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Key issues to aid campaign
17/03/2006 The Star
I READ with interest V.K. Chin’s Comment, “Malaysia, My Second Home campaign
needs bigger boost” (The Star, March 14).
I share many of his views and would like to add some of my own thoughts. In
my view this programme has the highest potential of any of the recent
tourism related initiatives.
To summarise simplistically, if 250,000 households settled here under the
programme it is reasonable to assume they would generate some RM30bil of
foreign exchange receipts every year.
This is the amount currently generated by all the other tourism programmes.
It is my view this is achievable within 10 years.
However, so far only about 8,000 people have been attracted over a four-year
period.
I chose to settle in Malaysia after 25 years with American Express including
a period as general manager of its Malaysian operation.
It was that experience which convinced me I would like to settle here. I now
own a magazine called The Expat that is read by most resident English
speaking expatriates.
The vast majority say they love living here and many want to stay on or
return after they retire. We have recently started actively promoting the
Malaysia, My Second Home programme and I can now see its enormous potential.
In my view the current efforts will not get close to achieving the full
potential of the programme. This is a loss for Malaysia and the Malaysian
people.
I see three areas that need to be addressed for the programme to become a
success
1 - There has to be more resources allocated to marketing it – both people
and marketing funds. Much of the current marketing is initiated by property
companies, which are primarily driven by their desire to sell houses.
Promoting the programme does not have to be enormously expensive but should
be targeted niche marketing in selected markets. Improved service delivery
is also critical, as is close cooperation between the private and public
sectors.
2 - The constant changes to the rules are quite damaging to the programme.
They confuse and deter applicants and worry those already approved.
All Government departments need to be advised to look at the programme in
the most positive manner to minimise any obstacles to people applying and
living here under the programme.
3 - It makes sense to permit people retiring here under the programme to
work in selected fields. Most people in developed countries like the idea of
doing something worthwhile after retirement and many people coming here have
skills that can benefit the country.
It is not difficult to protect against abuse and people trying to circumvent
the normal work permit requirements. For example, a minimum age limit would
do a lot to avoid problems.
Beyond the substantial benefit to the economy and the people, the programme
has several other benefits.
It will positively impact general tourism, as visa holders of the programme
will promote the country to friends and relatives.
The fact that many foreigners choose to come and live here will create a
positive image of the country internationally and be viewed as a plus factor
by companies considering investing here.
It can also help to build bridges between Muslims and non-Muslims, a need
which the Prime Minister has stated is necessary to reduce the widening
chasm between the two cultures.
J ANDREW DAVISON,
Kuala Lumpur. |
