COMMENTARY

Navigating Great Power Rivalries of the 2020s: Exploring Options of Southeast Asia

For the first time since the end of the Cold War, the world order marked by American dominance in international affairs has been shaken. Against the backdrop of the recent Russian invasion of Ukraine, as well as the continued rivalry between the United States and China, the global geopolitical landscape is becoming increasingly multipolar. How should Southeast Asian countries respond to the ambitions and these great powers' actions, inactions and interactions?

Malaysia’s security law reform must regain momentum

Reviewing security laws, and possibly other draconian laws, acknowledges that these are relics of the past that have no place in contemporary Malaysia. The new government’s deliberations must include the question of repealing the controversial Security Offences (Special Measures) Act (SOSMA). Researcher Ng Sze Fung comments in Fulcrum.

Bolehkah Anwar redakan Gelombang Hijau?

Apakah keberertian "Gelombang Hijau" yang dikemukakan selepas PRU-15, dan apakah yang boleh dibuat oleh kerajaan perpaduan tentangnya? Koordinator Penyelidik REFSA, Fakhrurrazi Rashid membincangkan di TMI.

Defence Procurement in Malaysia: A Way Forward?

Malaysia has seen problems in its defence procurement in recent years. Once a new government is installed after the general election, it should follow through with reforms to improve transparency in the process of acquiring new military hardware.

PRU15: Perspektif baharu meyakinkan pengundi

Bagaimana pengundi harus melihat PRU-15 dalam kerangka yang besar? Apakah perkara yang boleh dinilai pengundi untuk membuat pilihan yang lebih baik, seterusnya keluar mengundi? Koordinator Penyelidik REFSA, Fakhrurrazi Rashid memberi pandangannya di TMI.

Malaysia’s Anti-hopping Law: Some Loopholes to Mull Over

Malaysia’s new anti-hopping law took effect on 5 October, five days before it was announced that the country’s Parliament would be dissolved. The law seeks to respect the mandate of voters, but it is not without faults. REFSA researcher Ng Sze Fung explores this over on Fulcrum.

REFSA Notes #8/2022: Deconstructing Economic Indicators: Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

GDP is, at its essence, the total value of a country’s production in a given year. The indicators derived from it, such as GDP growth and GDP per capita, are often used as KPIs or major policy
objectives.

Almost everyone has heard of these three little letters. But what is often forgotten is that GDP is an estimate based on a system of accounting, not a fact of nature. As a result, there are numerous misconceptions about the role of GDP.

This note aims to clear the confusion by explaining what GDP is and what it is not.

REFSA Notes #7/2022: Deconstructing Economic Indicators: Inflation

For the last few months, inflation has been the talk of the town. Consumers have been complaining about rising prices, especially of food and groceries. Yet official statistics suggest that Malaysia's annual inflation rate remains under control at 2.8%. So why is there a mismatch between the perceived rise in the cost of living and the official rate of inflation? To answer this question, we must first identify the causes of inflation and critically review how we measure inflation.

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