Malaysia: The Westernised West

Peninsula Malaysia is a beautiful melting pot of cultures. Steeped in colonial history and shrouded in ancient forest, this land mass offers a plethora of opportunities. Yet the pattern that was oh so repetitive during my travels reaches its climax on the western frontier of Malaysia. The capitalist culture has ploughed it's way through valley, hill, mountain. It holds no bounds in a country who's pockets are bulging but poor are suffering.

A parallel universe to the one we are accustom. Buildings loom heavy as they tower above. The feeling of insignificance ever more asserting. Pollution. Violence. Unrest. Corruption. It is all too familiar.

Kuala Lumpur. An architectural playground. A rich mans dream. The epitome of wealth in a continent that is so desperate to survive. A laugh in the face of its inhabitants. The Petronas towers. An infamous landmark but a blatant kick in the teeth. A building that defines our pursuit of progress. Our greed and gluttony. The oil. Black treacle seeps from the pours of this country, one that has learnt nothing from our failings.

The intoxicating capital draws you in and then never lets you go. I endured almost a week in KL as I feel ill near the end of my trip. I tried to find the beauty but there was none. The only nature to see was in the fabricated amusements that occupied the downtown. A bird park and butterfly farm could be visited for a premium or you could see the stars if you handed over your ringget. Stars are no longer visible in KL. Light pollution and car fumes create an impenetrable layer in the night sky.

The towns of Melacca and Georgetown provide brief amusement away from the city but even these colonial areas have fallen to the intrigue of consumerism. Shopping malls and fast food vendors are creeping their way in, slowly chocking the town with tourists. Nature is non-existent. Amusement can only be purchased. Our 'happiness' has a price tag.