ARTICLES

A woman carries an infant upon arrival from Jakarta

26 May 2022

Uncertainties in Malaysia’s Economic Recovery

Cassey Lee

The war in Ukraine and the de-coupling of Russia from major economies are expected to dampen economic recovery and generate inflationary shocks. If inflation in Malaysia worsens, policymakers may have to implement a more restrictive monetary policy combined with fiscal stimulus funded by debt and petroleum royalties.

4 May 2022

Sustaining Malaysia’s FDI Rebound: Promotion is Good, Facilitation Better

Tham Siew Yean

A better way forward is to continue to enhance investment facilitation measures, making it easier for investors to establish and expand their operations, and conduct their day-to-day business in host countries. In this regard, boosting post-investment, after-care services will grow in importance.

Economic Development Economic Planning Foreign Direct Investment Malaysia Malaysian Economy

29 Apr 2022

Hydropower Development in Sarawak: Sensitivities over Sustainability and China’s Involvement

Tham Siew Yean

China has become the most significant foreign partner in Sarawak’s hydropower development, as its extensive knowledge and experience in this domain dovetails with Sarawak’s ambitious programme to develop hydropower for its own needs and for export to the region.

China-Malaysia Relations Environment Malaysia Renewable Energy Sustainable Development

27 Apr 2022

Social Media Discourse in Malaysia on the Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Rationales for Pro-Russia Sentiments

Benjamin Y.H. Loh|Munira Mustaffa

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Malaysia’s social media has been abuzz with discussions on the conflict, with different groups expressing both condemnation and support for Russia. This paper examines pro-Russian sentiments and unpacks them for possible explanations for why such views prevail amongst Malaysians.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics Online Misinformation Ukraine

26 Apr 2022

The ‘Malay Protector’ Debate: Spirited But Short on Substance

Lee Hwok-Aun

Half of all Malaysians and 81 per cent of Malays deem ‘Malay special rights and privileges’ a ‘core feature’ of Malaysian society. Many Malays are anxious about ‘fair competition’, but perhaps encouragingly from the perspective of reform, there are indications of openness to change.

Identity Politics Malaysia Malaysian Politics

21 Apr 2022

Credit UMNO for the Rakyat’s Benefits? More Serious Accounting Needed

Kevin Zhang|Lee Hwok-Aun

UMNO and Prime Minister Ismail Sabri are hoping to take credit for recent announcements on hiking the minimum wage and allowing special withdrawals from retirement savings, but the devil is in the details.

Malaysia Malaysian Economy Malaysian Politics

19 Apr 2022

The Malaysian Opposition’s ‘Big Tent’ Strategy: A Misreading of Election History

James Chai

The Malaysian Opposition would do well to reconsider its calls for a ‘Big Tent’ strategy. A closer look at voting patterns in recent Malaysian elections raises questions about their assumption that a united opposition would secure an electoral victory against BN.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics

14 Apr 2022

Palm Oil Certification Schemes: Putting Some Roar into Paper Tigers

Darren Cheong|Ryan Wong

Sustainable palm oil certification schemes are necessary, as they incentivise producers to improve their environmental practices. But a different tack centred on districts rather than individual producers should be considered.

Environment Indonesia Malaysia Sustainable Development

11 Apr 2022

Getting Ready for those Business Black Swans

Michael Schaper|Serina Rahman

To prepare for future disasters, the Malaysian government should roll out a national response plan to help smaller businesses tide through the storm.

Climate Change Disaster Management Malaysia Malaysian Economy

5 Apr 2022

Bahasa Melayu as ASEAN’s Second Language: Sekali Lagi Tak Boleh

Joanne Lin

Malaysia has again proposed making Malay a working language of ASEAN, but this proposal is likely to be a non-starter as ASEAN wrestles with more pressing crises.

ASEAN Malaysia Malaysian Politics