The document summarizes Malaysia's economic and political situation. It notes that the 2008 general election brought unexpected results with the opposition winning several state governments. While the ruling coalition lost subsequent by-elections, it won a state seat in October 2009, showing politics becoming more stable. The Prime Minister has introduced reforms to the ruling party and a new economic philosophy. Two stimulus packages were announced and the economy is expected to bounce back in 2009 with GDP growth around -1% to -3%. The presentation focuses on developing new drivers of sustainable economic growth such as domestic consumption and key sectors.

1. MALAYSIA ECONOMIC & POLITICAL UPDATE Presentation by: DATO’ DR MICHAEL YEOH Chief Executive Officer / Director Asian Strategy & Leadership Institute (ASLI)

2.  The March 8, 2008 General Elections brought about unexpected results. Riding on a wave of change, the Opposition won on an unprecedented scale – capturing 5 out of 12 State Governments and gaining majority of seats in the Federal Territory.  BN lost 7 out of 8 by-elections since the GE but won with a bigger majority in a State Seat on Sunday 11 th October reversing a string of losses. Malaysian Politics Becoming More Stable 1

3.  PM Najib has introduced greater vigour into UMNO. Embarked on a Reform Agenda. Amended UMNO Constitution to make Party more democratic. Reinventing UMNO and rebuilding confidence.  PM Najib promoted new 1Malaysia philosophy putting People First, Performance Now as the new mantra. Malaysian Politics Becoming More Stable 2

6.  Focusing on new growth model – new drivers of growth needed.  Current growth drivers – oil and gas, construction, palm-oil, electronic exports not sustainable in long term.  New growth model will focus on increasing domestic consumption and services sector – Islamic Finance, Professional Services, Tourism, Education, Healthcare, ICT and Biotechnology, Transport & Logistics, Clean Energy, Green Technology. Malaysian Economy Bouncing Back 5

7.  Key Challenges - - sustainable GDP growth – national competitiveness - inclusive growth – imbalances and poverty eradication - employment creation – spectre of jobless growth - education reforms and human capital development - environmental sustainability - crime and corruption Malaysian Economy Bouncing Back 6

8. THANK YOU Dato’ Dr. Michael Yeoh [email_address] Asian Strategy & Leadership Institute (ASLI) 1718 Jalan Ledang, Off Jalan Duta, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Tel: +60 (0)3 2093 5728 Fax: +60 (0)3 2093 4178 Web: www.asli.com.my