If you are thinking of buying property in Malaysia, then this may be an easier and better option. It's called Malaysia My Second Home Programme.
Malaysia My Second Home
Stack against Thailand or Bali, language wise,English is widely spoken and understood.May not have the resort living feel of Bali but's it's relatively modern and easy going. Traffic is getting from bad to worse if you are going to the mainland and beaches are dirty. You can always head up north to Langkawi for that.