ARTICLES

12 Apr 2024

Malaysia–China Economic Relations: Riding the Dragon’s Tail for Structural Transformation

Cassey Lee

This Long Read argues that strengthening the economic relationship between Malaysia and China can potentially contribute towards Malaysia’s structural transformation in terms of re-industrialisation and greening of its economy.

25 Mar 2024

The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL)’s Green Proposition: A Hard Chug

Tham Siew Yean

Malaysia is seeking to promote greener modes in freight transportation via the ECRL. This is laudable, but not without a set of challenges.

Climate Change Malaysia Malaysian Economy

15 Feb 2024

The Return of Melaka Gateway: Scaled-down Ambitions

Tham Siew Yean

What was touted as a mega project in the form of the Melaka Gateway is now a shadow of its former self. There remains, however, significant challenges for the envisioned cruise terminal.

Malaysia Malaysian Economy

26 Jan 2024

Bumiputera Economic Congress 2024: Seven Suggestions for the Seventh Convention

Lee Hwok-Aun

Malaysia is gearing up for 2024 Bumiputera Economic Congress. To help make it more substantive and constructive, the Anwar Ibrahim administration should take on board seven suggestions.

Malaysia Malaysian Economy

Malaysia unveiled its New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP 2030) on 1 September. The plan aspires to chart Malaysia’s industrial transformation from 2023 till 2030. Compared to previous plans, the latest master plan is ambitious, with the incorporation of action plans and a focus on implementation.

12 Sep 2023

Malaysia’s New Industrial Master Plan: Clear-Eyed on Implementation

Tham Siew Yean

Malaysia newest industrial master plan has a stronger focus on deliverables, with a focus on action plans and the monitoring of implementation.

Malaysia Malaysian Economy Malaysian Politics

10 Aug 2023

Will Anwar’s “Madani Economy” Narrative Strengthen His Economic Leadership?

Cassey Lee

The “Madani Economy” narrative launched on 27 July hopes to project a stronger public image of Prime and Finance Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s economic leadership. It should be seen as an interim economic policy framework of the Unity government inspired by the Madani concept.

Malaysia Malaysian Economy Malaysian Politics

28 Jul 2023

Singapore – Malaysia Economic Ties: Recovering from COVID-19

Pritish Bhattacharya|Francis E. Hutchinson

This Long Read seeks to understand the impact of the COVID crisis on the economic ties between Singapore and Malaysia. It analyses historical trends as well as recent data to assess how the different aspects of the relationship were affected and what the near-term outlook is likely to be.

Malaysia-Singapore Relations Malaysian Economy Singaporean Economy

6 Jun 2023

Malaysia’s Ample Start-up Funds Need to Be More Accessible and Accountable

Tham Siew Yean

Malaysia has established numerous funds to nurture start-ups, but must do much better in simplifying the current system, reporting relevant data, and assessing policy outcomes.

Malaysia Malaysian Economy

24 Mar 2023

Repurposing Fuel Subsidy to Facilitate Malaysia’s Shift to Electric Vehicles

Tham Siew Yean|Kevin Zhang

Malaysia seeks to ensure the poor benefit from fuel subsidies rather than the rich, but rationalisation can also contribute towards sustainability. The savings from the removal of fuel subsidies can be directed towards developing renewable or low-carbon alternatives, thereby contributing to meet Malaysia’s pledge to be “a carbon neutral country by 2050 at the earliest”.

Malaysia Malaysian Economy Malaysian Politics

8 Mar 2023

2023 Budget Speech: Act One of Anwar Ibrahim’s Reform of Malaysia?

Lee Hwok-Aun

Anwar Ibrahim’s 24 February speech unveiled a budget largely replicating the October version presented by his predecessor. Given that Malaysia’s reforms extend beyond public funding priorities and allocations to institutional reforms and new narratives of nationhood, the budget speech may be just the opening act.

Malaysia Malaysian Economy Malaysian Politics