An amazing friend from New Zealand flew to Malaysia, and we went to the tropical island of Kapas together. It was such a good holiday from the bicycling "holiday"! We relaxed in the hammocks under the palm trees, went snorkeling on the coral reef and had lots of yummy food. There were so many beautiful corals and colourful fishes. The fish came right up and were nibbling at us. We also saw baby turtles. I can warmly recommend going to Kapas Island!
After peace and quiet on Kapas Island, we went to the buzzing metropolis of Kuala Lumpur for a few days of sightseeing.
The New Zealand General Election is on at the moment. I'm on my trip during the voting period, but fortunately I could vote at the New Zealand High Commission in Kuala Lumpur.
It's important for me to vote. Pretty much all aspect of our daily life is affected by our government. The roads we drive on, the air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat, the electricity that charges our phones, our work/school, and the parks we visit.
It is a privilege to be able to vote and there are many people around the world, who are not able to. In Malaysia, the first General Election was held in the Federation of Malaya in 1955. This election was before the independence in 1957. They elected members of the Federal Legislative Council, whose members had previously been fully appointed by the British High Commissioner. The voter turnout at the first election was 82.84%.
I have noticed a big difference in wealth between Indonesia and Malaysia. Both countries gained independence around the same time, and both countries have the same climate and many natural resources. However, if it wasn't for the grumpy monkeys, the contentious palm oil plantations and rice paddy fields, I could be fooled into thinking that I'm back cycling in wealthy Australia. Malaysia is more developed, has great infrastructure, it's flat, quiet and clean, and nice cars zooms past me at high speed. Apparently, average income and life expectancy is much higher in Malaysia than Indonesia. But, I miss the smiles in Indonesia, and people were beautiful, slender and with clear skin. A lot of Malaysians are nearly just as obese as in New Zealand. I'm wondering why there is such a big difference between the two countries? Is it differences in government politics? Business development? Foreign investment? I would be keen to hear if someone has some insights.