In this episode of TheGoodCastShow, host Vinodh Rajendran speaks with Malaysian economist and policy spokesperson Sum Dek Joe about Malaysia’s economic direction and the proposals in Parti Bersama’s shadow budget.
Is Malaysia’s national budget tackling the country’s long-term challenges, or mainly responding to immediate pressures? Joe discusses the rising cost of fuel subsidies, the fragmented system of social assistance, and his proposal for targeted monthly cash transfers. The conversation also examines how Malaysia could fund public services, rebuild public trust, bring back the GST, and make support for eligible households more consistent.
They also explore the reforms Joe believes are needed to raise wages, improve job quality and strengthen Malaysia’s economy as the population ages.
Topics include:
- Malaysia’s national budget and long-term planning
- Fuel subsidies and targeted assistance
- Social protection and automatic cash transfers
- GST, tax revenue and public trust
- Wages, labour market reform and better jobs
- Healthcare, education and the costs of an ageing population
Watch the full conversation and share your thoughts in the comments.
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