Hello.
Singapore’s economic outlook for 2023 has weakened, with official data on Friday morning showing GDP this year is now expected to come in between 0.5 to 1.5 per cent, narrowing from the previous 0.5 to 2.5 per cent range. The cause? External demand is expected to be subdued amid persistent inflation, escalations in the war in Ukraine and geopolitical tensions among major global powers.
In Malaysia, more than 9.7 million Malaysians are set to vote in the state polls on Saturday in Selangor, Kelantan, Terengganu, Negeri Sembilan, Kedah and Penang. Malaysia expert Oh Ei Sun looks at how graduate underemployment will shape the political narrative.
Growing unease surrounding dynastic politics has put the incumbent Democratic Action Party at risk in Penang, says CNA’s Leslie Lopez. In a second commentary, he weighs in on how Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim recently pulled off a coup by convincing Tesla to set up shop in Selangor and how that move is rattling Malaysia’s entrenched business elite.
Meanwhile, where do you stand on the culling of pigeons? Opinions on how to control the pigeon population differ, but well-intended feeders and those who leave food waste lying around need to wise up to unintended harms of their actions, says SPCA’s executive director Aarthi Sankar.
We hope you enjoy our selection of commentaries this week. Stay connected for timely updates and comprehensive analysis.
Alison Jenner
Supervising Editor, Commentary
.jpg?itok=fHkrjj4c "Six Malaysian states prepare to vote 35")
