"A foreign moon is rounder' , a timeless Chinese idiom, is regularly used in allusion

to those believing that foreign countries, particularlty those in the West, are a mine of
opportunity.

For many years, I have seen more and more friends resort to migration. Fed up with
socio-economic disparities in Malaysia, they hope that with the move, their luck will
finally change for the better.

Why is the foreign moon rounder? From the feedback I have received, the inequality
that characterises Malaysia with regards to the notorious quota system is
almost non-existent in other countries, especially the likes of Australia, New Zealand
and Canada. Without prejudice, opportunities are shared out on the strength of your
qualification, not the colour of your skin - a myopic criteria that has been the main
reason for migration in recent years. ”Everyone starts from the same point,” said a
friend. ”If you are hardworking, you would have an edge over others in the job
market.”.

An ex neighour, now residing in Australia, remarked that the welfare for the aged is
more promising and secure. In Malaysia, when you hit a retirement age, you are
almost left with nothing and life is a struggle from day to day. The rpension fees one
gets are usually meagre and there is no way you can make ends meet like thosein
Australia, who are on the receiving end of benefits in the form of allowances doled
out to anyone in twilight age. If you happen to be single, you would be properly
looked after in the homes for the aged, where medical facilities are provided by the
government

However, some friends lamented that their loyalty is always questionable in their new
homes. Despite having mingled with the locals for many years, they cottoned on to
the stark reality that they are unable to divest themselves from being called
scavengers - a group of opportunists having an insatiable thirst for wealth, looting
from the locals and picking at any scrap of riches fallen from the table - a
stereotypical but humiliating description. The locals have never stopped treating them
as outsiders and assimilating into their circle is a tall order - even worse than the
existing quota system in Malaysia. Many of them are unable to move up the cooperate
ladder due to their alien background, taunted wherever they go.

Every cloud has a silver lining, but never forget that sometimes it rains too.