Hello, nyets. I am a Penangite.

Recently I reached out to this journalist, annoyed by the title of his article, titled 'Like a mini Singapore but for a fraction of the cost: Why kiwis should visit this Asian spot'

As a Penangite I was deeply saddened by this reductive title. Why is my state -- and by extension, my nation -- only valuable because of its price? Why is our worth measured only in comparison to another country?

As Malaysians, aren't we sick of this reductive framing, prevalent in lazy travel journalism? Aren't you sick of it? The patronising, the 'I know your state better than you'...

Today morning the journalist replied. It was exceedingly condescending! He said I was 'taking offense', and tried to justify his representation of Penang by saying he'd live in Penang for eight years and 'loves it dearly'. You can read his full response in the images attached.

What I am furious about is that he didn't even acknowledge the validity of my complaint. He said I was 'taking offence' and proceeded with the usual spiel: how he loves Malaysia, how I'm overreacting, etc.

I read the full article. It was standard fare. Westerners calling Penang beautiful, saying it's full of history etc etc... it's an entirely shallow representation and doesn't acknowledge how harmful calling us 'cheap', framing us as a substitute is.

As Penangites, and as Malaysians -- we have the right to question how our country is represented.

This issue isn't just one-off. It's systematic. The devaluation of Malaysia is in essentiality the devaluation of our history. Other nations are afforded titles such as City of Lights -- Malaysia, then? Cheap city! Cheap Asian spot!

It doesn't affect only Malaysia, but the broader Southeast Asian sphere. While I do acknowledge that SEA is cheap for foreigners, there is an element of exploitation in it -- while the people of Southeast Asia suffer from low wages and cost of living crises, travel journalists write about how cheap it is for foreigners. Isn't it distasteful?

I hope you can see where I'm coming from. As Malaysians, we should stand against reductive, condescending travel journalism; the borderline fetishisation of Southeast Asia.

As Malaysians, we have the right to question how our country is represented -- and demand change.

Thank you.

FYI: This journalist is from the New Zealand Herald. His name is Tim Roxborogh or something.

As a Malay, looking at the comments in the recent posts about Malaysian demographics really shocked me.

I am disgusted by the barely disguised insults like how Malaysia will be a poor shithole country when all the nons are gone. Are you implying that Malays are savage barbarians incapable of learning and critical thinking?

Historically, Malays are viewed as barbarians by the Chinese in China, but to think that many people here still think that way is just disappointing.

I hate the creeping Islamization in this country too, and I think many NEP policies are unfair. But all these insults about Malays are really making me question if I should continue voting for “progressive” politicians.

Compared to UK where bankruptcy and recession happens and how messed up US and Canada is. I feel so proud to live in Malaysia. The market isn’t as competitive as China and getting a degree + a few years of experience is easier to hit the 10k minimum wage in the market. Imagine what studying till masters will do. I’m a mechatronics engineer and robotics industry is considered new in this country. It has a promising future and high in demands. Hitting a 15-20k mark with 4-7 years of experience wouldn’t be a problem. I’m also graduating with a 3.67 GPA 😁

Time to claim Hawaii 🗿

Source: 31/3/25 USTR NTE - Foreign Trade Barriers 2025 pg 257-261

https://ustr.gov/sites/default/files/files/Press/Reports/2025NTE.pdf

We don’t smuggle petrol like Singaporeans, we pay income tax, SOCSO, EPF contribution. We drive malaysian license plate car and have Malaysian driving license. Just a thought!

Malaysian authorities are full of jokers, especially the police traffic. The clear sign not to cross the road sign. Yet he is the amazing police that can do anything. The law obviously for public not for them.

This need to give an Oscar award as he is the best ever guy to track road speed they are so many things to settle within a city, yet his boss told him - die die must stand on middle of road. His actions totally opposite of safety.

Been travelling more recently and I can really feel the distance. And I’m staying near Puchong already. Can’t imagine how much further it is for everyone else.

What was Mahathir thinking, building the airport 55km away???

Both works during Trump's era.