With reference to Will of Monash University and his 'Definition of a recession' (Sept 3), it is indeed true that a recession is defined as two subsequent quarters of negative growth.

It is important nevertheless, to keep in mind that this definition was formulated in relation to the realities of developed economies like those of the United States and the United Kingdom. Whether or not such a definition is relevant to the situation in a developing economy like the Malaysian one (which has been averaging growth rates of six to nine percent in previous years) is a debatable point.

What is significant is not whether the current state of the Malaysian economy fits a certain definition, but rather the actual effect of the decline in growth rates. It is entirely possible that the effect of the change will not be unlike that of a 'recession' in a developed country.

Harun Rashid in 'Are we in recession or are we not?' (Aug 30) is entirely justified in making his assertion that the actual effects of this sudden change in the economy will determine the average Malaysian's assessment of the situation, and of the prime minister's performance.