Why is Malaysia so much better at combating inequality?
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Re: "Inequality worst in decades in range of countries: OECD", Business, December 9.
It is disappointing that the Organisation of Economic Cooperation and Development – comprised chiefly of developed countries – cannot be a role model for their developing counterparts facing severe problems associated with inequality.
The OECD also found that the struggle toward high-income status is not the only answer to resolving disparities of income.
While Thailand wishes to soar free of the middle-income trap, Thai society has been chronically dogged by serious income inequality for decades.
We must ask ourselves why a neighbouring country such as Malaysia, with a similar-sized economy and the same drive to escape the middle-income trap, has been so much more effective in tackling this problem. The answers could furnish us with substantial solutions and mechanisms by which the basic needs of all Thais can be met.
Sutipunt Bongsununt
