Malaysia
Southeast Asia
Government
Malaysia is a constitutional monarchy and is governed under the construction of 1957 as amended. ("Malaysia." World Geography: Understanding a Changing World. ABC-CLIO, 2016. Web. 26 May 2016.) The prime minister is head of government and must be a member and have the confidence of the House of Representatives (Dewan Ra'ayat). ("Malaysia." World Geography: Understanding a Changing World. ABC-CLIO, 2016. Web. 26 May 2016.) The cabinet is chosen by the prime minister with the consent of the sovereign. ("Malaysia." World Geography: Understanding a Changing World. ABC-CLIO, 2016. Web. 26 May 2016.)There is a bicameral Parliament.("Malaysia." World Geography: Understanding a Changing World. ABC-CLIO, 2016. Web. 26 May 2016.) The House of Representatives consists of 219 members, all elected by popular vote in single-member districts. ("Malaysia." World Geography: Understanding a Changing World. ABC-CLIO, 2016. Web. 26 May 2016.) The House sits for a maximum of five years but may be dissolved by the sovereign. ("Malaysia." World Geography: Understanding a Changing World. ABC-CLIO, 2016. Web. 26 May 2016.) The Senate (Dewan Negara) consists of 70 members chosen for three-year terms; each state legislature elects two and the sovereign appoints the remaining 44. ("Malaysia." World Geography: Understanding a Changing World. ABC-CLIO, 2016. Web. 26 May 2016.)There is a high court for each half of Malaysia and a supreme court. Administratively, the country is divided into 13 states and three federal territories. ("Malaysia." World Geography: Understanding a Changing World. ABC-CLIO, 2016. Web. 26 May 2016.)
Economy
Climate
Full-length trousers will create a better impression. Because of the rainfall patterns and the vagaries of Malaysia weather, always carry an umbrella. ("Malaysia Weather, Climate and Geography." Malaysia Weather, Climate and Geography. Columbus Travel Media, 2016. Web. 26 May 2016.)
Issues
Malaysia is currently facing an issue over lower oil prices. ("Current Issues in Malaysia and How It Affects the Economy." ExpatGo. The Expat Magazine, 28 July 2015. Web. 26 May 2016.) Many have asked whether is was a bump in the road or a serious problem. ("Current Issues in Malaysia and How It Affects the Economy." ExpatGo. The Expat Magazine, 28 July 2015. Web. 26 May 2016.) The recent arrests of over 100 people who were willing to join Islamic State or support them through terrorists acts in Malaysia had many expats worried.("Current Issues in Malaysia and How It Affects the Economy." ExpatGo. The Expat Magazine, 28 July 2015. Web. 26 May 2016.) So far the Malaysian police have been very efficient at countering terrorism. ("Current Issues in Malaysia and How It Affects the Economy." ExpatGo. The Expat Magazine, 28 July 2015. Web. 26 May 2016.)
Education
The Malaysian school system is structured as follows:
- Optional kindergarten (age 3-6). There are only a few government-run kindergartens in Malaysia, most of them are run privately.("Introduction." Just Landed. Just Landed, 2003-2016. Web. 26 May 2016.)
- Obligatory primary school (age 7-12) is divided into 2 three-year phases. At the end of primary school students take the Primary School Achievement Test. ("Introduction." Just Landed. Just Landed, 2003-2016. Web. 26 May 2016.)
- Secondary education (age 13-17) is divided into lower secondary (3 years) and upper secondary (2 years) education which are both ended with a standardized test. There are two different final tests, depending on whether the student were doing the last two years in a technical/academic track or a vocational track. ("Introduction." Just Landed. Just Landed, 2003-2016. Web. 26 May 2016.)
- Post-secondary education (age 17-18) prepares the students who wants to attend a university. "Introduction." Just Landed. Just Landed, 2003-2016. Web. 26 May 2016.)
- University education ("Introduction." Just Landed. Just Landed, 2003-2016. Web. 26 May 2016.)
Great place for future visit, Very Beautiful
What is the cost of living like in Malaysia? .....Malaysia has an exceptionally low cost of living and a tax regime that is most welcoming to foreigners.("MalaysiaParadise.com." Frequently Asked Questions about Malaysia. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 May 2016.) Everyone has to be a tax resident somewhere and where better than a tax friendly country? In addition the weak Malaysian Ringgit against the world’s leading currencies means it is cheap to buy and live in Malaysia.("MalaysiaParadise.com." Frequently Asked Questions about Malaysia. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 May 2016.) Take, for example the cost of a Big Mac Combo (Big Mac, fries and Coke) this costs about USD2.50, or GBP1.30; a full meal at a hawker stall only costs USD1.60, or GBP0.69. ("MalaysiaParadise.com." Frequently Asked Questions about Malaysia. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 May 2016.)
What about if I want to bring my car?..... People settling in Malaysia can bring in one car free of import duty, sales tax and excise duty or buy a new one tax free. ("MalaysiaParadise.com." Frequently Asked Questions about Malaysia. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 May 2016.)