Household Income Growth since GE13: Implications for GE14

Abstract

This paper examines the changes in household income levels in the 222 parliamentary constituencies in Malaysia during the period 2014-2016. More specifically, evidence is sought on whether households in constituencies that have voted for political parties from the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition in the 13th General Elections (GE13) have experienced higher income growth compared to those which have voted for other political parties. Another related question that is examined is whether or not a change in the ruling party at constituency level during the GE13 (e.g. from non-BN to BN, vice-versa) brought about improvements in household income.