CONGRATULATIONS to F1 Ferrari supremo Datuk Seri Jean Todt on his new role as Tourism Malaysia’s ambassador (The Star, May 13).

The appointment comes at the right time when Malaysia is trying its best to promote the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme, of which Todt is one of the beneficiaries.

Given Todt’s extensive connections, the country can attract a long list of hopefuls who want to continue living in the fast lane by making Malaysia their home away from home.

The MM2H programme should not just aim at getting foreign retirees to buy properties and living here on a long-term holiday basis.

There should also be avenues where they can share their professional expertise in areas that can contribute to uplifting the skills in the country.

Some form of employment openings restricted to specialised fields is an option. In this way, they would not just be here as long term “holiday makers”, but more as professionals.

They will view their presence here as more meaningful, and will take pride in contributing to nation-building.

Having a second home in Malaysia is akin to an adopted place of stay. Treat them like “adoptive Malaysians”.

Malaysia should not look only at the boom in the upmarket property sector with the arrival of these MM2H participants.

source: http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/5/17/focus/3926059&sec=focus

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