meinkl

We... the readers and writers on this forum, by very definition, have the means to choose where to live (within reason and UKIV controls), so the concern should not be the criteria of the nomadic expat, but the plight of the millions of people in SEA that do not have a choice as to where they live and the conditions they endure. Their well being should be the principle focus of attention for their elected leaders. In an ideal world!

InVinoVeritas

Actually people who are on the MM2H program (which includes Rodi) freely accepted, as a condition for getting their 10-year visa, that they would not participate in activities that can be considered as sensitive to the local people.

Apart from Rodi, other MM2H'ers are simply respecting their undertaking.

meinkl

I have worked in both UK and Malaysia for 40 years before getting JUST enough to semi retire. I only wish I had the sense to get a job that paid well enough to retire after 15 years... must be building 787's.

Rodi

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Haha<br />
Great post <br />
Not gonna happen but I love the comment on paying down the debt (also not gonna happen but who knows once Trump becomes president)<br />
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Did my time in the cubicle for 30 years. That's all anyone should need to work unless they really love their job and consider it fun. (The lucky few) <br />
At age 50 I should have almost half a life left. Why would I waste another 15 doing brainless work that I hate ? The haze with hi job is still better than the job I hated

Rodi

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I don't disagree (except that I'm not an asthmatic if you are referring to me). I've repeatedly said its up to the citizens of a supposedly democratic nation to change their situation as you mentioned. Things take time and legislation and education. When I grew up everyone smoked everywhere, air pollution was pretty bad and there was still a war in Vietnam. <br /><br />
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My only frustration and main point is the complacency I've witnessed from many people we've encountered here. It's hard for me to wrap my mind around how they love social media and even use it more than the USA, often discussing things other than chit chat yet they specifically stay silent on an issue so important to their future (and us if we stay here) But ultimately you are correct that is up to them not me. But silencing an opinion is not what I'm used to in a world of social media so I try to open dialogue that invokes thought but I suppose most people that can actively protest probably don't read this forum

Rodi

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Well spoken. I actually think that's my point. I am one expat that has the freedom to move. I simply doesn't get how 80 million people, most of which don't have the mobility I have, don't stand up and demand better. Closing schools and denying education doesn't sound like a good way to advance the cause for a better SE Asia. Nor is filling up hospitals with respiratory issues. They all deserve better. If anything it's a shame that after 18 years it drags on.

InVinoVeritas

I don't know how many Malaysians you know, Rodi, but the handful that I know have been pretty outspoken on this issue. Having said that, the Asian people generally will accept a lot more than Westerners would except, oddly, a disappearing plane.

Rodi

Writing opinions on a forum about air pollution is not participating in activities. Examples would be attending political rallies, disrespecting the local religion and perhaps disrespecting dress codes in public.

Rodi

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Well in that case good for them. I hope they can someday attain a better quality of life through non violent active participation in their local affairs. And believe my you don't wanna get me going on the plane issue (that I suffered through 28 straight days of Anderson Cooper and CNN's panel of morons)

meinkl

OMG... Trump president :-0 ... the haze will pale into insignificence if that happens. Why did you mention that?... now you've made me really depressed! And it had been such a nice, fairly clear, bright, day in KL thus far.

Rodi

Hopefully the GOP will come to its senses before the first caucus in January. As for American voters, they have no senses. Just guns

meinkl

Now... back to the haze... I heard there was a rally in KL to protest about it, but the haze was so bad nobody could find them.

Rodi

Well it is drizzling at my house so maybe I'll get lucky and see the water form the balcony tomorrow

man from emas

We as a group of MM2H are never going to change this haze problem, it's totally out our hands, and having worked in Singapore also for many years it's something one has to accept, we are lucky we can travel away, or stay in doors, we are not forced to go to work or school each day, its great for politicians as it takes everyone's mind everything else that they should be worrying about.

BEVS

Umm. Not quite so for the MM2H's in Malaysia. BE is a selection of open chat forums and everyone is free to look in , including immigration and govt officials.

There is nothing to stop you debating this issue if you wish. Please note though that if posters in Malaysia do not wish to involve themselves ,it does not mean they do not care or are apathetic. Nor are they ostriches. It means they are being mindful of respecting the visa requirements of their host country.