Living in Malaysia: A Perspective from a Malaysian-Chinese
This article explores the perspectives of a Malaysian-Chinese individual on life in Malaysia, their ancestral roots in China, and their appreciation for both British and Malaysian culture. It also touches on the economic comparisons between Malaysia, Singapore, and China, and the harmonious, yet politically nuanced, coexistence of different ethnic groups in Malaysia.
Malaysia: A Haven for the Chinese?
According to the speaker, Malaysia is an ideal place for Chinese people to live. While not necessarily a place to become extremely wealthy, it provides a comfortable and sustainable lifestyle. This contrasts with Singapore, where survival can be more challenging, especially if one is not affluent. The speaker acknowledges that Malaysia can be considered a "heaven" for Chinese people, but cautions newcomers to respect the local culture and customs.
Tracing Ancestral Roots: A Visit to Taishan, China
The speaker shares their experience of visiting their ancestral village in Taishan, Guangdong, China. Their family, originally from Taishan, left for Malaysia several generations ago.
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The visit, however, felt unfamiliar as they had no prior memories of the place.
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It was a way to connect with their roots and understand the origins of their grandfather.
The speaker notes that their ancestors migrated to Malaysia seeking better economic opportunities during a period of hardship in China, a common motivation for many Chinese emigrants.
The Allure of Nanyang: Seeking Prosperity
In the past, many Chinese people migrated to "Nanyang" (Southeast Asia) in search of better economic prospects. The speaker believes that most emigrants hoped to earn money, either to return to their homeland or to support their families back home. This desire to "return to their roots" was prevalent in previous generations, but the speaker feels this isn't the trend with the younger generation.
The speaker contemplates why many Chinese immigrants never returned to China, despite their initial intentions.
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Sending remittances back home allowed their families to improve their living standards.
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Economic and political uncertainties in China made staying in Malaysia a more appealing option.
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The speaker believes their grandfather ultimately made the right decision by bringing his family to Malaysia.
The Legacy of British Colonialism and Ethnic Harmony
The speaker recalls a time when Malaysia was under British rule, emphasizing its stability and prosperity. All ethnicities lived harmoniously, free from the political unrest that would later emerge. This nostalgia for the British colonial era is shared by some in Hong Kong as well. With national independence, political parties came into play which had a divisive effect.
Preference for Malaysia and England
When asked about favorite cities in China, the speaker admits to having no strong preference and no desire to live there permanently. They are drawn to two countries: England and Malaysia.
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England appeals to them due to their early education and exposure to British culture.
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The speaker feels a strong connection to Victorian era and enjoys the overall atmosphere in England.
The speaker stresses the importance of finding a place that suits one's individual needs and preferences. The speaker uses the analogy of falling in love, stating one can not be forced to love something/someone if they do not feel that way.
Life in Malaysia: A Haven for Some
The speaker acknowledges that experiences in Malaysia can vary widely. While some Chinese immigrants thrive, others struggle to adapt. They believe Malaysia offers a good quality of life for those who appreciate its offerings, free from prejudiced thinking.
The speaker notes that many Japanese, who also come from a developed nation, have found Malaysia to be a desirable place to live and retire. This speaks to the attractiveness of Malaysia's environment.
The speaker criticizes some younger Chinese immigrants for making unfair comparisons to China's rapid economic growth in recent decades, failing to understand the hardships faced by previous generations. While China has experienced significant development, many ordinary citizens struggle with debt and economic hardship.
The Appeal of Malaysian Living
The speaker emphasizes the affordable living conditions in Malaysia. With a budget of one to two million Ringgit (Malaysian currency), one can afford a comfortable living, alongside convenient access to medical care, food, and overall well-being. This explains why many Singaporeans, despite their higher incomes, are drawn to Malaysia for its better living environment and housing affordability.
The speaker explains that Singaporeans purchase holiday homes for weekend getaways. The speaker believes that Singaporeans are not necessarily purchasing property for investment, but rather for leisure purposes as property in Malaysia is more affordable than in Singapore.
The best city to live in depends on one's preferences: Kuala Lumpur offers a vibrant and cosmopolitan lifestyle. The speaker compares it to Hong Kong where the wealthy can access various luxuries and entertainment options, despite space constraints.
Ethnic Harmony vs. Political Manipulation
The speaker stresses that Malaysians of Chinese and Malay descent generally coexist peacefully. However, political issues often create divisions. Politicians sometimes exploit ethnic sentiments for their own gain, and the media can amplify these tensions. Despite this, daily life remains largely harmonious. The speaker references a recent politically fueled racial statement to illustrate that no immediate effect was made as a result.
The Legend of the Indian Temple in Meat Valley, Kuala Lumpur
The speaker shares a local legend about an Indian temple located within the Meat Valley shopping center in Kuala Lumpur.
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The temple predates the shopping center's construction.
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Developers initially planned to relocate the temple, but a series of events (including a dream experienced by the architect) led them to preserve it.
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The temple's presence required significant modifications to the shopping center's design.
The speaker draws a parallel to the preservation of the Beiding Niangniang Temple during the construction of the Beijing Olympics, highlighting the potential influence of divine forces. The speaker ends on a positive note of how Malaysia's overall living environment is, and welcomes comments.