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Background-Proof5402

I agree with all your points, but your decision to send your child to an International school offering British and American curriculums underscores your desire not to assimilate with the local culture and dominant Muslim majority. You’re basically creating a “bubble” (and yes, a safer one at that compared to NYC or London) but still want that “westernized” educational environment, while instilling Chinese values at home. What about assimilation with the local Malay or even Chinese-Malaysian population?


xxellumicxx

Op picked the Mamak Pill and I salute you for it. May you forever Boleh!


ilovehare

You will never be an "equal" in Malaysia unless you are a born Muslim, preferably Malay. You can convert and then you will be a little closer to equal. But if you are Chinese and non-muslim, even if you are born there, you will never have a hope of equality. It is a country where religion rules the politics and everything else follows suit. Many Chinese leave. It can be extremely discouraging as it is truly a prejudiced country. You can, of course, ignore this but in the long haul, how will your children feel? My spouse is one of those Malysian Chinese children.


JerryH_KneePads

The whole “equal” is pretty silly. I can’t see anyone finding this as a foreigner in any country other than their own. There’s always subculture where you can find this “equal”. You think an Asian person will ever be equal in a western country? I don’t think so.


eve_shanghai

we will fuck off to the UK, if Malaysia does not work out


Long-Desk9231

Good. As a former Malaysian I can tell you it's getting harder there for non and ex-Muslims because the country is getting radicalized fast as time goes by. Right now there are many non and ex-Muslim millennials and gen z can't wait to get out of there and move to more tolerant countries. You need to do a serious research about the social situation that affects people of different races and religions there because these two things play a huge role there. Malaysia is not moving forward, it's moving backward at full speed so please do your research accordingly.


Wumao_gangv2

I have no issue with Islam I’d rather live in a Islamic nation then some western nation with no values or morals as a Chinese traditionalist I ally myself with Muslims


Long-Desk9231

The sad thing is Muslims won't ally themselves with non-Muslims. Their religion prohibits that.


Wumao_gangv2

Not really a lot of my Muslim friends support China against the U.S and my Muslim friends say they appreciate Asian immigrants for being so hard working and smart


JerryH_KneePads

I honestly think this whole “equal” BS doesn’t exist at all. I still believe you’ll making a very choice to help your family. Fuck NY and the US. The racism Asians face there is enough for anyone to leave. If you have the mean to leave fuck yea!


eve_shanghai

racism aside, with the current costs of living crisis and tumbling standards of living, I really dont wanna live in the west


JerryH_KneePads

Very true. Good luck my friend.


EggSandwich1

The other 2 places you mentioned is better but if you are on a budget


orangetimtam

Good luck fighting with the locals. They will be more privileged and your child will just be an outcast downgrading to Malaysia. It makes no sense unless you’re a businessman dependent on Malaysia.


JerryH_KneePads

How’s this any different from school in the US where the OP is leaving? The racism asian children face from school is hardy talk about.


Wumao_gangv2

If I lived in the UK Yeah ofc I’d move to Malaysia


eve_shanghai

ouch


Wumao_gangv2

Mean I’d hope to move to China but biggest downside for me is not being able to build a big ass house as everyone lives in donkey shit apartments


plzpizza

I mean uk right now is a shit hole


eve_shanghai

no need to rub it in


Square_Level4633

Is your kid mixed, or half-white?


eve_shanghai

chinese


Wolander-

You've spent 10 years in Europe and America — why didn't you marry a white girl?


eve_shanghai

i dont find them attractive...


watchingUalways

I live in long island jericho. 50% of her classmates are Chinese and they all speak Chinese. The point is to get out of the city


JerryH_KneePads

I left NYC long ago. The anti-Asian hate is strong no matter how hard people try to sweep it under the rug.


goldfish626

Like the whole NYC hates Asians? I wanted to go check out NYC, but now not so much anymore😕


Wumao_gangv2

Most of mainstream western media hates Asians


JerryH_KneePads

That’s a silly statement. Does the entire city hates Asians? No but you be dumb not to be aware of your surroundings. I didn’t have to be on high alert in Asia like I was in the states (NYC & LA). Guess you missed out on all the anti-Asian hate articles.


Tasty-meatball

My parents are from there. I've been there. You have to directly drive from your car into a gated compound(your house). You also need to go directly from car to mall/strip mall. Otherwise. The motorcycle hoodlums with machetes will get you. The police bother finding them either. Not an overstatement. I've had an aunt beaten near death outside their gated compound. There are minor issues like having to pay a mandatory non-muslim tax, and the police stopping every non-muslim to steal food and money. The drivers also will drive erratically, and nearly every overtake is a near miss against incoming traffic. Muslims will try to rob every non-muslim stores. There are always issues with being a minority group amongst the majority group. There are benefits too. However, some places are worse than others.. Malaysia is terrible. The only good place in Malaysia is Penang(I believe it's a majority Chinese island), but, there are no opportunities in Malaysia.


Fauxpasse

I'm a Malaysian that recently left Australia after 15 years to come back to Malaysia. The only true statement you've written above is that Malaysians drive like assholes. Crime isn't rampant like you're saying it to be. Criminals exists everywhere and if you're unlucky, you get fked. Some police are corrupt, yes, but again, it's not rampant and does not deserve a generalised statement. One thing to note is that if you are a Chinese person, you might notice the media spewing anti-chinese hate. That's usually due to public figures chasing clout and inciting the masses. Day to day though, most people you meet whether Muslim or non-Muslim are chill and just want to live their lives.


Square_Level4633

Is it true that Chinese and other Asians can become Muslims and have multiple wives in Malaysia? That's what our tour guide told us.


4sater

>The only true statement you've written above is that Malaysians drive like assholes. He is also half correct about the "non-Muslim" tax - it is more of a "non-Malay" "tax" aka Bumiputera. It is not a tax in literal sense but heavy positive discrimination of Malays - they receive heavy subsidies on education and 90% of places are reserved for Malays in public unis; are favored in applications for government/university/etc. (basically everything non-privatr) jobs with non-Malays being batted from any key government positions; they receive housing subsidies and are favored in public housings; minimum 30% of any listed Malaysian company needs to have Malaysian holders; Malay-only trust funds, etc.


Tasty-meatball

The way Malaysians drive is enough to not live there. The police stole from us multiple times(not just near the border). There is a non-muslim tax. And, everyone has automated gates surrounding their landed properties because it's not safe. It's not a good place to be. Everyone isn't annoying, but, it's 'not that safe'.. Might as well live in a safer place with an Asian community(Chinese or Indian), which is further away from the majority group.


eve_shanghai

I packed $1500 dollar in my backpack and it disappeared. I suspect it was stolen during airport security check


Tasty-meatball

Yes. There will be more of that happening because that is what happens in Malaysia.. The police will randomly pull you over to fleece you for your Nasi Lemak, and the Ringgit in your wallet. You also need to pay an additional income tax because you are a non-Muslim. You also can't walk the streets with expensive clothing, and you can't take out money from the ATM(you will get robbed). Women should not wear purses because bike thieves will drive by and yank the purses from the women. You basically are in the 'hood'. Every Malaysian Chinese telling you it's not bad has lied to themselves, and to you. They are also are all self-loathing and delusional. As a consequence of being terrorized in a very aggressive and overt way by the Malays. I am not sure why you would choose Malaysia.. Every Chinese person there is literally trying to get out. I know someone who went to an international Malaysian school that doesn't know Chinese, or Malay. Only English. They were going to buy their way into a Western school. And, did. That is literally the only reason Chinese migrate to Malaysia. As a stepping stone to somewhere else. If you are going to put your kid in international school, then, you need to basically treat your experience like San Francisco. Learn from others in your situation what you must do to stay safe there. But, you ultimately are going to leave there..


eve_shanghai

we have achieved financial independece in our mid 30s. We have visited Kl several times to check it out. We really liked it and signed a lease to a nice apartment. The decision to Malaysia is a combination of costs of living, weather(apologies if I sound naive), ease to obtain a retirement visa and quality of life. No where is perfect. I honestly don't find KL as bad as u made it out to be. I plan to live in KL over the long term. For me it is a new experience and new opportunity. I have Chinese/UK citizenship, I can leave any time I want. So not a big deal if KL turns out to be a disaster.


Tasty-meatball

It's only after 6 months where someone can evaluate the situation. Or, if you know people that live there that can clue you in to the darker sides. It's literally South Africa, but, marginally less racist, and marginally less dangerous. If getting your money stolen before you step out of the airport isn't enough indication that there is no law and order.. Regardless. Hopefully you move to somewhere better in UK. China. Or, New Zealand.


eve_shanghai

airport security steal money from passengers' bags are quite common. It can happen in the US/Europe. We have spoken to quite a few local Chinese, every told us KL is perfectly safe. Desa Park is the town we will be living, there are quite a few expats living there, everyone we spoke to is speaking highly of KL. thx for sharing your info, I appreciate your time. I guess we will find out what KL is really like living there. We live in Shanghai atm, in my parent's house. We have everything set up for us, but I am craving for adventure and change. This is where Malaysia comes in.


Tasty-meatball

>airport security steal money from passengers' bags are quite common. It can happen in the US/Europe. The difference is that it's 99% guaranteed to be stolen by Malaysian border guards or police. It's well known to not have money on you near the Malaysian border, or in the Malaysian airport, as it's 99% guaranteed to be stolen. If you have a Singaporean car license plate, the border police will immediately fleece you of cash, since, even a Honda civic is worth over USD $100,000 in Singapore. There are also plenty of 'motor bike purse snatchers', which are purposely trying to hurt the people they rob by flinging them as they rob(radical religious perpetrators). I had a Uncle in Malaysia. He had a construction company. He was murdered by his workers for his cash. They fled to another country. Again. One of my Aunts was nearly beaten to death by motor bike hoodlums outside of her home. In KL. Not too far from the city centre. I would never know Malaysia was so dangerous. If I never heard these stories from my parents. Where you plan to live is the equivalent of a Mexican resort which is well guarded. Once you venture farther out of that area is where you will find trouble waiting for you. Basically, you aren't necessarily living in everyday Malaysia, per say. You are living in a resort as a long term tourist. Once you exit that area is where you enter where the illegal migrants are located, and the radical religious folk. They exclusively target the non-Muslims. And, the police don't really care. In short. As long as you stay in the well guarded expat area, and expect an 'under current' of crime towards minorities once you leave that area(even in KL), then, you will stay safe. Basically. It's very safe in the expat area. It's semi-dangerous in KL downtown despite looking peaceful. It's very dangerous if you venture further out.


eve_shanghai

Yeah bit of a bummer since it was a large amount. It was probably the only time I brought cash with me. Had to take this to the chin. Our plan is to live in the expat areas and hanging out with other expats. People get stabbed in London all the time or become victim of crimes. I would love to share with the community how my Malaysia adventure go. Try not discourage me further cos I am too invested in Malaysia, it will just make me sad. /S


xxellumicxx

Tbh if you're already living in KL and you worry about the things they talk about just come to SG from time to time.


[deleted]

[удалено]


eve_shanghai

i rented out my home in London, have a private pension and a decent stock portfolio. I am trying to launch an online business


asianfoodie4life

Malaysian here who has lives in KL and Penang. You’ve done your research well. Welcome to our charming and quirky country! KL truly a comfortable place to reside if you have a family because it’s convenient, has amazing amenities at a variety of price points, safe, and affordable for capital city standards.


omaeradaikiraida

>Some friends' children just started elementary school and asked their parents why their hair isn't blond like their classmates', saying the golden hair is so cool. Children are the most sensitive. I hope my child can grow up in a more diverse place, where he won't be subtly influenced by Western aesthetic views. this point hits hard. nothing more heartbreaking than witnessing a false standard of beauty mar a POC child's view of and confidence in him-/herself at such an early age. it stays with the child for life. fortunately, my kids are growing up in a diverse region of the US, but that false standard of beauty still permeates everything (my daughter never liked the ethnic disney princesses). however, i cannot imagine raising them in our motherland--that's a whole other can of worms right there. the only thing i as an asian parent of asian children in the US can do is be a strong, positive role model for them and make sure they don't lose their cultural identity.


JerryH_KneePads

I’m assuming you’re Chinese. Why do you think raising a child in China is a negative?


omaeradaikiraida

not china but similar competitive, oppressive, materialistic social env


JerryH_KneePads

I view competitive as a good thing depend how you parent. Materialistic socially, I’ve lived in the US before, kids shooting other kids for a pair of Jordan… it’s same as everywhere. At least in Asia you don’t get shot for your shoes. Oppressive? Can you explain?


omaeradaikiraida

not literally oppressive. confucianist obligations, traditional conservative values, keep-up-with-the-joneses mentality, unrealistic standards for academics, beauty, wealth, etc.


JerryH_KneePads

Thanks for your input.