KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 4 — The push by Malaysia’s wealthy to study in the United Kingdom reveals the stark opportunity divide shaped by the country’s colonial legacy and economic inequalities.

For Kuala Lumpur real estate agent David Lau, a British education is more than a status symbol; offers its children a “passport to the world of opportunities”.

According to Lau, most of his successful clients were educated at a handful of British institutions, including the universities of Sheffield and Nottingham.

“I noticed that many of my very successful clients were educated at only a few universities,” Lau said. South China Morning Post.

He prepared his children for university education in the UK by enrolling them in international schools offering the Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education.

“As a Chinese, it is already difficult to get into Malaysian universities,” Lau said, referring to racial quotas.

Wealthy Malaysians’ interest in the UK extends to their choice of investment properties in London. Many call the city “Kuala London” and have homes in Bayswater, a west London neighborhood known for its Malaysian dining and grocery options.

This connection is also evident back home, where luxury projects such as “Mayfair” and “Dorchester” evoke London’s elite lifestyle.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has voiced concerns over the impact of this Anglophile trend on Malaysia’s identity, opposing prioritizing English over the national language.

“I do not advocate the de-emphasis of English, but I also reject any phobia towards our own language,” Anwar said during National Language Month in October.

Anwar, who studied Malay literature at the University of Malaya, warned elites who “may have grown up in London” to remember that they live in Malaysia and must embody the aspirations of the entire Malaysian society.

His comments resonated with Malaysians who lack access to international education and highlighted a broader debate on the roles of Malay and English in a multicultural society.

Malaysia’s colonial history plays an important role in this phenomenon.

Unlike Indonesia, which fought a bitter war for independence from Dutch rule, Malaysia’s transition from British rule was amicable, marked by celebrations rather than conflict.

During Malaysia’s declaration of independence in 1957, then Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman expressed his gratitude to Britain, saying: “The long-standing friendship between our countries does not end with independence; or rather, it takes on a new form.”

Education has historically highlighted social divisions in Malaysia. The British established prestigious schools such as the Victoria Institute in Kuala Lumpur, which is still a symbol of elite status.

A more recent trend has seen an increase in local enrollment at international schools; Malays make up about 20 percent of students.

British International School Kuala Lumpur principal Mike O’Connor said many parents felt a UK-based curriculum was essential for their children’s future opportunities abroad.

“This is absolutely great preparation for the style of learning a child will have when they move on to sixth form or university in the UK,” O’Connor said.

While Malaysia’s economic elite invest heavily in property and education in the UK, economic inequalities within the country persist.

A 2022 report noted that despite policies aimed at uplifting the Malay community, bumiputra, which includes Malays and indigenous minorities, earn only 71 percent of what ethnic Chinese earn.

Despite the rise of Malaysian universities in global rankings, the appeal of a British education remains.

Universiti Teknologi Petronas is ranked 52nd in the Times Higher Education Asia University Rankings 2024, while three other Malaysian institutions are also in the top 100.

For those studying or living in London, the familiarity and culture of areas such as Paddington offer comfort.

Malaysian student Suhaily Yadim said eating at Tukdin restaurant in Paddington provided a “reminder of home” and guaranteed halal food, which is a priority for many people.

The influence of Malaysia’s UK-educated diaspora extends beyond nostalgia.

Malaysian companies, including the Employees’ Provident Fund, played a key role in the redevelopment of London’s Battersea Power Station, which now includes Malaysia Square for celebrations and events.

With these investments and ties, discussions on Malaysia’s national identity and language continue.

Anwar’s call to “level the linguistic playing field” reflects his hope for a Malaysia that moves beyond its colonial legacy to become more self-reliant and inclusive.

For Paul Ch’ng, a Malaysian studying at the University of Warwick, his experience in the UK has been transformative.

“I have had the privilege of conducting primary research on aerospace companies such as Lucas Aerospace and Dunlop Aviation,” said Ch’ng. “It remains one of my most valuable experiences.”

As Malaysia’s economic and educational landscape evolves, the influence of British education remains strong among those who can afford it; However, the country’s persistent identity problem continues to exist.