Morning Brief

Tensions there are boiling over following the US assassination of top Iranian general Qassem Soleimani in Baghdad on Friday. The US says the killing was in response to imminent threats to Americans, and comes after Iranian-led militias sieged the US embassy in Baghdad on 31 December 2019. Iran has vowed retaliation over the killing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We take a look at the biggest corporate stories in Malaysia with a focus on government investment linked companies and their structuring. The first Khazanah which has changed their strategic direction selling non-core assets while Tabung Haji was given a lifeline with the creation of a special purpose vehicle that will hold their loss making assets of the pilgrim fund. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tan J Young, Senior Analyst of Hong Leong Investment Bank breaks down the MCMC announcement with regards to spectrum bands for the roll-out of 5G technology. He also weighs in how this consortium model might work and who stands to benefit.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik has announced his resignation, effective today after meeting with Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad. Were his political achievements overshadowed by a poor communication strategy? Who will be appointed to the post next? And a larger question: will his resignation prompt a Cabinet reshuffle?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The end of last year saw a surge in US retail during the holiday season with data from Mastercard showing total US retail sales rising 3.4% during the period. However despite the robust headline, this also highlighted the difficulties of traditional brick-and-mortar stored as more consumers shift to online shopping. We speak to David about the future of retail, especially with department stores being worst performing sector for the S&P 500 in 2019 despite consumer spending looking strong. Can they regain their footing in retail and win back the customer? In a similar vein, as Nike moves away from selling their products on Amazon, will other brands follow their lead? We also ask David for stocks to watch in consumer sectors for 2020, as well as why he has a contrarian call on Lululemon. He has the only sell call on the street, despite the company's revenue doubling in the last 6 years.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since January marks the start of Visit Malaysia Year 2020, the Morning Run crew takes a look at what the campaign hopes to achieve, the state of tourism in Malaysia, as well as the position of Airbnb in the equation, with comments from Yap Lip Seng, CEO of the Malaysian Association of Hotels.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since January marks the start of Visit Malaysia Year 2020, the Morning Run crew takes a look at what the campaign hopes to achieve, the state of tourism in Malaysia, as well as the position of Airbnb in the equation, with comments from Yap Lip Seng, CEO of the Malaysian Association of Hotels.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bike-sharing platform Dego Ride resumed its operations on New Year's day, after being banned from operating in 2017. The Morning Run crew discusses the viability of the transporation mode as well as the challenges Dego Ride may face, particularly if Gojek decides to enter the Malaysian market. Also, logistics company Ninja Van has said it is open to performing deliveries by drone in the future. But drone deliveries also pose its own set of challenges.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bike-sharing platform Dego Ride resumed its operations on New Year's day, after being banned from operating in 2017. The Morning Run crew discusses the viability of the transporation mode as well as the challenges Dego Ride may face, particularly if Gojek decides to enter the Malaysian market. Also, logistics company Ninja Van has said it is open to performing deliveries by drone in the future. But drone deliveries also pose its own set of challenges.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While the holiday season brings a boom in e-commerce sales, the reality is that a lot of goods bought online are eventually returned. What does this means for online retailers? Sucharita Kodali of Forrester Research tells us how returns can be a cost to the business if not managed properly whilst also sharing what trends we can expect in 2020 as companies shift towards omnichannel sales.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While the holiday season brings a boom in e-commerce sales, the reality is that a lot of goods bought online are eventually returned. What does this means for online retailers? Sucharita Kodali of Forrester Research tells us how returns can be a cost to the business if not managed properly whilst also sharing what trends we can expect in 2020 as companies shift towards omnichannel sales.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we’re taking a look back at the major bills which Parliament passed in 2019. Overall, Parliament passed 34 bills into law this year and we take a look at the Service Tax act, Departure Levy Bill and Undi 18.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Would the Election Reform Committee's proposal to replace our current first past the post election system with a proportional representation system for parliamentary seats solve our electoral reform issues? We discuss the pros and cons of the two systems. Also, the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry has announced that the targeted petrol subsidy programme slated to roll out in the new year has been shelved indefinitely, raising questions about the viability of the project.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Would the Election Reform Committee's proposal to replace our current first past the post election system with a proportional representation system for parliamentary seats solve our electoral reform issues? We discuss the pros and cons of the two systems. Also, the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry has announced that the targeted petrol subsidy programme slated to roll out in the new year has been shelved indefinitely, raising questions about the viability of the project.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We are looking back at what were key events in trade war in 2019. The overarching vein is that the US-China spats are a reflection of a bigger struggle for world dominance by the world's two biggest economies.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We are looking back at what were key events in trade war in 2019. The overarching vein is that the US-China spats are a reflection of a bigger struggle for world dominance by the world's two biggest economies.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

00:21 - The FMT reports that Datuk Seri Anifah Aman has applied to stay the January Kimanis parliamentary by-election, pending a review 05:37 - Bank Negara Malaysia has issued a draft framework, and plans to issue 5 licenses for the establishment of digital banksSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A meeting planned by Chinese educationist group Dong Zong was cancelled last week by police order, on concerns that the meeting would lead to protests. For more insight, we speak to Nathaniel Tan, moderator of the recent Jawi forum, about whether our inability to have discussions is indicative of a deeper trust deficit.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With an overwhelming majority at the UK elections Boris Johnson now has a clear mandate to push through his Brexit plans with the country leaving the European Union formally on 31 January 2020. However the hard work of negotiating a trade deal begins with a 11 month deadline made complicated by having to negotiate with 27 members of the EU whilst also working out how to co-operate with the EU on security and law enforcement.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Faisal Aziz, President of Angkatan Belia Islam Malaysia or ABIM weighs in on the Dong Jiao Zong meeting tomorrow to discuss Jawi lessons in vernacular schools which has met with push back from political leaders like Tun Mahathir and even Malay groups like GAMIS. He reiterates the need to have dialogue on this matter and reminds us that social media can fan the flames of intolerance.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Economic Affairs Minister, Datuk Seri Azmin Ali has emphasized the need to move away from the old economy models that focus on manufacturing so that Malaysia does not risk behind left behind in the era of IR 4.0 and trapped in low wages. This realignment will be emphasized in the 13th Malaysia Plan that spans from 2026 to 2030.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Economic Affairs Minister, Datuk Seri Azmin Ali has emphasized the need to move away from the old economy models that focus on manufacturing so that Malaysia does not risk behind left behind in the era of IR 4.0 and trapped in low wages. This realignment will be emphasized in the 13th Malaysia Plan that spans from 2026 to 2030.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Petronas Activity Outlook for 2020 - 2022 indicate that upstream activities will be robust despite a cautious spending mode by Malaysia's national oil company. To find out which sub-segments stand to benefit and the companies that may see a jump in order book, we speak to Sean Lim, Senior Research Analyst at RHB.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Petronas Activity Outlook for 2020 - 2022 indicate that upstream activities will be robust despite a cautious spending mode by Malaysia's national oil company. To find out which sub-segments stand to benefit and the companies that may see a jump in order book, we speak to Sean Lim, Senior Research Analyst at RHB.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This year, millions of people around the world mobilised in protest to highlight the dire emergency facing our planet. Could 2019 prove to be the year when talk turned to action on the climate crisis? Here’s a look back at some of the biggest climate stories of the year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This year in the Middle East and North Africa was a year of five uprisings, four ongoing civil wars, and three key elections. There were uprisings in Algeria, Sudan, Lebanon, Iraq, and Iran, as well as 2 notable close elections in the region, with the reigns of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appearing to be stuttering to an end. It was also a year of key regional and international developments, with the US employing its “maximum pressure” campaign against Iran and the attack on the Saudi Aramco facility amongst others. We also get into the KL Summit, hosted last week, which was attended by the leaders of Iran and Turkey, but was noticeably snubbed by Saudi Arabia, UAE and Pakistan and what it says about Malaysia's relations with countries in the Middle East.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This year in the Middle East and North Africa was a year of five uprisings, four ongoing civil wars, and three key elections. There were uprisings in Algeria, Sudan, Lebanon, Iraq, and Iran, as well as 2 notable close elections in the region, with the reigns of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appearing to be stuttering to an end. It was also a year of key regional and international developments, with the US employing its “maximum pressure” campaign against Iran and the attack on the Saudi Aramco facility amongst others. We also get into the KL Summit, hosted last week, which was attended by the leaders of Iran and Turkey, but was noticeably snubbed by Saudi Arabia, UAE and Pakistan and what it says about Malaysia's relations with countries in the Middle East.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We take you through some of the top healthcare stories we covered on the show this year, from MySalam to regulation of medicine prices and deregulation of private medical consultation fees. We also put out a poll, asking: How would you grade the Health Ministry's performance for 2019? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We take you through some of the top healthcare stories we covered on the show this year, from MySalam to regulation of medicine prices and deregulation of private medical consultation fees. We also put out a poll, asking: How would you grade the Health Ministry's performance for 2019? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The removal of the critical allowances for medical, pharmacy and dental officers, as well as lecturers in medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy, including engineers and other professionals joining the civil service will start next year. We ask if this move is fair and whether the salary scheme for all government servants should be re-looked at.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the Jakarta Composite Index only up 1.8% YTD, we look ahead to 2020 to find out what would be the catalysts for the Indonesian market. We speak to Bharat Joshi, Investment Director of Aberdeen Asset Management in Indonesia to ask what would be Jokowi's economic focus in his 2nd term including the highly anticipated Omnibus law.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the Jakarta Composite Index only up 1.8% YTD, we look ahead to 2020 to find out what would be the catalysts for the Indonesian market. We speak to Bharat Joshi, Investment Director of Aberdeen Asset Management in Indonesia to ask what would be Jokowi's economic focus in his 2nd term including the highly anticipated Omnibus law.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Palm oil has been an ongoing flashpoint, after the EU's move to phase out the use of the edible oil from biofuels by 2030. We take a look at some of the major media incidents that have impacted our palm oil sector.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Palm oil has been an ongoing flashpoint, after the EU's move to phase out the use of the edible oil from biofuels by 2030. We take a look at some of the major media incidents that have impacted our palm oil sector.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Protests have broken out around the world, from Hong Kong to Chile, and from India to Sudan. The Morning Run Crew takes a look at some of the most notable public uprisings, and what might have spurred them on. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Protests have broken out around the world, from Hong Kong to Chile, and from India to Sudan. The Morning Run Crew takes a look at some of the most notable public uprisings, and what might have spurred them on. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bank Pembangunan Malaysia and Danajamin Nasional have obtained approval from the central bank to negotiate a consolidation - expected to complete within six months. Devil is in the details - will there be job cuts, who will lead the merged entity, and what will it be called? Jamin Bangun?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bank Pembangunan Malaysia and Danajamin Nasional have obtained approval from the central bank to negotiate a consolidation - expected to complete within six months. Devil is in the details - will there be job cuts, who will lead the merged entity, and what will it be called? Jamin Bangun?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The KL Summit 2019 was meant to serve as a platform for leaders from Muslim countries to meet and discuss issues in the Muslim world, however while leaders such as Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan were there, leaders of Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Pakistan were not. We discuss this with Shahriman as well as his thoughts on Malaysia's positioning between Middle Eastern countries and Malaysia’s hits and misses in foreign policy this year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

By-elections for parliamentary seats may be a thing of the past if Putrajaya accepts a proposal to adopt the proportional representation (PR) electoral system. We speak to Thomas about this and also ask him how true is it that Malaysian vote for the party over the person.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

By-elections for parliamentary seats may be a thing of the past if Putrajaya accepts a proposal to adopt the proportional representation (PR) electoral system. We speak to Thomas about this and also ask him how true is it that Malaysian vote for the party over the person.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite the fact that the Singaporean economy narrowly escaped a recession, the STI managed to end the year on a positive note. We speak to Geoff for his thoughts and outlook for the market.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite the fact that the Singaporean economy narrowly escaped a recession, the STI managed to end the year on a positive note. We speak to Geoff for his thoughts and outlook for the market.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the weekend, fires in Australia continue to rage, leading to another declaration of emergency for one of its states, New South Wales. Since September, Australia's bushfire emergency has killed at least nine people, destroyed hundreds of homes and scorched millions of hectares of land. Environmental groups have criticised Prime Minister Scott Morison for refusing to link the intense heat and fires to climate change and we speak to Dr Imran on their hesitance here, as well as the sentiment on the ground and how Australia can move forward from this. Additionally, Australia is the world's largest exporter of coal and the third-largest exporter of fossil fuels and we ask Dr Imran if Australia has more environmentally friendly options to turn to.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the weekend, fires in Australia continue to rage, leading to another declaration of emergency for one of its states, New South Wales. Since September, Australia's bushfire emergency has killed at least nine people, destroyed hundreds of homes and scorched millions of hectares of land. Environmental groups have criticised Prime Minister Scott Morison for refusing to link the intense heat and fires to climate change and we speak to Dr Imran on their hesitance here, as well as the sentiment on the ground and how Australia can move forward from this. Additionally, Australia is the world's largest exporter of coal and the third-largest exporter of fossil fuels and we ask Dr Imran if Australia has more environmentally friendly options to turn to.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Morning Run gets into their top political stories  of 2019 including  by-elections, Tanjung Piai, Muafakat Nasional, succesion plans and PKR infighting. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Morning Run gets into their top political stories  of 2019 including  by-elections, Tanjung Piai, Muafakat Nasional, succesion plans and PKR infighting. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to Deputy Communications and Multimedia Minister Eddin Syazlee Shith, local films grossed nearly RM94 million in the first 11 months of the year with animated films among the highest contributors. However that is lower than last year's nearly RM110 million that was generated. Does the industry need more support? What are the challenges it faces? Is Finas doing a good job? We speak about this and more with Al Jafree.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to Deputy Communications and Multimedia Minister Eddin Syazlee Shith, local films grossed nearly RM94 million in the first 11 months of the year with animated films among the highest contributors. However that is lower than last year's nearly RM110 million that was generated. Does the industry need more support? What are the challenges it faces? Is Finas doing a good job? We speak about this and more with Al Jafree.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Donald Trump became only the third US President to be impeached, after the House of Representatives charged him for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, following a hyper-partisan debate and vote. We discuss the reactions and implications of this, as well as a look forward to the potential Senate trial and Trump's Republican support base. Also with this, have the Democrats harmed their chances at the 2020 elections?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.