A recent Bank Negara report forecasts GDP growth of 6-7.5% for 2021. In response, the REFSA research team has raised questions about the assumptions underlying the estimate. This is because the downside economic risks are stronger than acknowledged, and actual GDP may be lower than forecast.
In this recent podcast with BFM, our Communications Director Iskandar Fareez shares his views on how the state can play a leading role in addressing the issue of unemployment and low salaries faced by Malaysian youths.
Are we on the way to achieving a GDP growth rate of between 6.0% and 7.5% in 2021? Backed by recent data points which signal that more downside risks are materialising, this REFSA Note asks some pertinent questions on some of the assumptions underlying BNM's 2021 growth rate forecast.
Our Research Director Ivy Kwek quoted on whether there’s unity among Southeast Asia countries on the South China Sea dispute.
By revisiting and aligning adjacent policies like competition, data privacy and social protection, we can develop a dynamic and innovative economy that uses digital technologies to the fullest, for the greater good of everyone.
Does the Pemerkasa package mitigate short term socio-economic effects of the pandemic while contribute to guiding long term economic growth of the nation?
Is the government really running out of funds? Our Executive Director Tan E Hun shared her view about why the figures cited are misleading, whether it is too soon to talk about fiscal discipline and what sort of targeted injections should the government aim for when it comes to spending going forward.
Jaideep Singh, penyelidik REFSA berpendapat kerajaan perlu memperkenalkan suntikan baharu untuk menggalakkan penggunaan dan pelaburan swasta bagi memulihkan ekonomi negara. Suntikan baharu ini lebih penting berbanding dakwaan tidak berasas Perdana Menteri yang menyatakan kerajaan tidak mempunyai banyak wang selepas berbelanja untuk COVID-19.
Recent reports of Malaysia’s insolvency are greatly exaggerated. On April 12, Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin claimed that the government was running out of money, having spent RM340 billion on pandemic-related stimulus measures and RM322 billion on Budget 2021. This is misleading for two reasons.
Frederik Paulus, Economic Advisor of REFSA weighs in on AirAsia's purported entry into ride-hailing and the benefits it may bring to the drivers.