TV & MEDIA APPEARANCE

TV & MEDIA APPEARANCE

Cadangan perkenal cukai keuntungan modal dapat reaksi berbeza (25/2/2023)

Cadangan memperkenalkan cukai keuntungan modal (CGT) bagi pelupusan saham tidak tersenarai dialu-alukan yang disifatkan ahli ekonomi sebagai langkah ke arah landasan tepat walaupun pakar percukaian pula berkata ia memerlukan kajian lebih mendalam.

Malaysia's Anwar to deliver maiden budget as PM and finance minister on Friday (23/2/2022)

Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who is also the finance minister, will be tabling his unity government's first budget on Friday. All eyes will be on measures to address the rising costs of living, inflation and expectations of slower economic growth. Malaysia's fiscal debt stands at over US$300 billion -- more than 80% of its GDP. Mr Anwar has said Malaysia will tackle its debt levels through subsidy reduction and good governance, instead of imposing new, broad-based consumption taxes. The budget is also seen as an acid test for Mr Anwar, who now holds an approval rating of 68%.

No running away from reintroducing GST to reduce debt, says Dr Carmelo Ferlito (22/2/2023)

Dr Carmelo Ferlito, CEO of the Center for Market Education (CME), says the goods and services tax (GST) was one of the most practical solutions to the country’s RM1.5 trillion debt problem.

Think tank sounds alarm over private debt situation, with Dr Carmelo Ferlito (15/2/2023)

High gearing can be disastrous, especially if the economy does not grow as projected, says economist Dr Carmelo Ferlito, CEO of the Center for Market Education (CME), to Free Malaysia Today's Sofia Zahari.

CME's call for financial literacy, ease of doing business, fiscal reform and free trade (11/2/2023)

Dr Carmelo Ferlito, CEO of the Center for Market Education (CME), was interviewed by TV3 - Nightline with regard to GDP data, financial literacy, ease of doing business, fiscal reform and international free trade.

Budget Should Not be Seen as Primary Driver of Economic Reform, with Dr Carmelo Ferlito (9/2/2023)

Dr Carmelo Ferlito, CEO of the Center for Market Education (CME), discussed the upcoming Malaysian Budget 2023 with TV3 - Nightline (Sabrina Zainal).

Nurul Izzah not qualified to advise on economics, finance, says CME (30/1/2023)

The Center for Market Education warns that Malaysia does not have much time left to resolve structural issues in the economy in view of the challenges that lie ahead for the country.

Interest rate control is not a magic bullet to combat inflation, with Dr Carmelo Ferlito (24/1/2023)

Dr Carmelo Ferlito of Center for Market Education discusses with Astro Awani other ways to combating inflation besides controlling interest rates.

Multiple factors determine a restaurant’s food price, economists tell Rafizi (23/1/2023)

Economists says Rafizi Ramli may be out of touch with the concept of modern economics by thinking that lower price of ingredients will the availability of cheaper food. Free Malaysia Today interviewed, among others, Dr Carmelo Ferlito, CEO of the Center for Market Education.

Banyak faktor tentu harga makanan di restoran, ahli ekonomi beritahu Rafizi (23/1/2023)

Pandangan Menteri Ekonomi Rafizi Ramli bahawa restoran harus menurunkan harga sejajar dengan kejatuhan kos bahan mentah tidak tepat, kata ahli ekonomi. Free Malaysia Today interviewed, among others, Dr Carmelo Ferlito, CEO of the Center for Market Education.

Banyak faktor tentu harga makanan di restoran, ahli ekonomi beritahu Rafizi (23/1/2023)

Pandangan Menteri Ekonomi Rafizi Ramli bahawa restoran harus menurunkan harga sejajar dengan kejatuhan kos bahan mentah tidak tepat, kata ahli ekonomi. Free Malaysia Today interviewed, among others, Dr Carmelo Ferlito, CEO of the Center for Market Education.

AWANI Tonight: Steady OPR rates sign of stabilising economy?, with Dr Carmelo Ferlito (19/1/2023)

Dr Carmelo Ferlito of Center for Market Education discusses if Bank Negara's move to keep the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) a sign of a stabilising economy.

Think tank takes Rafizi to task over inflation statements, with Dr Carmelo Ferlito (27/12/2022)

The Center for Market Education (CME) has called out economic affairs minister Rafizi Ramli for his statements on inflation and consumer spending habits last week, stating that “this type of communication is not precise”.

Badan pemikir persoal kenyataan Rafizi berkait punca inflasi, with Dr Carmelo Ferlito (27/12/2022)

Pusat Pendidikan Pasaran (CME) menyifatkan kenyataan Menteri Ekonomi Rafizi Ramli berhubung inflasi dan tabiat belanja pengguna, minggu lalu, sebagai “komunikasi yang tidak tepat”.

Benarkan pasaran bebas untuk telur, kata ahli ekonomi, with Dr Carmelo Ferltio (5/12/2022)

Kerajaan digesa untuk tidak terlibat dalam industri penternakan, mendesak ke arah perdagangan bebas dan menggalakkan import telur.

Subsidies - Painful but necessary?, with Dr Carmelo Ferlito (30/11/2022)

Newly minted Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim recently chaired a special meeting of the 2022 National Action Council on the Cost of Living. He has set a two-week deadline to come up with a proposal on targeted subsidies and their implications. Malaysia is estimated to spend a record RM80 billion this year on subsidies with the largest being for fuel and cooking oil. How quickly and in what manner will the new government follow through with this initiative? For insights, we speak to Carmelo Ferlito, CEO of the Center for Market Education.

Anwar, the ringgit and targeted subsidies, with Dr Carmelo Ferlito (28/11/2022)

The ringgit surged by 1.8% after Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was appointed Prime Minister, but can the upward trend continue this week? Economist Carmelo Ferlito of the Center for Market Education shares his thoughts with Astro Awani. Dr Ferlito discussed also the proposal and the implementation of targeted subsidies.

The Malaysian Economy after GE15, with Dr Carmelo Ferlito (24/11/2022)

Dr Carmelo Ferlito, CEO of the Center for Market Education, was interviewed by Asha and Non for the Lite Breakfast on LITE FM about the economic consequences of the GE15 outcome.

Parlimen tergantung bencana kepada ringgit, pasaran saham, kata Carmelo Ferlito (20/11/2022)

Parlimen tergantung akan memburukkan lagi ketidaktentuan dalam negara dan menjejaskan ekonomi, kata ketua sebuah badan pemikir.

GE15 | Dissecting Pakatan Harapan-Barisan Nasional manifestos, with Dr Carmelo Ferlito (16/11/2022)

Join the discussion between Dr Carmelo Ferlito, CEO of the Center for Market Education with host, Ibrahim Sani (Astro Awani - Notepad) to dissect Pakatan Harapan - Barisan Nasional manifestos for GE15.

Urban Poverty | Social Mobility Through Entrepreneurship - C. Ferlito and B. Weerasena (8/11/2022)

Will the next Government of Malaysia follow through on election promises for better social protections? Tonight on #ConsiderThis we speak to our guests who are the authors of ‘Assessing & Addressing Urban Poverty in Malaysia'.

Vested interests hinder liberalising labour market, with Dr Carmelo Ferlito (18/10/2022)

Two economists say challenges to liberalisation can be attributed to vested interests. Dr Carmelo Ferlito and Geoffrey Williams discussed the benefits of an ASEAN free labour market with Free Malaysia Today.

PRU awal boleh bawa ketidaktentuan jangka pendek, kata ahli ekonomi (14/10/2022)

Ahli ekonomi memberi amaran bahawa langkah mengadakan pilihan raya umum ke-15 (PRU15) sekarang boleh menyebabkan gangguan yang membawa kepada ketidaktentuan dalam ekonomi Malaysia.

Early polls could lead to short term uncertainty, say economists (14/10/2022)

Two economists say holding early polls will require tabling a new budget as well unveiling the economic vision of the incoming government. Dr Carmelo Ferlito, CEO of the Center for Market Education, told Free Malaysia Today: There will be a short period of uncertainty until the new government is formed. The economic impact for the future will depend on the policy agenda and the economic vision of the new government. Will openness and friendliness to business prevail? Will the new government rationalize operational expenditures? Which ecosystem will they have in mind for investments? What about taxation? Elections are necessary because they will force the political parties to show their cards on this. Hopefully, a good economic agenda will emerge and prevail.

Too many goodies, not enough strategy, says CME, with Dr Carmelo Ferlito (7/10/2022)

Some preliminary comments on Budget 2023 from Dr Carmelo Ferlito, CEO of the Center for Market Education.

After a preliminary look at Budget 2023, these are the main comments from Dr Carmelo Ferlito, CEO of the Center for Market Education:

On the negative side I see the lack of a strategy for rationalizing operational expenditures and still too many "ad hoc" goodies. On the bright side, I welcome tax cuts, SMEs grants and SMEs loan schemes (and the announced special scheme for FDIs): these moves are necessary and welcome. But, in order to not further compromise the fiscal position of the government and inflationary pressures, they should be accompanied by rationalization of operation expenditures and better tax collection enforcement (and here I do not see an adequate vision).

AWANI Tonight: M'sia's road to becoming high-income nation

Fraser Institute's Fred McMahon says to accelerate Malaysia's transition to become a high-income economy, the nation must increase economic freedom by liberalising international trade and ensuring no interference in rule of law.

Economists at odds over holding early elections, with Dr Carmelo Ferlito (16/9/2022)

One economist says holding the general elections sooner rather than later will be better for the country, while another says there is no guarantee that stability can be achieved post-elections given the potential of a weak government taking over. Dr Carmelo Ferlito, CEO of the Center for Market Education (CME), was interviewed by Samuel Chua from Free Malaysia Today.

A Tale of OPR Hikes and Business Impacts, with Dr Carmelo Ferlito (15/9/2022)

After three consecutive OPR hikes in a matter of 4 months, have our inflationary pressures really decreased? We have discussed how inflation impacts the business environment, but there also needs to be a look into how rising overnight policy rates can affect businesses in particular SMEs and MSMEs. To help us understand how the OPR hikes can affect Malaysian businesses, we speak to Carmelo Ferlito, CEO for the Centre for Market Education

Are Loan Moratoriums the Best for Struggling SMEs? with Dr Carmelo Ferlito (14/9/2022)

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri, has said that discussions will be held soon between relevant ministries regarding special moratoriums for SMEs. Carmelo Ferlito, CEO for the Center for Market Education tells us if this is the best way to help struggling SMEs or are there other solutions may be more productive.

Export curbs on poultry farmers ‘nonsensical’, says Dr Carmelo Ferlito (7/9/2022)

Dr Carmelo Ferlito, CEO of the Center for Market Education, says allowing only certain poultry farms to export their products does not bode well for the industry.

Thumbs down for premium visa plan to lure wealthy foreigners, with Dr Carmelo Ferlito (2/9/2022)

Business leaders say the newly announced Premium Visa Programme lacks concrete measures to draw “global tycoons” and boost FDI.

Court decision on Najib will be good for business, said Dr Carmelo Ferlito (26/8/2022)

Economist says Federal Court’s decision to uphold former prime minister Najib Razak’s conviction sends out a positive signal that “nobody is untouchable”. However, he fears the rising climate of political uncertainty. An interview by Free Malaysia Today with Dr Carmelo Ferlito, CEO of the Center for Market Education.

Keputusan mahkamah terhadap Najib baik untuk perniagaan, kata Dr Carmelo Ferlito (26/8/2022)

Keputusan Mahkamah Persekutuan mengekalkan sabitan dan hukuman ke atas bekas perdana menteri, Najib Razak dalam kes SRC International memberi petanda baik kepada Malaysia, walaupun ia juga boleh membawa ketidakpastian, kata ahli ekonomi, Carmelo Ferlito.

Improve social mobility, focus on entrepreneurship, with Dr Carmelo Ferlito (18/8/2022)

Farhana Sheik (Astro Awani) interviewed Dr Carmelo Ferlito, CEO of the Center for Market Education, on how to move away from subsidies and to implement a long-term strategy to fight urban poverty.

How best to approach targeted subsidies?, with Dr Carmelo Ferlito (18/8/2022)

Ahead of the government's introduction of targeted subsidies, economist Dr Carmelo Ferlito weighs in on the best approach as to not leave out vulnerable groups. Farhana Sheik (Astro Awani - Awani Tonight) interviewed Dr Carmelo Ferlito, CEO of the Center for Market Education, on the issue of targeted subsidies.

Shift economic growth focus to aggregate saving, with Dr Carmelo Ferlito (10/8/2022)

Economist Carmelo Ferlito suggests for the country to shift its economic growth model to not just rely on consumer spending, but to focus on saving and investments. Saraya Mia from Astro Awani interviewed the CEO of the Center for Market Education.

MM2H programme ruined by unreasonable conditions, say critics, (5/8/2022)

Critics allege Putrajaya is not committed to the Malaysia My Second Home programme as evidenced by the new conditions imposed, and which make the MM2H community feel unwelcome. Free Malaysia Today interviewed, among others, Dr Carmelo Ferlito, CEO of the Center for Market Education.

Generational End Game: Will it happen? (1/8/2022)

FMT takes a look at the debates surrounding the health ministry’s plan to ban the use, possession and sale of cigarettes and vape products for those born after 2007. Among others, Free Malaysia Today interviewed Dr Carmelo Ferlito, CEO of the Center for Market Education.

Pelabur lihat GST rangsangan kepada ekonomi, kata penganalisis, with Dr Carmelo Ferlito (24/7/2022)

Ahli ekonomi berkata, pengenalan semula cukai barang dan perkhidmatan (GST) akan memberi keyakinan kepada pelabur bahawa ekonomi Malaysia dapat pulih lebih cepat selepas Covid-19. Free Malaysia Today discussed with, among others, Dr Carmelo Ferlito, CEO of the Center for Market Education.

Malaysia’s growth derailed by China’s zero Covid game plan, with Dr Carmelo Ferlito (20/7/2022)

China’s attempt to stamp out Covid-19 will have a negative impact on its trading partners, including Malaysia, but it is also an opportunity to woo investors from the world’s second largest economy. Amir Imran, from Free Malaysia Today, discussed with Dr Carmelo Ferlito, CEO of the Center for Market Education (CME).

8 Billion People On Earth - What Now?, with Dr Carmelo Ferlito (12/7/2022)

We mark this year's World Population Day with a discussion on what the statistics mean, now that we're reaching the 8 billion mark by the end of this year. Then, we look at how different countries are trying to boost or control their population numbers, and the effects that policies can have like this on a personal and societal level. BFM discussed with Dr Carmelo Ferlito, CEO of the Center for Market Education (CME).

No Magic Pill To Fix Inflation, with Dr Carmelo Ferlito (7/7/2022)

Bank Negara's Monetary Policy Committee raised the overnight policy rate (OPR) by 25 basis points in June, marking the first back-to-back rate hikes since the mid-2010s. What implications will this have for the Malaysian economy? BFM 89.9 discuss with economist Dr. Carmelo Ferlito, CEO of the Center for Market Education.

Malaysia’s GDP growth likely to wane in the next six months, with Dr Carmelo Ferlito (4/7/2022)

Despite a spurt in the first six months of 2022, economists forecast the Malaysian economy is likely to wane in the second half of the year. Jay Wong, from Free Malaysia Today, discussed with Dr Carmelo Ferlito, CEO of the Center for Market Education.

Malaysia needs to do more to remain an attractive investment destination, with C Ferlito (4/7/2022)

Malaysia’s efforts to attract FDIs have been hampered by political instability, enforcement weaknesses and revelations of systemic corruption. Amir Imran, from Free Malaysia Today, discussed with Dr Carmelo Ferlito, CEO of the Center for Market Education.

Chicken Crisis: When Will It End?, with Dr Carmelo Ferlito (1/7/2022)

Talking Point heads to Malaysia to investigate what's being done to resolve the chicken shortage, and find out when full exports of fresh chickens to Singapore are likely to resume. Rai Kannu from Channel News Asia (Singapore) interviewed, among others, Dr Carmelo Ferlito, CEO of the Center for Market Education.

Full episode available here

Kenaikan harga makanan: Faktor yang mempengaruhinya, with Dr Carmelo Ferlito (1/7/2022)

Harga makanan yang mencanak, daripada sayur-sayuran hinggalah roti canai, hangat diperkatakan muktahir ini, mendorong kerajaan melaksanakan beberapa langkah termasuk melanjutkan tempoh harga siling dan larangan eksport. Tsubasa Nair, from Free Malaysia Today, interviewed Dr Carmelo Ferlito, CEO of the Center for Market Education.

EXPLAINED: Rising food prices, with Dr Carmelo Ferlito (1/7/2022)

Rising food prices, from vegetables to roti canai, have made headlines recently, prompting the government to institute measures including prolonging ceiling prices and export bans. Tsubasa Nair from FMT discussed with Dr Carmelo Ferlito, CEO of the Center for Market Education.

Masalah dalaman Umno beri kesan kepada ekonomi, kata badan pemikir, with Dr C. Ferlito (29/6/2022)

Sebuah badan pemikir menggesa supaya pilihan raya umum akan datang (PRU15) disegerakan, dengan berkata perbalahan dalaman Umno memberi kesan kepada ekonomi. Carmelo Ferlito of the Center for Market Education discussed with Robin Augustin from Free Malaysia Today.

Umno infighting taking toll on economy, says think tank, with Dr Carmelo Ferlito (29/6/2022)

The Center for Market Education (CME) has called for the next general election (GE15) to be expedited, saying infighting within Umno is taking a toll on the economy. Dr Carmelo Ferlito discussed with Robin Augustin from Free Malaysia Today.

No easy solution to resolving the subsidy conundrum, with Dr Carmelo Ferlito (28/6/2022)

With the subsidy bill inching close to RM80 billion for the Malaysian Government, the cry for reform is growing louder despite the rising inflationary cost. Carmelo Ferlito, CEO, Center for Market Education tells us the economic reasons why we are this era of rising prices and offers some solutions to ease this predicament.

Where We Rank on Global Competitiveness, with Dr Carmelo Ferlito (17/6/2022)

Malaysia came in 32nd out of 63 countries in the 2022 International Institute for Management Development (IMD) World Competitiveness Ranking. BFM 89.9 spoke to Dr. Carmelo Ferlito (CEO of the Center for Market Education) about where we rank and how much weight such rankings hold. Then, we look at top performers in the Asia Pacific region, and what we could be learning from them. Produced by: Lee Chwi Lynn, Sharmilla Ganesan, Natasha Fusil

Empowering the local agricultural sector, with Dr Carmelo Ferlito (14/6/2022)

Malaysia plans to expand the agrofood ecosystem for more inclusive food security. Economist Dr Carmelo Ferlito suggests how to achieve this. Farhana Sheikh and Saraya Mia discussed with Dr Carmelo Ferlito, CEO of the Center for Market Education, for Astro Awani - Awani Tonight, on 14 June 2022.

How feasible are flexible price ceilings?, with Dr Carmelo Ferlito (14/6/2022)

The government is mulling to introduce flexible price ceilings depending on price input factors. Economist Dr Carmelo Ferlito discusses this method’s feasibility. Farhana Sheikh and Saraya Mia discussed with Dr Carmelo Ferlito, CEO of the Center for Market Education, for Astro Awani - Awani Tonight, on 14 June 2022.

Chicken crisis over in weeks but reforms needed, says economist, with Dr Carmelo Ferlito (5/6/2022)

The chicken supply crisis will go away in a few weeks, but it has exposed structural problems which need long-term reforms, says an economist. Free Malaysia Today discussed with Dr Carmelo Ferlito, CEO of the Center for Market Education, on 5 June 2022.

Krisis ayam akan berakhir tak lama lagi, tapi perlu pembaharuan, with Dr Carmelo Ferlito (5/6/2022)

Krisis bekalan ayam akan berakhir dalam beberapa minggu lagi, tetapi ia telah mendedahkan masalah struktur yang memerlukan pembaharuan jangka panjang, kata seorang pakar ekonomi. Free Malaysia Today discussed the Malaysian poultry crisis with Dr Carmelo Ferlito, CEO of the Center for Market Education - 5 June 2022.

Is This a Good Time to Reintroduce GST?, with Dr Carmelo Ferlito (2/6/2022)

A few days ago, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said that the government is keen to bring back the goods and services tax or GST. The GST was introduced in 2015 at a rate of 6% but was replaced by the sales and services tax or SST by the Pakatan Harapan government. So is this the right time to reintroduce GST, and how can it be implemented? Carmelo Ferlito, CEO of Center for Market Education tells us more.

Against price tensions, improve food security, with Dr Carmelo Ferlito (26/5/2022)

Ibrahim Sani (Astro Awani - Niaga Awani) spoke to Dr Carmelo Ferlito, CEO of the Center for Market Education (CME), about price tensions and improving food security, with particular reference to what's going on in the Malaysian poultry industry.

Food security-Drop price ceilings, international trade barriers, with Dr Carmelo Ferlito (25/5/2022)

Cynthia Ng and Saraya Mia discussed with Dr Carmelo Ferlito, CEO of the Center for Market Education, the current situation of chicken supply in Malaysia and the measures implemented by the government.

Can Tech Help Chicken Production?, with Dr Carmelo Ferlito (25/5/2022)

Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Dr Adham Baba revealed plans to educate livestock breeders on the use of technology to address issues around chicken production like the high cost of animal feed. We speak to Dr Carmelo Ferlito, CEO of the Center For Market Education about the challenges on the ground and whether applying more technology is the answer.

Consider This: Governance | Decline in policy debate?, with Dr Carmelo Ferlito (18/5/2022)

How do we ensure that there’s more substantive policy debate which can lead to better governance? Tonight on #ConsiderThis we speak to our guests on why rigorous policy debate is not present.

Does Malaysia Need a KL-Bangkok High-Speed Rail?, with Dr Carmelo Ferlito (18/5/2022)

After the collapsing of the High-Speed Rail project between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, does it make sense to discuss a HSR project between Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok?

Can BNM interest rate hike tame inflation? With Dr Carmelo Ferlito (11 May 2022)

Bank Negara's surprise announcement to increase its interest rate is seen as a pre-emptive measure to curb rising prices. Can this move tame inflation without hurting growth?

Should We Just Copy + Paste Singapore's HDB System?, with Dr Carmelo Ferlito (20/4/2022)

The Johor State Housing Development Corporation has announced they will be using Singapore's Housing & Development Board (HDB) flats as a benchmark for affordable housing in Johor. First, we take a closer look at how the HDB system works. Next, we get into the affordable housing situation in Malaysia, especially when it comes to how it differs in each state.

Housing & Debt - Symptom Of A Larger Problem?, with Dr Carmelo Ferlito (19/4/2022)

In its 2021 annual report, Bank Negara revealed that while Malaysia’s household debt-to-GDP ratio has improve to 89%, compared to a record 93% a year ago, we still have one of the highest ratios in the region. This is further exacerbated by the fact that most Malaysian households have low saving buffers. Let’s take a closer look at the relationship between the cost of housing and household indebtedness. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Dr Carmelo Ferlito, CEO, Center for Market Education.

Time For A Massive Labour Reboot In Malaysia, with Dr Carmelo Ferlito (14/4/2022)

Malaysian companies are struggling with the paucity of the supply of foreign labour on which it so greatly depends, making the local labour ecosystem ripe for a massive rethink and restructuring. Carmelo Ferlito, CEO, Center for Market Education, analyses.

Proposal to Phase Out Smoking Sparks Controversy, with Dr Carmelo Ferlito (30/3/2022)

Malaysian Proposal to Phase Out Smoking Sparks Controversy, Concerns Over Corruption.