Malaysia's Economic Woes: Lack of Reform Since '97 Contributes to Competitiveness Issues, Says World Bank Economist

• Economist External factors matter, but 1MDB scandal & Malaysia's lack of competitiveness is core issue • Malaysia hasn't introduced reforms like other Asian countries since 1997 AFC • Lack of reform has hurt Malaysia's economy in long run • Malaysia's ringgit was once stronger than Thailand's baht & Indonesia's rupiah • World Bank economist says Malaysia needs to address lack of competitiveness