Michael Aw

Joined: July 11, 2020
Articles: 582

PODCAST

REFSA Reflections: Episode 2 – Budget 2021 with Ong Kian Ming

The Director's Commentary - REFSA proudly launches a new podcast series on the economy, delving deeper and going behind the scenes into our ideas, publications, and positions. Listen to our second episode focusing on what would make a good budget on Apple podcast and Spotify.

Michael Aw
November 24, 2020

COMMENTARY

Why select committees need to analyse Budget 2021

An effective way for the government to manage the concerns and shortcomings of the 2021 Budget is through the scrutiny and review of a parliamentary select committee. This article details why and how this can be done through the new Finance and Economic Select Committee.

Michael Aw
November 19, 2020

COMMENTARY

Belanjawan 2021: Mengembalikan Dana and Kuasa Besar Kepada Perdana Menteri

Belanjawan 2021 telah memberikan dana yang besar kepada Jabatan Perdana Menteri (JPM), mengembalikan semula penusatan kuasa Perdana Menteri seperti pentadbiran BN. Artikel ini memberi gambaran awal mengenai analisis terhadap peruntukan JPM yang perlu dikaji dan dikurangkan agar ia dapat dijana kepada sektor yang lebih penting dan memperkukuh demokrasi negara.

Michael Aw
November 17, 2020

PRESS ROOM

Budget 2021 ambitious, but economic analysts say Putrajaya could be bolder with spending amid Covid-19

Commenting on Budget 2021, REFSA's Fredrik Paulus believes it is too soon to pursue any fiscal consolidation agendas and as such, advises loosening fiscal deficit targets and the introduction of bold measures to usher in a new economic paradigm, as proposed in REFSA’s most recent Policy Brief on Budget 2021.

Michael Aw
November 11, 2020

PRESS ROOM

国盟政府背腹受敌下，2021财案分析

义腾研究中心执行总监陈宇航为主讲人之一，与大家一起分析2021年财政预算案,旨在分析2021财政预算案的措施利弊，及政局诡谲多变的情况下，财案是否将顺利通过。

Michael Aw
November 10, 2020

PRESS ROOM

Futures Roundtable: Whither Malaysia? Restructuring the Malaysian Economy

REFSA's Visiting Researcher Farhana Roslan speaks on restructuring the economy and ways to Build Back Better.

Michael Aw
November 9, 2020

COMMENTARY

New PAC members appointed have ‘conflict of interest’

Concerns on conflict of interest arise with half of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) members holding positions in agencies and statutory corporations under Ministries who are in effect, supposed to be watchdogs of government as members in the Committee.

Michael Aw
November 9, 2020

infographics, QUICK FACTS

Build Back Better Explained

As Malaysia ponders upon Budget 2021, we should think about “build back better” as the ultimate objective for the nation. Here's the "What, Why and How" explainer of this term.

Michael Aw
November 8, 2020

PRESS ROOM

Dangerous to assume economy will bounce back in 2021

The government should use the next few weeks until Nov 25, when a vote is taken, to gather feedback from all and be prepared to make changes for #Budget2021. The government should be prepared to incur a larger deficit to create jobs, deal with health crises across the board, and more social protection to vulnerable groups.

Michael Aw
November 7, 2020

PRESS ROOM

Budget 2021 provides unrealistic financial outlook, say experts

Budget 2021 appears to be based on the wrong assumption that our economy will bounce back strongly in 2021. It is too soon to pursue any financial consolidation agenda and Putrajaya should instead loosen its financial deficit targets.

Michael Aw
November 7, 2020