Looks like the landscape of Australian politics has recently been gloriously painted with a taste of Malaysia, as two of their Malaysian-born cabinet members quickly gained public attention, not only in Australia but back home as well.

Let's meet these two inspiring figures eager to change Australian politics for the better: 

Sam Lim, Former Dolphin Trainer Turned Australian MP

Coming from an underprivileged family in Johor, Sam Lim grew up extremely poor. With a childhood home deprived of basic necessities and having to live through a leaky roof, dirt floor, and no running water, Sam Lim struggled for "the first 15 years" of his life. When his first job as a police officer failed to pay well, Sam Lim decided to become a dolphin trainer at a local safari park, which he described as the "best job ever". 

Sadly, the safari park had to be closed down, and Sam Lim ventured into several small businesses until he had saved enough to migrate to Australia along with his family. There, he was able to relive his childhood dream of being a part of the police force. "[Being] a police officer is a great job, I love the blue uniform," he said. 

A polyglot who've mastered 10 languages, Sam Lim was awarded Officer Of The Year ward, WA Police's highest accolade, for his noble work with the multicultural communities during the pandemic. 

Sam Lim now holds a position in the parliament for Tangney in Perth, representing the Australian Labor Party.

Penny Wong, Australia's first female government leader

Migrated to Adelaide, Australia with her mother and younger brother when she was just 8 years old, Penny Wong would soon grow up to become Australia's first Asian-born person to hold a cabinet position. To date, her career achievements could make anyone feel timid. 

Prior to her involvement in politics, Penny Wong worked as a lawyer until June 2005 when she was appointed as the Shadow Minister for Employment and Workforce Participation and Corporate Governance and Responsibility. In 2008, she became the first Asian-born politician to join the Australian cabinet. 

She was also the Minister of Finance as well as the Minister for Climate Change before her current position as Australia's latest Foreign Minister, freshly sworn in on May 23rd. 

Refreshing to see former Malaysians thriving in other countries! What do you think of these two? Come discuss in the comment section!