COMMENT | Despite being born Malaysian, we know that the ultra-nationalists view non-Malays as 'pendatangs', but as of late, it is bewildering to note that foreigners, too, are also not welcome in Malaysia.

Just over two weeks ago, Home Minister Hamzah Zainudin announced that for a number of reasons, necessary changes were being made to the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme.

Is Hamzah aware of the many contributions of the MM2H holders? The participants don't just live in million-ringgit homes or luxury apartments in Malaysia, they have vast sums of money parked in a local bank.

They contribute to the local economy in more ways than one. They employ locals, they spend their money on goods and services in Malaysia. They buy properties. They contribute to the local literary, cultural, sports and art scene. They send their children to expensive international schools. They also volunteer their time, and make generous donations to many worthwhile causes.

More importantly, they are one of the best promoters of tourism in Malaysia and yet, Hamzah wants to alienate them. Did Hamzah and his aides consult any MM2H holders for their views before they rolled out the changes?

James C is a current MM2H holder whose visa will run out in a few years. Despite having a home in Malaysia, he is appalled at the treatment of MM2H visa holders as he has been unable to return since February 2020. He said, "In effect, my commitment, and that of my wife, counts for nothing.

“The existing scheme doesn't actually give you much, given what people like myself have invested in the country. We don't even have a special priority lane at immigration like similar status individuals in Hong Kong or Singapore."

He said that Malaysia was a natural choice as he was born in Asia and over many decades, has lived in Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, and Indonesia. "I speak Bahasa fluently and as my wife is Malaysian, Malaysia was a natural option so we both willingly embarked on the MM2H programme.”

James said that he was aware of the high degree of historic racism in Malaysia and the endemic corruption, but added...