The proverb "the grass is always greener on the other side" does not necessarily apply when it comes to comparing Malaysia to other countries, said Communications and Multimedia Minister Salleh Said Keruak.

"Take note of problems of racism and intolerance being higher in countries considered more liberal and advanced than Malaysia," Salleh said in a blog post today.

He cited discrimination against Muslim women in countries such as France and England.

"Some Malaysians complain so much about their country but foreigners who come to Malaysia tend to agree that our country is paradise...