Paul Tyminski
A lot of expats come to Malaysia to take it easy in their retirement - a bit of sunbathing, maybe some golf. Not so, Paul Tyminski. He may be a golfer, but in addition he's a sailor, motorcyclist, and pilot. Originally from Gatwick in the United Kingdom, the 59-year-old Englishman tells The Expat about his new home here in Malaysia.
The Expat: How long have you lived here under the MM2H programme?
Paul: Just a few months.
The Expat: Why did you decide to come to Malaysia?
Paul: I've always had a long association with this country. I went to school here in 1962 at the British Army Boarding school. I was in the military and at that time I was residing in Batu Road, now known as Merdeka Square.I became a registered pilot 12 years ago so I was flying in and out of Indonesia and spent months in Malaysia on holiday.
The Expat: What made you choose to live in KL?
Paul: I love it here. KL has everything there is for an expat. Plus, the race relations in Malaysia are also better, compared to some other places. It's a peaceful place.
The Expat: Have you lived or visited Malaysia prior to that?
Paul: Yes, I was on holiday here for months last year.
The Expat: What was the main reason you decided to come and live here under the MM2H programme?
Paul: Well, I'm in the process of retirement and I'm really enjoying my holiday here. It's also fi nancially viable for me to be here as the MM2H programme allows me to bring my car over. I often go sailing with a friend of mine and at the moment we're taking the boat all over the world.
The Expat: What do you like most about living in Malaysia?
Paul: The people here are very nice. Overall, the social side of it and the choices of dining out and entertainment are very conducive.
The Expat: What do you like least about living in Malaysia?
Paul: I have lost sympathy for the motorcyclists here also, if the police can really crack down on those who double park that would make the traffic situation way better.
The Expat: Did you travel outside of Malaysia in the last year?
Paul: Yes, I did a lot of travelling to Thailand, Indonesia for work and golfi ng and I sailed to Portugal, Spain and France, too. I also visited the US and the Caribbean last year.
The Expat: What about within Malaysia?
Paul: I was in Penang because my parents used to live there at one point. This year, I also had a holiday in Kuantan, Melaka, Johor Bharu and Cameron Highlands.
The Expat: What do you miss most about your home country?
Paul: My three children who are in England and the proximity to skiing. Then again, Malaysia offers other treats such as the nice tropical weather.
The Expat: So tell us how do you pass your time here?
Paul: I am also an avid diver. Other than that it would have to be sailing and golfi ng. I'm also trying to obtain my Private Pilot's License so I can fly a plane here.
The Expat: You say you like to sail. What kind of boat is it?
Paul: It belongs to a friend of mine, actually. It's a 42-feet Hallberg-Rassy (Swedish). He came up with a plan for us to sail across the globe and I decided to crew for him. It's been very good.
The Expat: How happy are you with the MM2H programme?
Paul: I'm very happy with it. I already have my Malaysian driver's license because I have a car and motorcycle. Plus, everything I own is here.
By Aida Ahmad
