KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 29): Malaysia is seen lacking in concrete ideas and clarity on economic policies amid administrative flip-flops eight months after the Pakatan Harapan took over the government.

Alliance Bank Malaysia Bhd chief economist Manokaran Mottain said greater clarity on policies will reduce market confusion. Manokaran said there is a need for communication between the government and investing fraternity. 

"On the Malaysia side, we came into a new era.... dawn of a new era. It's been eight months but we have not seen the sunlight.

"Much can be done. There is no clear direction on the construction sector, for instance. There is too much divergence from the ministers. Hopefully, they can come out with some changes in the economic environment given that we are going through a tough time," Manokaran said.

Looking ahead, he said the country should see firmer economic policies by May 2019.

Manokaran said this here today at the Kingsley Strategic Initiatives Institute 2019 Malaysia Economic and Strategic Outlook Forum.