The Malaysian Insider

SEPT 28 — By the end of this year, US President Barack Obama would either be seen as a legislative genius, who achieved what many presidents before him have tried but failed to do; or as a promising president who peaked too early and faltered in this most crucial test of his presidency.

I am talking, of course, about the unfolding debate over health care in the United States. In August, pundits were lambasting Obama for his seemingly tepid approach to the health care debate, and for giving Democratic party leaders too much say in the direction of reform efforts. Conservative opinion leaders were making shrill proclamations, declaring that Obama was bent on nationalising health care. In other words, it seemed like Obama had lost control of the health care debate.

AUG 28 — In the recent few months, the government has indicated that it is currently working on developing a new economic model for Malaysia. Statements from the Prime Minister, the Second Finance Minister, and the Minister in the PM’s Department in charge of the Economic Planning Unit indicate that such work is seen as important for the continued sustainability of Malaysia’s growth path, especially as we head into the final decade of Vision 2020.

MAY 16 — The concept of liberalisation has long been "The L Word" for some: a dirty word; a battering ram fashioned by foreigners bent on enforcing economic imperialism; an euphemism crafted by elements intent on promoting their own selfish interests to the detriment of social justice.

The issue of liberalisation again became a public talking point when Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak announced the liberalisation of the services sector, which involved the removal of the 30 per cent Bumiputera equity ownership requirement for firms in 27 service sub-sectors. His announcement was made in line with the Government's stated intent of raising the contribution of the services sector to the overall Malaysian economy.

APRIL 27 – Malaysia is certainly facing tough times. The political upheavals which have rocked the country since March 8, 2008, seem to continue unabated.

As I write this, we are faced with the prospect of yet another by-election, this time in Penanti, a state seat within the PKR stronghold of Permatang Pauh.

Lost amidst all the political manoeuvring is the urgency of economic restructuring.