COMMENT | The announcement of Malaysia’s Pemulih package of a supposed RM150 billion (only RM10 billion in actual fiscal spending) illustrates a disconnect with realities on the ground and, more fundamentally, a lack of understanding of what is necessary to move Malaysia out of the crisis it is facing.

With short-term framing and focused on a political recovery for a floundering administration rather than needed economic stimulus, job growth and stronger sustainable social safety net, the package is largely more of the same with yet another label. Unfortunately, at a height when the pain of a damaged economy is severe, the gap between what is required and what is being provided is larger than ever.

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