Economic Studies Press

Experts: Implementation is key

Prof. Yeah Kim Leng said a quick review of the stimulus package, unveiled initially by previous prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, would be useful.

Economist weighs in on economic impact of lockdown

Economist Dr Yeah Kim Leng said it was inevitable for large social, political, religious and commercial gatherings and celebrations to be banned in an effort to combat the spread of the infection.

Budget 2020 needs to be revised amid falling oil prices, say analysts

Prof. Yeah Kim Leng believes a budget recalibration is likely needed should the oil price war keep theprice below US$40 a barrel for six or more months.

Low interest rate not the only consideration

Prof. Yeah Kim Leng expects consumption to “moderate strongly” this year amid the viral outbreak and dampen Malaysia’s economic growth.

Ringgit to endure volatility amid lower oil prices, increased virus fears

Prof. Yeah Kim Leng said the bearish development in the energy market adds to the political and policy factors weighing negatively on the ringgit.

Let banks decide on merging, govt shouldn’t get involved, say economists

Prof. Yeah Kim Leng said bank mergers had been talked about for years following the successful industry consolidation after the Asian financial crisis in the late 1990s.

Cover Story: An opportune time to help the M40

Prof. Yeah Kim Leng states that the stimulus could help the M40 in the form of tax relief on local tour and hospitality spending for households that pay income taxes.

Experts weigh in if new govt will revive GST and HSR

Prof. Yeah Kim Leng gives reasons to why it is unlikely that GST would make a reappearance any time soon.

Ringgit well supported despite OPR cut

Prof. Yeah Kim Leng says the local unit came under pressure due to the Covid-19 virus outbreak and could have seen the worst once the new government is constituted

RM20 billion package ‘insurance’ for Malaysia

Prof. Yeah Kim Leng states that the economic stimulus package exceeded the forecast of the private sector on the impact of Covid-19 on the Malaysian economy.

Tax reliefs and loan deferrals in Covid-19 stimulus package?

Prof. Yeah Kim Leng suggests a tax break to stimulate spending in the affected industries and as a relief to cash-strapped firms and businesses would not be an issue “as long as it is within prudential limits”.

A booster shot that ‘hits the nail on the head’

Prof. Yeah Kim Leng assumes the package has to be funded entirely through borrowings, Malaysia’s debt level will only be raised by a minimal 0.2% of GDP from the current 70% level.