Morning Brief

00:05 - Following yesterday's report by Malaysiakini (which has since been taken down) on the cabinet's use of development budgets, we speak to Laurence Todd, Head of Research and Development at the Institute of Democracy and Economic Affairs, for his thoughts on budget allocations and what they're used for. 06:35 - The Wall Street Journal has published an exclusive report that Goldman Sachs is in talks with the US government about a $2bn settlement, to resolve a criminal investigations into its role in the 1MDB case.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

00:05 - Following yesterday's report by Malaysiakini (which has since been taken down) on the cabinet's use of development budgets, we speak to Laurence Todd, Head of Research and Development at the Institute of Democracy and Economic Affairs, for his thoughts on budget allocations and what they're used for. 06:35 - The Wall Street Journal has published an exclusive report that Goldman Sachs is in talks with the US government about a $2bn settlement, to resolve a criminal investigations into its role in the 1MDB case.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB) has announced a 5.5 sen per unit distribution for for Amanah Saham Bumiputera (ASB) unit holders for the year ending 31 December 2019 which is the lowest since the fund's inception in 1990. In search for better returns, PNB will also diversify their foreign investments to 30% and also initiate an new strategy to improve risk management and pursue ESG investments. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB) has announced a 5.5 sen per unit distribution for for Amanah Saham Bumiputera (ASB) unit holders for the year ending 31 December 2019 which is the lowest since the fund's inception in 1990. In search for better returns, PNB will also diversify their foreign investments to 30% and also initiate an new strategy to improve risk management and pursue ESG investments. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia's disconnect between low inflation rates, economic growth, and chronic cost of living complaints, is a source of confusion to many. Following the recent publication of the World Bank's Malaysia Economic Monitor, we speak to Richard Record, lead economist for the World Bank, about finding the right policy mix to address the issue, and what are the lessons we can learn from elsewhere.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia's disconnect between low inflation rates, economic growth, and chronic cost of living complaints, is a source of confusion to many. Following the recent publication of the World Bank's Malaysia Economic Monitor, we speak to Richard Record, lead economist for the World Bank, about finding the right policy mix to address the issue, and what are the lessons we can learn from elsewhere.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

India's Supreme Court has announced it will scrutinise a controversial religion-based citizenship act, recently passed by Parliament. Protests have since broken out over the Act, on concerns it could jeopardise India's secular values, and lead to religious discrimination. For more on this, we speak to Michael Kugelman, Deputy Director of the Asia Program, at the Wilson Centre.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

India's Supreme Court has announced it will scrutinise a controversial religion-based citizenship act, recently passed by Parliament. Protests have since broken out over the Act, on concerns it could jeopardise India's secular values, and lead to religious discrimination. For more on this, we speak to Michael Kugelman, Deputy Director of the Asia Program, at the Wilson Centre.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The PH government will be under pressure to do well in yet another by-election after the disastrous results of Tg Piai. Kimanis, being in Sabah however, is not necessarily the same ball game as Tg Piai although there's a similar groundswell of dissatisfaction.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The PH government will be under pressure to do well in yet another by-election after the disastrous results of Tg Piai. Kimanis, being in Sabah however, is not necessarily the same ball game as Tg Piai although there's a similar groundswell of dissatisfaction.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the protest in Hong Kong continues, its ability to hang onto its crown as Asia's financial hub is put into question. Unsurprisingly, China may be looking to Macau as the next alternative but we ask if that is viable and can this island diversify from gaming and tourism to financial services.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the protest in Hong Kong continues, its ability to hang onto its crown as Asia's financial hub is put into question. Unsurprisingly, China may be looking to Macau as the next alternative but we ask if that is viable and can this island diversify from gaming and tourism to financial services.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

00:05 - We speak to Datuk M. Ali, Deputy Chairman of Save KL on the DBKL's new budget. 07:35 - The Bandar Malaysia project has been revived, it's bigger but is it better?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Morning Run discusses the challenging media landscape locally, starting with job cuts at Media Prima, possibly the largest retrenchment exercise in the media industry, but also Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng's tax exemptions suggestion to media companies on the condition that the try to avoid retrenchment. Also the cabinet has agreed in principle to establish the Malaysian Media Council (MMC).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, five ministries will see the transfer of senior civil servants following requests by the ministers. The transfers involve the secretary-generals from the Rural and Regional Development, Human Resources and Entrepreneur Development Ministries and is seen as Pakatan Harapan’s move to deal with an alleged “deep state” within the civil service.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, five ministries will see the transfer of senior civil servants following requests by the ministers. The transfers involve the secretary-generals from the Rural and Regional Development, Human Resources and Entrepreneur Development Ministries and is seen as Pakatan Harapan’s move to deal with an alleged “deep state” within the civil service.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Vincent Khoo, Head of Research at UOB KayHian Malaysia tells us that the lack of policy clarity which has led to weak earnings is in part the reason for the weak FBMKLCI performance. However the million dollar question is 2020 going to be a better year? Vincent weighs in with his views and also the best investment strategy to navigate the challenging markets.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Vincent Khoo, Head of Research at UOB KayHian Malaysia tells us that the lack of policy clarity which has led to weak earnings is in part the reason for the weak FBMKLCI performance. However the million dollar question is 2020 going to be a better year? Vincent weighs in with his views and also the best investment strategy to navigate the challenging markets.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last Friday saw Boris Johnson win resoundingly in the UK’s General Election and his victory has brought a stable of new Conservative MPs into parliament, who took seats traditionally held by Labour candidates. So what does this mean for the new administration and will we finally see an end to the Brexit issue?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last Friday saw Boris Johnson win resoundingly in the UK’s General Election and his victory has brought a stable of new Conservative MPs into parliament, who took seats traditionally held by Labour candidates. So what does this mean for the new administration and will we finally see an end to the Brexit issue?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ana Nicholls, Director of Industry Operations at the Economist Intelligence Unit tells us why the auto industry faced a tough time in 2019. She however sounds more optimistic as the outlook is slightly better for 2020 with growth coming from Asia but Malaysia not being one of the countries seeing good times ahead.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government has announced, it is drafting a National Social Protection Policy, spearheaded by the Malaysian Social Protection Council. For insight into the current social protection framework and what a national policy should look like, we speak to Datuk Dr Norm Mansor, Emeritus Professor at the Social Wellbeing Research Centre, of Universiti Malaya.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government has announced, it is drafting a National Social Protection Policy, spearheaded by the Malaysian Social Protection Council. For insight into the current social protection framework and what a national policy should look like, we speak to Datuk Dr Norm Mansor, Emeritus Professor at the Social Wellbeing Research Centre, of Universiti Malaya.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government is taking more measures to ensure a more transparent business environment with the Companies Commission of Malaysia (CCM) announcing that it will enforce the guidelines for reporting beneficial ownership by March next year. We speak to Lee Shih to better understand what this means and its possible implications. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government is taking more measures to ensure a more transparent business environment with the Companies Commission of Malaysia (CCM) announcing that it will enforce the guidelines for reporting beneficial ownership by March next year. We speak to Lee Shih to better understand what this means and its possible implications. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EMIR Research has released the results of its research into perceptions of the Malaysian public towards the Pakatan Harapan government and its policies. Since the government scored only 0.53 on the think tank's Government Satisfaction Index, we speak to Jamari Mohtar, Director of Media & Communications at EMIR Research itself, for more details from their report.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EMIR Research has released the results of its research into perceptions of the Malaysian public towards the Pakatan Harapan government and its policies. Since the government scored only 0.53 on the think tank's Government Satisfaction Index, we speak to Jamari Mohtar, Director of Media & Communications at EMIR Research itself, for more details from their report.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Gambia on behalf of the Organisation for the Islamic Conference has brought a case against Myanmar in the International Court of Justice, on allegations of genocide against the Rohingya community. To find out more about the peculiarities of the case and the kind of defence Myanmar has mounted, we speak to Aaron Connelly, Research Fellow at the International Institute for Strategic Studies in Singapore.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Cabinet has reportedly approved integrating the two aviation regulatory bodies, the Malaysian Aviation Commission (MAVCOM) and the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM). What will this mean for the Regulatory Asset-Backed Framework?  We also discuss the Visit Malaysia 2020 campaign. Data shows that tourism has remained relatively resillient despite economic headwinds, with domestic tourism in particular recording growth in several states. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the back of news that the Cabinet has agreed to deregulate private medical consultation fees and allow private sector medical practitioners to fix their own consultation rates, questions arose about what that would mean for the patient. For some insight, we speak to Dr. R. Arasu, Secretary-General of the Malaysian Medical Association, about whether consumers should expect higher fees, the problem of undercutting, and what issues might arise with the policy in the short term.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The UK goes to the polls today, for the third time in four years and with Brexit still a core policy issue. With 650 Parliamentary seats are up for grabs, The Morning Run speaks to Matt about the role of Brexit in this election, other key issues for the voters and who's currently the frontrunner. We also get into how the outcome could potentially impact the Brexit process going forward.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

00:05 - Sources told Bloomberg that China officials are expecting Trump to delay the threatened tariff increase. Is this an opportunity to negotiate an interim trade deal? 01:35 - NAFTA has been replaced, but how different is the new USMCA agreement? Is this a win for Trump or the Democrats? 05:10 - The US House Judiciary Committee has unveiled charges against the US president for 'abuse of power' and 'obstructing Congress', but does Trump really have anything to worry about?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

00:05 - Sources told Bloomberg that China officials are expecting Trump to delay the threatened tariff increase. Is this an opportunity to negotiate an interim trade deal? 01:35 - NAFTA has been replaced, but how different is the new USMCA agreement? Is this a win for Trump or the Democrats? 05:10 - The US House Judiciary Committee has unveiled charges against the US president for 'abuse of power' and 'obstructing Congress', but does Trump really have anything to worry about?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

00:05 - Prime Minister Tun Mahathir Mohd told Reuters that Malaysia is considering selling stakes in Petronas to states where the company’s oil and gas fields are. This move may also give states such as Sarawak and Sabah a say in the running of Petronas, the world’s third-largest exporter of liquefied natural gas, but will it offset the oil royalty payments? 05:00 - We also get into a report by a coalition of international NGOs released today, implicating several Malaysian banks in financing palm oil companies that pose a fire-riskSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Morning Run speaks to the MTUC to discuss their appeal to Dewan Negara senators to reject the government-amendments to the Industrial Relations Act, claiming that it has an amendment that would kill trade unionism in the Malaysia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Goldman Sachs will be offering wealth management services for as little as US$5000 which is a far cry from their typical wealth management threshold of US$1-10 million as it tries to attract younger clients and diversify earnings from its traditional investment banking income which is more cyclical in nature. Meanwhile HSBC makes changes to top management as it struggles with growing income in Asia while keeping expenses in check.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What’s behind the perception of rising cost of living? Yesterday the World Bank released its Malaysia Economic Monitor titled “Making Ends Meet" that indicated that the cost of living pain points are less to do with inflation, and more to do with other factors. We speak to Kenneth Simler from the World Bank about these factors, income inequality and possible policies to address cost of living.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amid all the drama surrounding the PKR National Congress and the Umno General Assembly this weekend, Parti Amanah Negara's National Convention flew relatively under the radar. Nevertheless, their gathering posed some interesting questions, which we address with Professor Dr. Azmi Hassan, political analyst and Professor with Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, including whether or not Amanah will be able to pose a threat to PAS's voter base.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Pakatan Harapan government came into power with the promise to tackle corruption. Now, a year and a half into their administration and in line with International Anti-Corruption Day, we speak to Devanesan Evanson, CEO of the Minority Shareholders' Watch Group, about anti-corruption efforts in the corporate sector.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Pakatan Harapan government came into power with the promise to tackle corruption. Now, a year and a half into their administration and in line with International Anti-Corruption Day, we speak to Devanesan Evanson, CEO of the Minority Shareholders' Watch Group, about anti-corruption efforts in the corporate sector.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week's confluence of Malaysian politics saw three political parties host their annual assemblies- PKR, Umno and Amanah. PKR's National Congress has dominated attention since, after a series of will-they, won't-they reconciliation efforts between feuding leaders Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Datuk Seri Azmin Ali. For more perspectives, we speak to YB Fahmi Fadzil, Member of Parliament for Lembah Pantai, and Amir Fareed, Director of Strategy for KRA Group.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week's confluence of Malaysian politics saw three political parties host their annual assemblies- PKR, Umno and Amanah. PKR's National Congress has dominated attention since, after a series of will-they, won't-they reconciliation efforts between feuding leaders Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Datuk Seri Azmin Ali. For more perspectives, we speak to YB Fahmi Fadzil, Member of Parliament for Lembah Pantai, and Amir Fareed, Director of Strategy for KRA Group.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lee Ju Ye, Economist at Maybank Kim Eng Singapore tells us that brighter times are ahead for Asean economies next year as trade looks set for a V-shaped recovery. Meanwhile the beneficiaries of this substitution effect are Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia which have seen foreign direct investment inflow although if things turn bad, the safe havens are Philippines and Indonesia which have more domestic based economies.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lee Ju Ye, Economist at Maybank Kim Eng Singapore tells us that brighter times are ahead for Asean economies next year as trade looks set for a V-shaped recovery. Meanwhile the beneficiaries of this substitution effect are Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia which have seen foreign direct investment inflow although if things turn bad, the safe havens are Philippines and Indonesia which have more domestic based economies.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s been a challenging year for the Malaysian economy, in the face of so many global external headwinds. China faces an economic slowdown, compounded by the US-China trade war, so we ask Julia Goh, Senior Economist at UOB Malaysia how will our economy fare in 2020. We also ask her how she derived her GDP forecast of 4.4% for next year and what perhaps could surprise on the upsideSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s been a challenging year for the Malaysian economy, in the face of so many global external headwinds. China faces an economic slowdown, compounded by the US-China trade war, so we ask Julia Goh, Senior Economist at UOB Malaysia how will our economy fare in 2020. We also ask her how she derived her GDP forecast of 4.4% for next year and what perhaps could surprise on the upsideSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ahead of the PKR National Congress, Umno's General Assembly and Parti Amanah Negara's National Convention this weekend, we take a look at the slew of headlines that have been dominating the local political scene, to give you an idea of what we can expect. What will we see out of this party of parties?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Saudi Aramco announced the final price of its IPO at 32 riyals per share (around USD8.50)] valuing the world’s most profitable company at 1.7 trillion dollars. It raised $25.6 billion as is now the world’s biggest IPO. This deal has been synonymous with Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman and his plans to reshape the nation, but at 1.5% of the firm, is it enough to get his ambitious plan to overhaul the economy back on track considering that he once wanted $100 billion?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

00:05 - According to a recent report from Fitch Ratings, the banking sector in Asia Pacific will continue to be challenged by global macroeconomic factors next year. Tania speaks to us about her expectations and what she views as the key challenges to profitability in the industry. 09:22 - Plus, The Morning Run team also speaks about the upcoming Saudi Aramco IPO and OPEC Plus meeting.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

00:05 - According to a recent report from Fitch Ratings, the banking sector in Asia Pacific will continue to be challenged by global macroeconomic factors next year. Tania speaks to us about her expectations and what she views as the key challenges to profitability in the industry. 09:22 - Plus, The Morning Run team also speaks about the upcoming Saudi Aramco IPO and OPEC Plus meeting.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.