Reflections on the constant policy changes in Malaysia: The need to prioritise social impact for policy adjustments

Abstract This article explores the role of social impact in facilitating policy adjustments in Malaysia. In particular, this article focuses on Malaysia My Second Home programme - a retirement migration programme, which has been reformed several times due to the allegations of adverse impacts on the Malaysian economy. Nevertheless, the changes made have influenced the participant’s personal life, their decision to retire abroad, and affected their well-being respectively. Not only that, the property developers, business operators, and state governments are equally at risk of revenue loss. Yet, there is a limited study that analyses this programme through the lens of prioritising social impact for policy adjustments. Hence, using policy documents and archival records from the government’s database, an analysis of the programme reforms with highlights on the social impacts is discussed in detail. The key finding of this article points to a new direction that focuses on the importance of recognising social impacts in the cost-benefit analysis in terms of social equality, diversity, and well-being rather than being heavily dependent on economic impacts in government decision-making. Therefore, this article concludes with recommendations for policymakers to start addressing social impacts in policymaking so that the government could maintain control over the policy outcomes effectively.