For many Malaysians who move to Singapore, the stronger currency and higher salaries are often assumed to be the main reasons behind the decision.
However, one former Malaysian said his choice to give up his citizenship and become a Singaporean was never simply about earning three times more.
In a lengthy farewell letter posted on Reddit, the man reflected on his journey from being a patriotic Malaysian who actively participated in politics to eventually surrendering his Malaysian passport and identity card.
Once believed he could change M’sia
Growing up in Selangor, the man said he had always felt a strong sense of patriotism.
As a child, he would wait for the national broadcaster to begin its morning transmission before standing at attention and singing “Negaraku”.
His interest in politics grew during his teenage years. While in Form 5, he attended a BERSIH rally alone and experienced tear gas for the first time.
He later campaigned for people to vote, distributed flyers, organised protests and even spoke at political ceramahs while studying at university. Like many young Malaysians at the time, he believed that change was possible.
However, his optimism slowly faded after watching political figures defend policies and decisions they had previously opposed.
He said it was not merely about election promises being left unfulfilled. What disappointed him more was what he saw as a lack of determination to carry out meaningful reforms.
Did not move for the salary
The man said Singapore was initially just a more developed neighbouring country to him but became interested in the country after seeing a schoolmate receive the ASEAN Scholarship.
Later, reading Lee Kuan Yew’s memoirs made him curious about Singapore’s governance, planning and efficiency.
At 20 years old, he visited Singapore alone, taking a sleeper train to the old Tanjong Pagar Railway Station. Instead of visiting typical tourist attractions, he spent his trip exploring places such as the Singapore City Gallery, Singapore Mobility Gallery and NEWater Visitor Centre.
The experience left him impressed by the country’s long term planning and its ability to turn plans into reality.
After graduating, he worked in Petaling Jaya for several years, adding that money was not his main concern as he was naturally thrifty.
“What frustrated me was spending hours stuck in Klang Valley traffic, regularly leaving home before sunrise and returning after dark.
I eventually moved to Singapore to avoid being in a long distance relationship. Yes, really. I wasn’t here to earn three times the salary,” he wrote.
Singapore gave him a sense of security
Starting over was not easy as the man arrived with little money and rented a small room in an HDB flat after borrowing RM3,000 from his brother.
His first job was at a family-run food ingredients wholesaler, where though the pay was slightly below the industry’s average, he appreciated the regular working hours and kindness shown by his colleagues.
Singapore’s public transport also allowed him to spend less time commuting and return home while it was still bright outside.
Over time, the country’s order, predictability and systems gave him a sense of security. Within a few years, he had also saved enough for his marriage fund.
His confidence in Singapore deepened during the Covid 19 pandemic, when he was impressed by the government’s communication, employment support and management of essential supplies.
‘Goodbye, Malaysia’
Despite changing his citizenship, the man said his culture, language and memories of growing up in Malaysia could not simply be erased.
He thanked Malaysia for giving him a good place to grow up and credited the country for shaping the friendly and easygoing qualities he carries today.
Written during his final 20 hours as a Malaysian citizen, his letter ended with a final wish for the country he once called home.
Goodbye, Malaysia. I wish you well.”
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