British Expats - Life in a Forest Fire

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- Malaysia (https://britishexpats.com/forum/malaysia-148/)

- - Life in a Forest Fire (https://britishexpats.com/forum/malaysia-148/life-forest-fire-864545/)

Re: Life in a Forest Fire

Quote:

Originally Posted by NeonHippy (Post 11753939)

Rodi, you are correct I am not currently in Penang and do not know the current situation but my first point was to break the link that was being made between the haze and AQI. That is why I started with 'I wonder what it is like today'. It would have hurt my position if the haze had improved significantly along side the reduction in the AQI.

My second point was to demonstrate that on a global scale the current situation is really not that significant. I don't like the fact that it is happening in the place where I intend to see out the rest of my days but are you and I in a position to complain? I still feel shame at the UK's central role in the slave trade and to a lesser extent the way my nation's wealth was build on imperial colonisation of other countries although I try to console myself with the thought that we brought development and economic success to many of those countries (Canada, Australis, New Zealand) and failed in miserably in others (Zimbabwe). America built it's wealth by the subjugation of the Native Americans in a far less acceptable manner. Both of our countries damaged the world to build the wealth that allows you and I to retire to Malaysia and live in comfort. If it means a bit of discomfort to allow these third world countries to develop and improve the lifestyle of their inhabitants I don't think we are in a position to preach.

As others have pointed out you can, and I certainly will, take a vacation to another part of Asia during the worst of the haze. There are lot of very interesting places to see.

Neon
I agree with everything you wrote here and concur as an American that's mostly ashamed of the current state of millions of my anti Muslim and sadly ignorant racists that dominate the USA. But once upon a time the western powers were actually world leaders that stood proud and represented many good things. For me this changed when Reagan became president and the world set off on an economic policy that now leaves the world in the sad state it is now. But you are correct: this allowed us to work hard, save properly and stop working at a young age so who am I to complain?

Meanwhile, last nights rain has given us one beatifully glorious day of unlimited visibility (at least from my window) but I know it will come back worse tomorrow. Next year we will certainly plan on traveling in September although I stand by my statement that climate change will slowly allow this to become a four month a year event and maybe more than that.

I just wish the citizens would take the efforts that many people from the generations before me did to effect real change. Americans sacrifice nothing today and make excuses because it's easier. But it's not my place to run their country. I gave it my best shot arguing with ignorant non-tolerant gun loving xenophobes and decided I still prefer life on this side of the world

Re: Life in a Forest Fire

Quote:

Originally Posted by InVinoVeritas (Post 11753317)

I think you can speak out on this subject without fear. The only restriction as MM2H'ers is that we do not involve ourselves in Malaysian politics, as guest residents we have no say in how the country is run.

On this forum perhaps. I was edited and deleted for similar comments on another expat forum that I won't name. The administrator said he can't allow posts that might inspire people to take action or he wouldn't be be allowed to run the forum in Malayisa. Sounds like he was a Malay and they appear to be as scared as anyone living under a dictatorship to express any viewpoints that might get the attention of anyone in power. Again, their country. Nothing I can do but learn what to say and not to say

Re: Life in a Forest Fire

Quote:

Originally Posted by InVinoVeritas (Post 11753328)

Whose empire are you referring to here?

Speaking as a 30 year employee of the US financial services industry I can assure you that the USA influences every aspect of almost anything involving economics on this planet. If you think I'm wrong, tell me when you expect the USD to ever get dethroned as the currency of default all over earth. Or why a scam that started as complicated financial instruments written by mathematicians was allowed to escalate to the point of global financial crisis.

And don't get me started on the Fed, which is the only entity in the USA not subject to any auditing by anyone including congress, the president or the surpreme court. Notice the small improvement in the ringgit since the Fed announced no rate hike (the subject of another separate post and the biggest joke in the history of financial markets)

But i digress. How it affects this topic is as follows: As the WSJ gets more involved in the current scandal, pressure on this government will continue. I don't really see any politician admitting guilt or voluntarily giving up power so the ringgit will keep plunging and the haze will continue another 18 years unabated as they continue to "modernize" a country whose citizenry will mostly not enjoy participating in (sounds like the USA actually ).

But today the horizon is visible thanks to overnight rain. Score one for Mother Nature

Re: Life in a Forest Fire

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rodi (Post 11754598)

I think it's not what you say, it's the way that you say it. You should tone down the rhetoric and stop trying to point fingers.

Re: Life in a Forest Fire

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rodi (Post 11754601)

Notice the small improvement in the ringgit since the Fed announced no rate hike (the subject of another separate post and the biggest joke in the history of financial markets)

This is such nonsense, the move in the ringett took place from 13th to 16 September for different reasons - see my post predicting this move here:-http://britishexpats.com/forum/malaysia-148/no-end-sight-ringgit-stocks-rout-864328/#post11744954

Re: Life in a Forest Fire

Quote:

Originally Posted by InVinoVeritas (Post 11753317)

If you are an MM2H participant:

â€œYou are not allowed to participate in activities that are sensitive to local people culture, involve in politics, missionary work and activities that are provocative and instigative in nature that could be a threat to the security of the countryâ€.

Be aware that Malaysian law and this restriction can be interpreted very broadly.

If Malaysia, or someone with clout, finds you a nuisance, you could find that your MM2H visa is revoked and you are on a plane home within just a few days. The response will be if you donâ€™t like it, argue about it from your home country. Goodbye.

My advice is not to get involved in sensitive matters, to show proper respect for Malaysia and Malaysians, to watch what you say to whom, to take care what you put in writing, and not to reveal your identity on forums like this one. Malaysia is NOT like home. Remember you are a guest here.

JC3

Re: Life in a Forest Fire

Quote:

Originally Posted by InVinoVeritas (Post 11754664)

You obviously know seem to know more than me despite my experience working with fixed income trading desks for 30 years so I assume you are either smarter or more qualified than me: perhaps you have professional experience in currency markets or worked in some other capacity that qualifies you to dismiss my argument as nonsense. I'm curious about your professional qualifications but that's none of my business and I don't really intend to offend or insult so I won't argue with you

Re: Life in a Forest Fire

Quote:

Originally Posted by JC3 (Post 11754742)

This is very sound and excellent advice that I understand totally.

Having said that, this thread went further than I expected and allowed some excellent debates, comments and perhaps inspired people to think about the issues even if we have no power to control them

Therefore I'll end the topic now and thank everyone for their opinions and comments. Lots of people disagree with what I post on forums and my blog because I believe that stirring the pot a bit and making people really think instead of simply spewing off crap (as most of my fellow countrymen do) is healthy and gets results if people are willing to listen rather than form an automatic opinion

Best to all

Re: Life in a Forest Fire

Quote:

Originally Posted by InVinoVeritas (Post 11754661)

I think it's not what you say, it's the way that you say it. You should tone down the rhetoric and stop trying to point fingers.

Facts are not rhetoric but I will respect your opinion.

Pointing fingers gets results because people should be able to exercise their rights in a free society and not simply accept Thimgs that adversely affect their general welfare and quality of life. Change is hard. Complacency is easy.

But as mentioned, this is SE Asia and I am a visitor so I will respect that and end this conversation. Thanks for your opinion

Re: Life in a Forest Fire

At the request of the OP, this thread is now closed.