comment The persistent decline in Malaysia’s economic performance since the East Asian financial crisis of 1997/98 and the government’s mishandling of the global shocks that preceded the global financial crisis were key reasons for the “political tsunami” that hit Barisan Nasional in the 12th general election in 2008.

Two years on, the economy remains in the mud due to a sluggish global economy, ineffective stimulus plans and most importantly, the lack of political will to put the economy back on track through bold reforms.