06/07/2025

ON SUNDAY JULY 6, 2025 theSunday Special VIII 8 facts that prove Bill O’Reilly is wrong about Malaysia O NE of the hottest global topics discussed this year is the US unfolding, Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Vietnam, Cambodia and Malaysia in April. BY ASHRAF WAHAB Sorry, O’Reilly, you are wrong about us China was USD722 billion in 2022? That makes the region China’s largest trading partner, ahead of the EU.

A magnet for expats and retirees If Malaysia were as impoverished as O’Reilly suggests, why would it consis tently rank among the top countries for expatriates and retirees? The Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program has attracted tens of thousands of foreigners who have chosen to live here long-term. Factors like low cost of living, excellent healthcare, tropical climate and welcoming communities make Malaysia especially appealing to retirees from countries like Japan, the UK, South Korea and even the US. International Living Magazine, for example, is one of several international publications which has frequently includ ed Malaysia in its list of best retirement destinations. That is for good reason, too!

American political commentator Bill O’Reilly mocked the visits, labelling them a waste of time. He even went as far as to declare that Malaysians “don’t have money” and are “barely eating”. The comment sparked a wave of backlash from Malaysians and regional observers alike, many of whom found the state ment laughably misinformed and deeply condescending. While O’Reilly may be known for his sensational soundbites, it’s worth looking at the facts to see just how Malaysia is not without its challenges, like any nation, but to claim that its people are destitute and starving is not just incor rect—it’s absurd. Here are several compelling facts that paint a more accurate and far more im pressive picture of modern Malaysia. A growing middle class with spending power Contrary to O’Reilly’s claim, Malaysia’s middle class is not only surviving, it’s thriving. According to the World Bank, Malaysia is considered an upper-middle income country, with a steadily growing Gross National Income (GNI) per capita that reached over USD11,000 in 2023. Urban Malaysians, especially in cities like Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru and Penang, enjoy a standard of living that everything from high-end shopping malls and artisanal cafes to smart homes and electric vehicles. Disposable income, the appetite for lifestyle upgrades, interna tional travel and digital technology are rising. Malaysia has long been a key player in the economy. The country has strong manu and tourism sectors. In 2023, Malaysia’s post-pandemic global economy facing Notably, the country is a major hub for electronics and semiconductor manufac turing. Companies such as Intel, AMD and Infineon are continuing to invest heavily in Penang. This has translated into thousands of well-paying jobs and increased exports. If you think that just makes Malaysia that the total trade between ASEAN and far he is off his mark. Malaysia’s economy is one of Southeast Asia’s strongest

World-class infrastructure and public services Modern Malaysia has invested heavily in infrastructure. The country has an exten sive highway network, a rapidly expanding urban rail system and modern airports that serve as regional hubs. Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is among Southeast Asia’s busiest and the Klang Valley’s MRT system has significantly improved urban mobility. Healthcare is another area where Malaysia shines. Medical tourism is high-quality care at a fraction of the cost in the West. This is another reason why expats and retirees increasingly choose Malaysia as their base. A digital economy on the rise Malaysia is fast becoming a digital economy leader in Southeast Asia. The government’s Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint (MyDIGITAL) aims to make the country a regional leader in digital ser vices, e-commerce and cloud computing. Homegrown tech startups are gaining ground, while international giants like Microsoft and Amazon Web Services are establishing data centres and regional high-paying jobs and positions Malaysia as a future tech powerhouse.

A middle-class Malaysian family can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without - able, domestic travel is easy and accessible and home ownership remains within reach for many. T are poor -- it means they can do more with not deprivation. A culturally rich, peaceful and diverse society Malaysia’s stability and cultural richness add another layer of appeal. The country is home to a mix of Malay, Chinese, Indian and indigenous cultures, all coexisting relatively peacefully. This diversity is not just a social asset but also an economic one, fostering innovation and resilience. Crime rates remain relatively low com pared to other developing countries and political stability has improved in recent years. All this adds up to a quality of life that’s hard to dismiss.

High food security and a thriving culinary scene To say Malaysians are “barely eating” is touch. Malaysia boasts one of the most vibrant food cultures in the world. From hawker stalls serving RM5 nasi lemak to Michelin-starred restaurants in KL, food is accessible and abundant. Malaysia ranks 40th in the Global Food Security Index out of 113 countries, placing it above many Western nations. The country has strong agricultural production and food import policies keep grocery prices relatively stable compared to other Simply put, Malaysians are not going hungry -- they’re enjoying a wide variety

It’s time to recalibrate the narrative

Bill O’Reilly’s offhand remark about Malaysia being poor and hungry might have played well to a particular audi ence segment, but it doesn’t stand up to scrutiny. With all its complexities and imperfections, Malaysia is a country on the rise. It has a dynamic economy, a growing middle class, strong infrastructure and a quality of life that many would envy. So the next time someone tries to write - alisation, it’s worth doing what we just did – looking at the facts. Because the truth is, Malaysians aren’t “barely eating”. They’re

Relatively low cost of living makes every Ringgit go further Many foreigners are drawn to Malaysia because of the comparatively low cost of living. Housing, food, transport and cities like New York, London and Tokyo.

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