wl2172 said:
Loh, stop insinuating that Malaysia is unsafe, dirty and full of criminals. It is totally uncalled for, and I see this as very very insulting.
I am not saying that Singapore is not a nice place to live, but unfortunatley it has priced itself so high that a large number of the people can only afford to live in HDB flats. I had a friend from Britain who commented that the house prices there are equal or even higher than UK, and that is quite amazing. The UK is surrounded by very developed, and thus, equally expensive countries, so that is not too bad. However, Singapore is surronded by far cheaper economies (albeit less developed). In many ways, Malaysia has a lot to learn from Singapore's effiency and effective execution. But this quote below, I am afraid to say, is very very bad. If that is how you view us, then you really do not respect your neighbours. You think we live in gutters? (pardon my English, for I am unschooled).
"It is not of much use if you live in a big country, in a big house but when you step out of it, you fear that you are not safe, well protected. Gangsters may gun you down, snatch thieves may just zoom by you on their motorcycles to grab your personal belongings. Crime rate is high. Added to this are the social habits of the residents, whether they spit about the place, whether they just throw their rubbish at random, etc, etc.
That may be one reason why X Ball chooses to retire in Australia, intead of remaining in Malaysia!"
However, my impression of you as a person who can accept other opinions have gone down the drain. X Ball, there is no point in arguing with Loh further, he will not change his view of us judging from his quote.
I am actually very very disappointed. I was going to accept a position with a Singapore mobile phone operator, and would have brought in much knowledge in the development of 4G WiMax and WiFi for mobile phones , but it is things like this that I will now accept another position in KL. No amount of money will make me feel accepted or happy if Malaysia is viewed so negatively all the time.
I hope this discussion is at an end as it has nothing to do with badminton.
Give me a chance to reply.
My statement is very
general and need not apply to your country in particular, unless there is a reason to do so. You should not insinuate into what I say and put it so negatively.
My statement applies especially to some developing countries where the country is big and resources rich but the leaders are corrupt and poverty is more rampant, educational levels low, crime rate tends to be higher as a result. We have read so much from the papers and seen with our own eyes the sufferings of the common folks, many of whom do not have a decent meal a day.
There are also developed countries with 'imported' social problems in that the foreign workers bring with them social habits and behaviours which are at odds with their host country. Some even resort to killing each other because of misunderstandings. This may be a way of settling arguments in their own country but is totally unacceptable in the host country. Singapore has experienced some of these problems. But the enforcement agencies, like the Police, etc, are able to tackle and contain them before they are being blown out of proportion and become a menace to society.
The degree of crime, etc, is relative and is present in all countries, whether they are from the First World or the Third World. The effectiveness of the law and its implementation is what counts most and therein lies the difference of whether one feels safer or more comfortable in one country compared to another and makes his final choice, having considered all other relevant issues. But unfortunately, for the majority us, it is not easy to migrate to another "better" country because of our own limitations and the host country's strict requirements. For the better educated, mobile young professional, it is much easier, because talents are wanted especially in countries which want to push ahead for various reasons. So if one is really talented the world is at his feet.
Now let's come back to XBall's comments which elicited a reply from me and for which you are not happy about. He said he prefers living in Malaysia and not Singapore, because the latter is too crowded. I have given him a reply and acknowledged that Singapore will be more crowded in future because we need more people to build the economy:
"Got to say something, Singapore is too crowded and will become even more so in years to come as it increases its population.
I still think Malaysia is a better place to live in. Sorry.
I will retire in Australia, the lucky country."
Then I asked why he wants to retire in Australia if he likes Malaysia so much.
But you miscontrued it as unwarranted and became agitated.
You should know that King Stirer XBall meant no harm and this forum is just an escape for us to unleash our stress, if any, or just an exchange of views and information. XBall is entitled to his own opinions as much as we are entitled to ours.
Yes property prices are hotting up in Singapore. Foreign money is pouring in from many countries not only for prime properties but also for other investment instruments and avenues. This is good for Singapore as foreigners show confidence in our country. Even Malaysia's Genting International feels happy to have won the bid to build an Integrated Resort, with a casino, on our Sentosa island that will cost some US$3 billion. American conglomerate, Sands, has clinched the first IR costing about the same price to be built on reclaimed land at Marina Bay.
Fortunately for the common masses, long ago since it came into power, the government has not only initiated a plan to enable about 80% of ordinary people to own their own HDB (Housing Development Board) homes, but is constantly reviewing the mass housing situation in order not to allow prices to escalate out of proportion. For the well-paid young professionals who wish to live in condominium style, they have to pay the market price which is driven by market forces. Now the price is shooting up because demand for the popular properties has exceeded supply.
. Peace.
To me Malaysians and Singaporeans are not much different. They are only divided by political boundaries. But Malaysians who work in Singapore will certainly enjoy the best of both worlds, provided Singapore continues to make economic headway. 
(just pulling ur legs)
