I have a chance to visit Malaysia in May-Jun 2014. As I had heard and gone through the tourist reviews, I had an impression that Malaysia is like heaven on earth. But, contrary actually my views about Malaysia are disappointing. My reasons are; 1. Although constitutionally an Islamic State, there is hardly any Islamic Culture in the country; alcohol availability, women dressing, and difficulty in finding halal food are some observations. 2. There are more Buddha Stupa and Hindu worship places than mosques. 3. Actual Malaysians are nowhere but the Chinese only. 4. Chinese has complete market and business hold, and local Malaysian have lost their identity. Overall Malaysian Situation is depressing & disappointing. Javaid Ahmed Malik

@Javaid Ahmed Malik You mean to say Malaysia should be like Saudi?

@Javaid Ahmed Malik It is unfortunate that your experience with Malaysia has been so negative. However, after having lived there for 3 years my perspective is a slightly different. Contrary to what you have heard/seen it is not a 'Islamic State' , it is a secular parliamentary constitutional Monarchy. The implementation of the shariah only applies to the Malay population, and rightly so. Lets not forget that Malaysia is a multicultural/ multi racial society. Alcohol is heavily taxed to discourage consumption it is however readily available to cater to to a large portion of the population that includes chinese buddhists, Indian Hindus & Sikhs, Eurasians, Expats and of course hoards of tourists. As for womens dressing, there are only select countries that specify what they deem to be appropriate attire (ie Iran, Saudi Arabia) , if you found it offensive you should have perhaps reconsidered your holiday destination. Interestingly enough majority of middle eastern & South Asian states with muslim majorities do not dictate how the women should dress in their constitution (Pakistan included). I have to wonder what part of Malaysia you were in if you did not find a sufficient number of mosques or find Halal food. If the food contains pork or alcohol there is always a large sign saying it is not halal, majority of food stalls and restaurants are Halal and certified. Historically the chinese have always showed impressive business acumen, however to say they have the complete market is a gross generalization. The local Malays have always enjoyed positions of power in Politics and safeguarded their own interest, to the extent that other communities are sometimes marginalized. Malaysia, without a doubt has certain flaws, however it is not nearly as depressing & disappointing as Pakistan has proven to be at times (this coming from someone who is extremely patriotic). It is also the only place I have seen that has a mosque, temple and church on the same street. Perhaps we can learn a thing or two about tolerance from them. I do hope you have the opportunity to travel to Malaysia in the near future and reassess your initial opinion.

@MHN What a polite, civilized, well behaved answer. That is how decent people should converse with each other instead of shouting their differences of opinion. Good job!.

@Javaid Ahmed Malik Vet Well said. The Chinese control everything!

@MHN , Thank you MHN , very true comments. We don't have a right to judge others while we ourselves are full of flaws. We need to peek into our own "Garaybaan"

What exactly was the point of this article? I don't get it.

@Javaid Ahmed Malik Visit camel countries-you will love it! By the way Malaysia is a paradise compared to Pakistan ANYDAY!

@Javaid Ahmed Malik Really surprised to read your comments. I am a frequent visitor to Malaysia as me and my family love the country and its our favorite holiday destination. We have travelled all over the country and never had any problem finding the "halal" food, secondly, Malaysia is a true living example how a Muslim country should be...Freedom for all sects and religions to live and perform their religious obligations without fear, Clean, good governance, strong Law in place and active Police Force.The people are very courteous and we have lovely memories of the country. I will recommend Malaysia always!

@Javaid Ahmed Malik you say depressing and disappointing???? the situation outlined by your observations is just like music to my ears! this is absolutely brilliant. if what you observed is all that malaysia is then i say malaysia has truly arrived. next vacation? malaysia truly asia!!!

@Javaid Ahmed Malik 53 percent population is Muslim. Not fully Muslim country

@MHN Thanks so much for your wonderful views.I am a Pakistani Businessman that lives in States for last 41 years.Originally from Karachi.We also lived in Singapore for couple of years.I have visited Malaysia about a dozen times.Including private meeting with Tun Mahathir. I completely love Malaysia.The tolerance they have for other faith is so wonderful.I am glad they have a secular parliamentary system because it works so well. In the entire universe this is still a country I wouldn't mind living for long time.The number of people going for Halal Tourism is increasing because of Halal food and Masjids everywhere.They host the Global Islamic Finance Forums also.I love attending those. Pakistan can learn so much from Malaysia.Inshallah brother Javaid Malik next visit will be better.

@Javaid Ahmed Malik 30% of Malaysia's population is non Muslim. Malaysia is way more Islamic than Pakistan. People practice religion here with freedom. That is the essence of Islam. If your view of Islamic state is banning alcohol and forcing women to cover from head to toe regardless of their will, you have to really review your understanding brother. From someone in and out of Malaysia for 12 years

I am living in Malaysia since last 3 years and don't find any issue regarding availability of Halal food. Its wrong assumption that the country is dominated by Chinese people. Truth is that local Malay muslim population enjoy more financial support from the government. Country is full of cultural diversification and every one is allowed to practice his/her religion without any fear which Pakistani people normally face from so called Mullahs back home. In fact like Malaysia, Pakistani government should have more controlled measures on Madrassas to stop them from spreading religious hatred.

Agreed with Javaid Sb for his reflections as a traveler. I think he holds his points for travelers from the east must know that alcohol is available and there will be women dressed differently. If the traveler has been to Dubai before, this place will suddenly start looking more Islamic. Thus all is suggested and reviewed in comparison. For the readers who are planning their trip to KL / Malaysia please know that Halal food is readily available and there are jaamia mosques than street-end mosques so you will have to travel a few blocks each time. Like Dubai there is "night life" and in the day "mall (rat) life". There are many breathtaking beach resorts, gardens, activities for kids thus the entire family package. We should try to find peace and Islam within ourselves rather than having a habit of practicing it under "conducive" conditions only. Live free without hypocrisies and trying to be an angel because one only ends up an animal then. Stay human please.

Dostoyevsky said: The degree of a civilization can be judged by observing its prisoners.

Not bad at all.

So much emotions, I must see Malaysia

From Someone who until recently was living in Malaysia for 7 years - I find it a "model Islamic state". Where different cultures live side by side without risk of persecution. Where Eid, Divali, Christmas and Chinese New year is celebrated with equal fervour. Yes alcohol is available and the dressing may be offensive to some - but that is what toleration is all about - to each his own. Equally the sound of Aazan is heard all over the city and mosques (which are plenty) are packed on fridays. Certainly Pakistan can take a page out of this lesson. For all those tourists that find this "blend of cultures " and "freedom of practice" offensive - please restrict your holiday plans to Saudi Arabia.

Don't understand why most of the comments are rebuttal on the uneducated remarks of Javaid Ahmed Malik. The photographer is simply displaying the scenes of Malaysia and his works should be appreciated.

@Javaid Ahmed Malik u need to understand, that Malaysia is marginally a Muslim majority the rest of the population is non Muslim...

I first visited Malaysia in 1974. Thereafter on two occassions and the last was in 2013. The impression many people have of a muslim country is that the people are conservative and ultra religious. I have visited Pakistan too. Although it too is considered to be ultra religious it is not so. Of course there are areas wherein the population is more conservative than in the urban areas but they too are friendly and nice. Malaysians are very friendly, helpful people. Visit the country, you will love it. Bear in mind the saying "When you are in Rome do what the Romans do".

Dark alleys of queens and park avenue and Manhattan in New York. Orchard Street and little India in Singapore. Genting and K.L back allays. Its all go together. Malaysia is on right track, it can go high up if it can control the corruption. My host ended up paying bribe on KL Singapore motorway for speeding.

@Javaid Ahmed Malik food is halal every where in malaysia. I been in KL twice and face no issue of halal food.