How does economic growth impact on income inequality across ethnic groups in Malaysia?

Abstract

AbstractThis study aims to examine the impact of economic growth on income inequality in Malaysia with special attention to the distribution of income among different ethnic groups. Twofold methodologies have been used in this analysis. The primary methodology is descriptive in nature where tables, charts, and diagrams have been extracted from the specific sources for analysis. Second, this paper applies the Granger noncausality test to estimate the causality and also applies the ARDL (autoregressive distributed lag) regression model to see the shot‐run and long‐run dynamic relationship between economic growth and income inequality in the context of Malaysia using the data of 1970–2018 from the household income survey, World Development Indicators, and the Standardized World Income Inequality Database. Additionally, it deploys panel Granger noncausality and dynamic pool mean group regression for the robustness of the results. This study reveals that the income gap among ethnic groups has been narrowed; although, intra‐ethnic income inequality is still very high, especially among Indians. The study further advises that income inequality does not Granger‐cause economic growth; rather, economic growth does Granger‐cause income inequality, and economic growth affects income inequality negatively, regardless of ethnicity, suggesting that economic growth significantly contributes to the reduction of income inequality in Malaysia. The paper concludes with a few policies which could significantly contribute to reducing income inequalities and achieving greater economic development goals, such that Malaysia can become a developed country by 2030.