WHILE the debate continues to rage on the economic impact of local boycotters turning their backs on products and services deemed to be Israeli-friendly, an interesting news report in the South China Morning Post suggests that the country’s pro-Palestine stance has attracted the attention of Muslims looking for an expatriate lifestyle.
The article claims that Malaysia’s open and continued show of solidarity with Palestine in the on-going Israel-Hamas conflict has gone down well with many Muslims internationally.
It went on to say that many Muslims are uncomfortable with their home countries’ foreign policies which do not condemn Israeli aggression in the occupied territories.
The Saleh family from Canada were cited as an example. They decided to make the move after feeling let down by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s apparent support for the Jewish state.
Aside from the country’s pro-Palestinian stance, a number of reasons were also listed by the Salehs and other expatriates who have made a similar move as to what facilitated their momentous decision.
Lest it be forgotten, this is a life-changing move and it is not easy when there are young children involved, as is the case with the Salehs who have three young children.
They cited Malaysia’s MM2H (Malaysia My Second Hime) programme as being an easier process to navigate when compared to neighbouring countries such as Thailand. With English being widely used, there was also less risk of feeling alienated in a foreign land.
A myriad of advantages
The availability of quality international education was cited as a key reason. With a plethora of international schools dotting the country, offering a variety of syllabi – including Canadian, British and Australian curriculum – families need not worry about their children having to adapt to a foreign schooling system whilst living in Malaysia.
With the ringgit at an all-time low, it also made financial sense as it allowed those making the move to stretch their budget in what is likely to be a costly affair. Although the rising cost of living is an issue in Malaysia, it pales in comparison to neighbouring Singapore which is ranked as among the most expensive places to live in alongside Zurich.
Of course, living in a country where Islam is the official religion means greater convenience as the Salehs and others say it is so liberating not to have to worry about what many take for granted in this country such as the easy availability of halal food.
The proliferation of mosques and suraus also means they do not have to travel far to perform their spiritual duties.
The Salehs have documented their journey on a YouTube channel which has garnered 1.28 million subscribers. The patriarch Muhamad William says the family are inundated with queries online about the process and their experience of moving to a foreign country.
This is a small sample of the comments on their YouTube platform.
Given the attention that social media has brought to Malaysia as an ideal destination for Muslim expatriates, perhaps Putrajaya needs to be more proactive, or even aggressive, in attracting this demographic.
Aside from the obvious economic benefits, having foreigners post about their positive experiences living in Malaysia will certainly boost the country’s profile. Whether as a destination to visit, live in or invest, such instances of positivity must be capitalised on.
Having such a positive spin on the country will certainly help balance the news of overly aggressive boycotters vandalising fast food chains or zealots petrol-bombing convenience stores.
This is certainly an opportunity not to be missed.
Over to you honourable Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing… – April 23,2024
Images credit: Saleh Family/YouTube
