乔莫·夸梅·孙达拉姆：东南亚的经济问题，不能靠“自由贸易”解决

Group 1 - The concept of the "middle-income trap" is debated, with some arguing it is a real issue while others see it as a scapegoat for poor political and economic structures [1][8] - The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has historically encouraged countries to relinquish control over their capital accounts, contributing to financial crises [3][4] - Developing countries face significant challenges due to capital outflows, which often result in wealth being extracted by elites rather than being reinvested domestically [4][6] Group 2 - Malaysia's reliance on imported rice highlights vulnerabilities in food security, exacerbated by a lack of incentives for local farmers to produce staple crops [6][7] - The slow growth of Malaysia's GDP per capita, stagnating between $11,000 and $12,000 from 2010 to 2023, raises concerns about productivity and economic dependency on low-value manufacturing [8][9] - The need for a more diversified agricultural policy is emphasized, as current practices favor cash crops over food production [7][8] Group 3 - The transition to green energy in Malaysia is hindered by high costs and a historical reliance on coal, despite the potential for renewable energy sources to be more cost-effective [9][11] - The global push for renewable energy is complicated by geopolitical factors, including the dominance of Chinese manufacturing in solar technology [11][12] - Malaysia's energy transition could benefit from government intervention and support for renewable energy initiatives [9][12] Group 4 - The importance of regional cooperation, particularly through frameworks like RCEP, is highlighted as a means to enhance economic resilience and mutual benefits among Southeast Asian nations [16][17] - The current international financial system, particularly the dominance of the US dollar, is seen as problematic, with calls for reform to ensure greater stability and equity [19][20] - The historical context of the Bretton Woods system is discussed, emphasizing the need for a new framework that addresses the shortcomings of the current monetary system [19][20]