In this episode of Are We OK, we unpack the deeper structural issues facing Malaysia beyond politics, beyond daily news cycles.We discuss:• Why SMEs feel squeezed despite “positive” economic numbers• Whether institutional reforms have truly been implemented• The tension between political survival and long-term national planning• Brain drain and talent competitiveness• Industrial strategy and whether Malaysia knows its direction• Why poor policy execution could cost votes• And the uncomfortable question: are we stuck in the middle?This is not a shouting match.It’s a serious conversation about systems, incentives, and whether Malaysia can compete in the long run.If you care about the country’s economic future, institutional strength, and the real impact of policy decisions this episode is for you.Chapters00:00 - Highlight00:30 - Intro2:12 – Are Malaysia’s “Good Numbers” Misleading?4:10 – SMEs Are Getting Squeezed From All Sides6:15 – Institutional Reform: What Has Actually Changed?10:02 – Political Incentives vs Long-Term National Planning14:45 – Brain Drain & Talent Retention19:30 – Industrial Policy & Economic Direction24:50 – Are We Stuck in the Middle?31:10 – Governance & Bureaucratic Bottlenecks38:40 – Public Expectations vs Political Reality45:20 – Can We Actually Compete Regionally?52:00 – Education Policy & Long-Term Impact58:30 – What Needs to Change?1:05:00 – Final Thoughts#Malaysia #AreWeOK #EconomicPolicy #SMEs #BrainDrain #InstitutionalReform #Politics #Governance #education