Michael Aw

Joined: July 11, 2020
Articles: 582

COMMENTARY, COVID-19, ECONOMICS, The Great Reset

To set the path of economy recovery, the Government must step up job creation via a “Mission-Oriented” Industrial Policy

The RM35b PENJANA plan has its merits, but may still fall short in protecting jobs and supporting livelihoods. While some temporary reliefs are essential, the government must urgently look into a much-needed long-term economic reform for Malaysia.

Michael Aw
June 15, 2020

ECONOMICS, QUICK FACTS

COVID-19 Stimulus Tracker June 2020

In early April, REFSA prepared a comparison of the COVID-19 related stimulus packages in Malaysia, Singapore and the United Kingdom. Because the overall situation is still evolving quickly, we have created this tracker, which shows the most up-to-date we have for each of the three countries.

Michael Aw
June 14, 2020

COMMENTARY, COVID-19, ECONOMICS

Perkasa dasar sektor pekerjaan separa mahir

There is a suggestion that workers should be upskilled to increase their income during the COVID-19 crisis. But in fact, skilled workers in Malaysia are still being underpaid.

Michael Aw
June 14, 2020

COMMENTARY, STATECRAFT

Addressing ‘new norms’ of party-hopping

Legislation like UK’s Fixed-Term Parliaments Act serves as a check and balance to the powers of a prime minister and prevent any possibilities of dissolving parliament and setting election dates based on favourable political arrangements.

Michael Aw
June 14, 2020

COMMENTARY, COVID-19, STATECRAFT

Why Dewan Negara should be made part of Malaysia’s Covid-19 success story

Dewan Negara should lead to a healthy debate on policy issues rather than political rhetoric synonymous with the Dewan Rakyat. Covid-19 has been an opportunity to have a relook at the Dewan Negara as an important part of the government’s check & balance.

Michael Aw
June 10, 2020

ECONOMICS, PRESS ROOM

Reclassify Gig Economy workers as ‘independent employees’ and provide them with a regulatory framework

A regulatory framework is essential as it will provide social benefits that the gig economy workers currently lack.

Michael Aw
June 9, 2020

COMMENTARY, COVID-19, ECONOMICS

For Low-Income Malaysia, a lifeline amidst a crisis?

The COVID-19 crisis firmly brought into mainstream thought the benefits of robust systems of social protection.

Michael Aw
June 8, 2020

ECONOMICS

Conceptualizing the Gig Economy in Malaysia

Reclassify gig economy workers and provide a regulatory framework will create a more robust social safety net that is seriously lacking.

Michael Aw
June 8, 2020

PRESS ROOM

Need to ensure Urban Poor are not deprived of aid

Due to the current classifications of household incomes, inequality persists as the urban poor will miss out on government-targeted policies.

Michael Aw
June 2, 2020

PRESS ROOM

1 in 3 households more than RM1k short of monthly living wage

REFSA Brief 6 highlights the plight faced by low-income Malaysians, whose struggles have only been worsened by the coronavirus pandemic and the resulting economic crisis.

Michael Aw
June 2, 2020