Peter and Michelle Butler
While most people who move to Malaysia under the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme come here to retire, a few choose to live here while working outside the country. As long as you do not carry on working in Malaysia, this is permitted under the MM2H programme.
Peter Butler, or "Butts" as he was known during his football playing years in England, decided to settle in Malaysia under the MM2H programme. He was a professional footballer for 18 years and played in the Premier League, including two seasons with West Ham United.
After retiring from UK professional football, he took a job in Sabah as Technical Director of the Sabah Football Association. He has fond memories of his time there and the enthusiastic young players he managed. He is particularly proud of the club making it to the Malaysia Cup Final while he worked there. His children went to a local school and they all learned to speak Malay.
Peter told The Expat: "I travelled to every single state in Malaysia in that time, from Perlis all the way down to Johor. Besides seeing hotel rooms and football stadiums, I did manage to see the natural beauty of Malaysia on my travels and saw what a truly beautiful country this is."
After leaving Sabah, he started a business in Bali that sources land to develop villas. The company's goal is to help people build what Peter calls 'lifestyle villas' that are more than just holiday villas. The company assists people right through the process, starting with identifying and purchasing land through to building their dream home. His company is called Bali Regency Realty, and more information can be found about them at www.baliregencyrealty.com
Peter and Michelle were concerned about the quality of the children's education in Bali, and decided to come and settle in Malaysia, as they were impressed with the selection of international schools and had fond memories of the country. They also feel it has a lot to offer families living here.
"I love living here," says Michelle, "There is lots for the kids and I to do. We have some really nice friends, some of whom I met through schools and the expat associations."
"Some of the resorts around Malaysia are truly amazing and full of natural beauty," says Peter. "I also enjoy wandering around KL and looking at the old buildings here from Colonial times. People tell me KL has changed somewhat in the last 10 years. I would of liked to have seen what it was like then, however I still feel there is a good mix of old and new. Being involved in professional football all my life, I have travelled far and wide but I still regard KL as my favourite city. The people are so accommodating and friendly wherever you go."
Their three children Louis (12), Chester (10), and Rubie (7) are now enrolled in Alice Smith and settling in nicely. Louis speaks Malay well and has many local friends. Chester enjoys trips to the UK and the youngest "goes with the flow." Peter says, "I suppose I am not your typical expat here on a company package. I see Malaysia as my home for a long time. I often say to my kids that we are visitors here, so be respectful of the culture and the people you meet, and do not expect it to be like the UK or Australia. I have met some wonderful friends here, both expats and Malaysians, and we all mix well together."
When asked what he misses most about England, Peter says, "It's not fish & chips, HP Sauce, or a curry in Bradford, but English football. The coverage is good in Malaysia but I miss the close involvement with the game. People talk about it constantly in England. It's very much a part of their daily life. I loved the passion and excitement of being a player and a coach."
In addition to his Bali business, Peter coaches professionally in Singapore, so he has to travel outside the country quite a bit; he says he misses his family a lot, but that's the nature of his job.
Michelle keeps active with golf, the gym, walking the dogs and delivering the kids 'here, there, and everywhere.' "I also try to make time for a girly weekend," she says, "Which is good for the mind!"
Regarding the Malaysia My Second Home programme, Peter is impressed. "I think it's an excellent scheme, and I have no desire to return to the UK in the future."
If you are looking for that perfect place in Bali then get in touch with Peter Butler. You can contact him through his company website at www.baliregencyrealty.com. His company will assist you all the way through the purchase and construction of your villa. They even offer villa management and rental services. They have formed partnerships with various local specialist companies to ensure you have all the expertise you need. They are also involved in several projects (including one in Seminyak) that is due for completion in a few months.
By Andy Davison
