ARTICLES

28 Sep 2021

Ratifying the RCEP to Reset Malaysia’s Economy

Tham Siew Yean

Malaysia needs to move fast to ratify two free trade deals to reset its economy, which has been impacted by political instability and the Covid-19 pandemic. The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership is a priority.

8 Sep 2021

The Covid-19 Recession: Rough Times for Young Malaysians

Lee Hwok-Aun|Kevin Zhang

The COVID-19 recession has compounded employment and income difficulties for Malaysia’s young workers. They experience higher unemployment and are more adversely impacted than other age groups in terms of wage decrease and under-employment. This has contributed to greater political restiveness among Malaysia’s youth.

COVID-19 Malaysian Economy

14 Jul 2021

Malaysia’s Covid-19 Response: Pressed to Be (in the) Present

Lee Hwok-Aun|Kevin Zhang

Pressed by short-term exigencies caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, Malaysia is planning to raise Malaysia’s debt ceiling to 65 per cent of GDP. Another round of stimulus package might be on the cards.

COVID-19 Malaysia Malaysian Economy Malaysian Politics

17 Jun 2021

Malaysia’s Pemerkasa+ Package: More Subsidies Might Be Needed

Lee Hwok-Aun

Malaysia’s recently-launched Pemerkasa+ aid package seeks to provide cash handouts to workers and income support to companies. If the economy suffers from financial hits to segments of the economy, rather than mass job losses, Malaysia would be better served with a structured reprise of higher per-worker subsidies for small companies.

COVID-19 Malaysia Malaysian Economy

28 May 2021

Malaysia’s Federal and State Government Vaccine Drives: Too Many Cooks?

Francis E. Hutchinson

Due to the federal government’s slow vaccination rate, some state governments have stepped into the breach to inoculate their populations. Their collective experience thus far has been somewhat patchy.

COVID-19 Health Malaysia Malaysian Economy

27 May 2021

COVID-19 Measures in Malaysia: Resentment and Rancour Brewing on the Ground

Serina Rahman

As the government rolls out stricter measures to control the spread of COVID-19, it is unfortunate that some people on the ground blame the authorities for their incompetence instead of working together to break the back of the virus.

COVID-19 Health Malaysia Malaysian Economy Religion

21 May 2021

Borderland Without Business: The Economic Impact of Covid-19 on Peninsular Malaysia’s Southernmost State of Johor

Serina Rahman

The state of Johor has suffered disproportionately among Malaysian states due to the impact of Covid-induced border closures. Increasing poverty and unemployment are compounded by decreasing mental health and well-being. Several initiatives have been launched to alleviate difficulties. But the state will not fully recover until borders reopen, given Johor’s high dependence on international investments and its deep connections with Singapore for business, investment and livelihoods.

Malaysia Malaysian Economy

15 Apr 2021

Harnessing a Rising Economic Tide to Lift All Boats

Lee Hwok-Aun

As the Malaysian economy switches into recovery mode, the country must ensure that growth benefits all households, especially those at the bottom.

COVID-19 Malaysian Economy

2 Mar 2021

Malaysia’s Digital Economy Blueprint: More is Not Better

Tham Siew Yean

This 100+ page plan may hinder more than help the country’s digital economy transformation.

Economic Development Malaysia Malaysian Economy Technology

8 Feb 2021

Cosmopolitanism and Multiculturalism: Reviving Bangsa Malaysia

Khoo Boo Teik

Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s concept of a Bangsa Malaysia has been given a fillip by Muhammad Faisal Abdul Aziz, president of ABIM, which represents the aspirations of Malaysia’s Muslim youth. It should be given some serious consideration.

Malaysia Malaysian Economy Malaysian Politics