour of the English when in hot countries, especially former colonies like Malaysia. In the 60s when I first arrived, everything shuts down in the afternoon, more so during Ramadan. It's just too hot! Your first PM gave all civil servants time off from noon to rest and save their puasa!"
"Yes, only mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun to play tennis at Lake Club or cricket at Selangor padang and downed a setengah after! That's me then!"
"This country has come a long way. I am past 80 I have been through a lot here, my kids have grown and moved on. My grandchildren call Malaysia our kampung. This is home for us. I know I'd like to be buried here too someday".
He paused and looked out to the green tennis court in front of the Pavillion where we sat sipping our drinks.
"You know we have to wear white to play on this court then? Once someone had to be removed from the court because he had striped socks on. Crazy English rules!"
"Let's drink to Malaysia the only country that I have ever known all my adult life! I just love it here. But no more midday sun I am not mad enough to get skin cancer! I better go check on my dog".
"By the way, Happy Merdeka Day!" He left with a big grin on his face.
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