On present indications, it appears that even if the Malaysian government is able to effect a shift from public to private provision of health care, there will still be strong pressures to continue substantial subsidies for those unable to afford health care and for special groups in Malaysian society. The government is clearly hoping that fewer Malaysians will require such subsidies as the country continues to prosper. However, as the currency crisis which hit several Asian economies in 1997 has shown, there can be no certainty about future economic conditions. In 1998 Malaysia went into economic recession and this could result in many more Malaysians (as well as non-citizens) being unable to pay for their health care and looking to the government for the provision of this essential service.