Impacts of Covid-19 Pandemic and Governance in Malaysia: With Lessons from the 1997-1998 Asian Financial Crisis

“The book is written in such a fashion as to document the crises’ impacts on peoples’ lives and how the respective governments of the day initiated measures to turn around
the situation with the resources and political discourse prevalent at the time….We hope it will stimulate conversation and encourage learning needed to strengthen
future preparedness and response initiatives, by informing policy-making and decision-making in times of crisis, and non-crisis.”
Niloy Banerjee
Resident Representative UNDP Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei Darussalam

“A comprehensive study of two external shocks, separated by a good twenty years, uniquely juxtaposed to cleverly bring out their consequences as they impacted on
Malaysian lives and livelihood…. The authors' focus on governance and leadership in response to both crises highlights the urgency of the very crisis of decision-making
itself. I recommend this study for politicians and ordinary people alike for the lessons they bring out in response to crises.”
Tan Sri Dr. Kamal Salih,
Development Economist and Chairman, Yayasan Mahkota

“This tome tells us much about how Malaysia has weathered two major catastrophes. The rst part reviews social effects of the pandemic and government responses,
exploring their various diverse impacts, especially for public health, education, family life, women, children, the elderly and others marginalized, including migrant workers.
Part two assesses social outcomes of the 1997-98 nancial crisis, comparing policy options. The concluding section draws policy lessons for advancing human
development and the SDGs.”
Emeritus Professor Dr. Jomo KS,
Research Advisor, Khazanah Research Institute

“…The book is a priceless contribution to our collective reection and the foundation from which we anticipate and prepare for future crises.”
Tan Sri Dr. Jemilah Mahmood
Executive Director, Sunway Centre for Planetary Health
Sunway University Malaysia

“…The book makes a case for what we all intrinsically know to be true --- that success in every crisis is very much determined by the presence of exemplary
leadership, good governance and effective communication.”
Dr. Helmy Haja Mydin
CEO Social & Economic Research Initiative (SERI) and Head of the Lung Centre at Pantai Hospital KL

Write a review