On Speculators and Settlers
I was forwarded a column on Singaporeans Living in Johor which I read with interest, because I have been here for nearly six years. Unfortunately, comments were closed, so since I had already written a response, I’m sharing it with you. I did not address some speculative remarks concerning Malaysian politics..
The Singaporeans who come over are of all sorts: some are those who are speculating on property prices going up – which they have, quite astonishingly in the last three years; those who simply ran out of money and options as the cost of rented property and living costs chased them out even though their only passport is Singaporean; those who find the pace of living unbearable for whatever reasons and came over to be able to spend at least the weekends and holidays in quiet & green; while determined others face two often grim crossings into Singapore daily for work– and these include parents with school-going children also shuttling.
We moved mainly because of the cost of housing and the cost of living, and found ourselves (I’m now 62) almost back in the ‘50s and ‘60s in terms of the gentler pace, friendliness and courtesy, greenery and space. It was a wise decision for us, middle-class semi-retirees, who plan to live out our years here. We are not the only ones - if you could but see the many nationalities happily coming in in pretty large numbers, appreciating the many benefits of living here.
True, we are guests in this country, for which reason we are happy to be polite and mindful of being in a different culture, however familiar it may seem to us. Not so with many Singaporeans who can be abrasive, rude and with an arrogance that is, to say the least, depressing – in the almost compulsive littering, spitting and loud behaviour. And it is often the serving staff - not having the benefit of long training and no say in the product served - who have to bear the brunt of haughtily delivered complaints for the less-than-perfect meal or service.
Because Johor is the state closest to Singapore, it has become incredibly expensive for Malaysians. While we may think things are half the price of what we have to pay in Singapore, Malaysians in other states are sorry for Johorians bearing the already high and rising costs in JB. It is the price of inviting foreigners to move into and invest in their country.
While we Singaporeans may complain that there are we face this and that additional tax for property purchases and such, it is their country. Don’t you think it is laudable that Malaysia should continue to provide affordable housing to their citizens? And that they try to differentiate between the rights and privileges of their citizens and those of foreigners who are already benefitting by being allowed to live here on comparatively easy terms?
We should not be discussing and commenting on the country’s politics as we are guests. And it is quite painful to hear odious comparisons being made between the two countries. In time we could be appreciated for the contributions we can make in our own way - but in the meanwhile, some discretion?
As far as I am informed, Senai does not intend to compete with Changi. There is no need to, surely? But we who live here are really hopeful of at least an expansion of flights to regional destinations like Bali, Jakarta, Manila and Bangkok.
Certainly adjustments have to be made. Some friends are committed City People, so living here is too ulu for them. But minus traffic jams we are 45 minutes to Raffles Place, SGH, concerts and movies and an hour away from Changi airport.
Yes, we are vigilant about snatch thieves … less of a problem in Nusajaya. Take a trip over and see for yourself.
Denyse
www.puterim.com
