Category Archives: Economics

A transparency tool we can use

Posted on June 22, 2014 by Tricia

First appeared in theSun here, on 20 June 2014 DURING the 2015 Budget Consultation, the World Bank representative said explicitly that Malaysia would have to cut its annual budget down by 2.5% each year starting immediately, if it is serious about … Continue reading →

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Push for a better quality of life

Posted on June 6, 2014 by Tricia

(First published in theSun on 5 June 2014, and can be accessed here). AS I prepared for my presentation to the prime minister last week on what the government can do to enhance Malaysians’ quality of life during the Ministry of … Continue reading →

Posted in Civil Society, Crime, Economics, Public Administration, Water | Leave a comment

The rights of oil producing states

Posted on May 23, 2014 by Tricia

(First published in theSun on 22 May 2014, and can be accessed here). THE Sarawak state assembly recently passed a resolution calling for an increase from 5% to 20% of its oil royalty entitlement, along with seeking more developmental grants from … Continue reading →

Posted in Economics, Federalism, Public Administration | Leave a comment

Crony capitalism or plain cronyism?

Posted on March 26, 2014 by Tricia

(first published in theSun on 26th March 2014 and can be accessed here.) THE hallmark of a free economy is that it allows for perfect competition in a level-playing market where all players have access to both information and the … Continue reading →

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Women in the Workforce

Posted on January 16, 2014 by Tricia

(first published in theSun on 16th January 2014 here). LAST week, I had the privilege of presenting at the Asia Liberty Forum 2014 in New Delhi, India, on the issue of women and liberty in Malaysia. It was somewhat disconcerting, as … Continue reading →

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Leaky valves need fixing

Posted on December 20, 2013 by Tricia

(first published in theSun on 19th December 2013 here). GREATER scrutiny needs to be placed on public officials, especially in their relationship with the private sector, in light of reports and indicators. In the Global Financial Integrity (GFI) report released last … Continue reading →

Posted in Corruption, Economics | Leave a comment

Money for Nothing

Posted on October 10, 2013 by Tricia

Money for Nothing (First published in theSun on 10th October 2013, full article can also be found here). IF there is one government document Malaysians look forward to each year, it’s the Auditor-General’s Report. Once released, we go crazy picking it … Continue reading →

Posted in Corruption, Economics | Leave a comment

An election by manifesto

Posted on May 10, 2013 by Tricia

An election by manifesto   Photograph: Kwong Wah Yit Poh Debates on policy became a major focus of Malaysian public discourse after March 8, 2008. Although there is much still to be desired, this shift has helped move political concerns … Continue reading →

Posted in Economics, Elections, Human Rights, Selangor | Leave a comment

What will a second term mean for Penang and Selangor?

Posted on May 10, 2013 by Tricia

What will a second term mean for Penang and Selangor?   Selangor State Assembly. Photograph: roketkini.com Selangor and Penang are strongly expected to remain in the hands of opposition coalition. A relevant question is, what should a secondterm Pakatan state … Continue reading →

Posted in Economics, Elections, Selangor | Leave a comment

A Manifesto on the Back Foot

Posted on April 11, 2013 by Tricia

A Manifesto on the Back Foot (A version of this was published in theSun on Wednesday, 10th April 2013. The below is the slightly different, unedited version). The term back foot refers to being at a disadvantage, and forced to … Continue reading →

Posted in Economics, Elections, General Politics | Leave a comment