One may think we're alright, but we need pills to sleep at night | Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/takgoti/

In our Selected Exhortations category, we republish interesting stuff such as must-read articles and essays not originally written exclusively for the blawg, and which have come to our attention. Please feel free to email [email protected] if you would like to reproduce your writing, but first follow our Writer’s Guide here.

Every year, eyes are peeled and ears are pricked for the Budget speech by the Prime Minister. The speech, unfortunately, is more theatre than substance. It highlights populist measures and dangles enticing carrots in the name of caring for the rakyat.

But, are these glorified goodies really weeding out the root of the problems, or merely slashing at the stems? What cure does Malaysia’s economy really need? Does Pakatan Rakyat’s Alternative Budget offer better solutions, or are their proposals just as questionable? REFSA reveals the real deal behind the razzle-dazzle in our all new infographic series Budget 2013: Behind the Theatrics.

[Click here for the enlarged version]

Click here for more REFSA infographics

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REFSA is an independent, not-for-profit research institute providing relevant and reliable information on social, economic and political issues affecting Malaysians with the aim of promoting open and constructive...