The convergence of a global health crisis with the already slowing growth has created serious challenges for the world economy. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Lim Mah Hui, author of “Local Democracy Denied? - A personal journey into local government in Malaysia” and member of the civil society group, Penang Forum. He also wrote about the 2008 global financial crisis, “No Where to Hide: The Great Financial Crisis and the Challenges for Asia” (2010).