Morning Brief

CAAM came out to take responsibility for FAA's downgrade of Malaysia's aviation safety. Our guest believes that while CAAM is backed by professionals, they face a serious resource shortage. This situation is of course a reflection of the bigger existential issues and the restructuring taking place in the local aviation sector reflected by the decision on the sale of Malaysian Airlines and the Regulatory Asset Base framework.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Because the country has churned out too many medical graduates and too few medical jobs, the government implemented a dual-tier hiring system of permanent and contracted employment. NGO group Malaysian Medics International says this is unfair.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Because the country has churned out too many medical graduates and too few medical jobs, the government implemented a dual-tier hiring system of permanent and contracted employment. NGO group Malaysian Medics International says this is unfair.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the wake of some of the worst violence since protests began in Hong Kong in June, we speak to Bhavan Jaipragas, Senior Asia Correspondent with the South China Morning Post, for a sense of the mood on the ground, and how the protests may evolve from here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Datuk Soam Heng Choon, President of REHDA explains that extension of time (EOT) approvals by the Ministry of Housing has only been given to projects that have not started while buyers are aware of the delay. We however question whether such initiatives still favour developers who could have planned their projects better.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Datuk Soam Heng Choon, President of REHDA explains that extension of time (EOT) approvals by the Ministry of Housing has only been given to projects that have not started while buyers are aware of the delay. We however question whether such initiatives still favour developers who could have planned their projects better.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has downgraded Malaysia's airline-safety ranking to Category 2; on par with countries like Ghana and Bangladesh. How will this affect us in the long term, and is it possible to get back into Category 1?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has downgraded Malaysia's airline-safety ranking to Category 2; on par with countries like Ghana and Bangladesh. How will this affect us in the long term, and is it possible to get back into Category 1?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following the decision to detain, and subsequently release, several Cambodian opposition leaders, the Malaysian government has been subject to criticism for its interpretation of the ASEAN principle of 'non-interference'. For a better understanding of the deportation process and how this latest issue fits into the broader landscape of ASEAN politics, we speak to Oh Ei Sun, Senior Fellow at the Singapore Institute of International Affairs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Carlos Casanova, Chief Asia Economist at Coface, joins us in the studio to tell us the impact the US-China trade war has on the respective North Asian countries while discussing in the detail the state of the domestic Chinese economy and whether the BRI will have a positive impact on the longer term.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia ranks 40th out of 113 countries on the Economist Intelligence Unit's 2018 Global Food Security Index, far behind leader Singapore. Even if we're not at risk of a food security crisis, how food insecure are we?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

00:05 - Of the top 10 public-listed companies who did the best in a corporate reporting transparency survey, 8 are GLCs. 05:05 - Malaysia's detention (and subsequent release) of Cambodian opposition leaders raise questions about what ASEAN's 'non-interference' policy means. 09:46 - The Cabinet is due to make a decision on whether or not to ratify the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement on Trans-Pacific Partnership, at least according to the Economic Action Council.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

00:05 - Of the top 10 public-listed companies who did the best in a corporate reporting transparency survey, 8 are GLCs. 05:05 - Malaysia's detention (and subsequent release) of Cambodian opposition leaders raise questions about what ASEAN's 'non-interference' policy means. 09:46 - The Cabinet is due to make a decision on whether or not to ratify the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement on Trans-Pacific Partnership, at least according to the Economic Action Council.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The impact of the WeWork debacle was evident in SoftBank’s latest quarterly earnings released this week, on the back of its first quarterly operating loss in 14 years due to shrinking valuation of Uber and WeWork, once SoftBank’s brightest stars. We speak to Daniel for a deeper look into the earnings, whether SoftBank can turn WeWork around and the impact of this on Masayoshi Son & SoftBank’s credibility.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The impact of the WeWork debacle was evident in SoftBank’s latest quarterly earnings released this week, on the back of its first quarterly operating loss in 14 years due to shrinking valuation of Uber and WeWork, once SoftBank’s brightest stars. We speak to Daniel for a deeper look into the earnings, whether SoftBank can turn WeWork around and the impact of this on Masayoshi Son & SoftBank’s credibility.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Inland Revenue Board (IRB) has announced measures to curb the shadow economy, saying it will put more resources into collecting money from goods and services currently unreported for taxation. For more on this, we speak to Dr. Veerinderjeet Singh, Chairman of AxcelAsia, for an idea of how the shadow econmy is measured, and Datuk Mohd Nizom Sairi, Deputy Director-General for Tax Operations at the IRB, on their plans to increase enforcement.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Inland Revenue Board has announced measures to curb the shadow economy, saying it will put more resources into collecting money from goods and services currently unreported for taxation. For more on this, we speak to Dr. Veerinderjeet Singh, Chairman of AxcelAsia, for an idea of how the shadow econmy is measured, and Datuk Nixom Sairi, Deputy Director-General for Tax Operations at the IRB, on their plans to increase enforcement.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Pakatan Harapan government has reaffirmed its commitment to addressing several pieces of draconian legislation, in line with their election manifesto. So for a gauge of the pace and progress of implementation so far, we speak to N. Surendran, advisor with NGO Lawyers for Liberty, about the current status of the laws, and why it's important to maintain this manifesto pledge.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

00:05 - Lion Air is targeting an IPO of up to $1 billion in the first quarter of 2020. Lion Air has been considering an IPO since 2005, but multiple attempts were put on hold due to a volatile rupiah and weak economy. 07:04 - China’s state-owned entities are in talks to invest $5 to 10 billion in Saudi Aramco’s IPO as the oil-giant plans to sell 2% of its company in a domestic listing next month.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With CPO prices hitting a 22 month high of RM2500, we ask why and when output has been on a rise. Khor Yu Leng, independent political economist with Segi Enam Advisors tells us that the biodiesel policy of both Indonesia and Malaysia have a role to play in this recent price rally.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bank Negara Malaysia has maintained its Overnight Policy Rate at 3%, largely in line with analyst expectations. For more insights into BNM's policy direction as we head into the end of the year, we speak to Manokaran Mottain, Chief Economist with Alliance Bank, about his expectations, and targets for next year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bank Negara Malaysia has maintained its Overnight Policy Rate at 3%, largely in line with analyst expectations. For more insights into BNM's policy direction as we head into the end of the year, we speak to Manokaran Mottain, Chief Economist with Alliance Bank, about his expectations, and targets for next year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

India finally got off the fence to firmly in the No side for RCEP. Calvin Cheng, Research Fellow at the Institute of Strategic and International Studies Malaysia thinks this is still OK because the grouping still has a sizable GDP and the door remains open to IndiaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

India finally got off the fence to firmly in the No side for RCEP. Calvin Cheng, Research Fellow at the Institute of Strategic and International Studies Malaysia thinks this is still OK because the grouping still has a sizable GDP and the door remains open to IndiaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to the Finance Ministry, the federal government is keen on consummating the expansion of the Penang International Airport. Where does Malaysia Airports come in especially under the Regulated Asset Base (RAB) regime. Meanwhile bike-sharing is coming into the e-hailing scene which would both inspires and scares riders.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to the Finance Ministry, the federal government is keen on consummating the expansion of the Penang International Airport. Where does Malaysia Airports come in especially under the Regulated Asset Base (RAB) regime. Meanwhile bike-sharing is coming into the e-hailing scene which would both inspires and scares riders.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the wake of a global climate change movement that has been gaining momentum, the question remains of whether corporations around the world are ready to follow suit. As ESG investing becomes more in vogue, and awareness of the importance of sustainability spreads, we speak to Roukaya Ibrahim, strategist with BCA Research, about how climate change may impact investing trends.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In what seems to be a left hand to right hand transaction, news sources report that the Finance Ministry may buy Khazanah's stake in PLUS. While this move may seem harmless as both are government units, it has to be looked at in the light of benefits to EPF members who own 49% of PLUS. In particular, toll-busting policies may need to address potential loss of profits for 14 million EPF members. 04:40 - Meanwhile yet another national policy is out, this time the National Cleanliness Policy. Whether this manages to change the behaviour of Malaysians for the better remains to be seen.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MTUC is miffed about amendments to the Industrial Relations Act branded as "state-sponsored union-busting". But is this a clear case of more-is-less? Competing unionists might be better for workers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since legalising casinos in July 2018, several Japanese cities have expressed interest in hosting one of Japan's three integrated resorts. For more on this historic move, we speak to Colin Mansfield, Director of US Corporates at Fitch Ratings.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since legalising casinos in July 2018, several Japanese cities have expressed interest in hosting one of Japan's three integrated resorts. For more on this historic move, we speak to Colin Mansfield, Director of US Corporates at Fitch Ratings.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir lamented that Malaysia is at the behest of big nations when it comes to trade negotiations. While he feels that Asean should fight back by leveraging on its population which is half the size of China, our guest feels that this might not amount to much given ASEAN's fragmentation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US has as good as snubbed the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit even if the Pentagon thinks the region is “the single most consequential region for America’s future” . This will open the door to an ever expansionist China to make a greater stamp.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Price caps on meds might not actually bring pharmaceutical costs down for people. The Pharmaceutical Association of Malaysia (PhAMA) argues that this will choke off the supply chain leading to lower availability and higher costs in the long term.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Price caps on meds might not actually bring pharmaceutical costs down for people. The Pharmaceutical Association of Malaysia (PhAMA) argues that this will choke off the supply chain leading to lower availability and higher costs in the long term.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

00:05 - Following statements from Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad that Malaysia has been 'bullied' into closing Iranian-linked bank accounts, we speak to Dr. Behrang Samadi, a university lecturer, Iranian national, and longtime resident of Malaysia, about his experiences with the issue. 06:41 - The government have said it is confident that Malaysia will eventually be removed from the US Treasury's watch list of potential currency manipulators.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nomination day for the Tanjung Piai by-election is upon us, with the election itself set to be held on November 16th. Who is going to win the seat? For some insight, we speak to Ibrahim Suffian, Program Director of the Merdeka Centre, for an on-the-ground look at the issues that matter in Tanjung Piai, some of the sentiment surrounding the election, and what it could mean signal for Pakatan Harapan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nomination day for the Tanjung Piai by-election is upon us, with the election itself set to be held on November 16th. Who is going to win the seat? For some insight, we speak to Ibrahim Suffian, Program Director of the Merdeka Centre, for an on-the-ground look at the issues that matter in Tanjung Piai, some of the sentiment surrounding the election, and what it could mean signal for Pakatan Harapan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The evidence is clear and damning: traffic congestion is a significant drain on human productivity and growth. In his 'Future Cities Report', the HSBC economist James Pomeroy offers some solutions and insights.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The evidence is clear and damning: traffic congestion is a significant drain on human productivity and growth. In his 'Future Cities Report', the HSBC economist James Pomeroy offers some solutions and insights.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1MDB remains one of the Malaysia's biggest scandals but one of the key players may have apparently reached a tentative settlement with the US Department of Justice. Low Taek Jho, more commonly known as Jho Low is reported  to have waived his rights to assets valued at over US$1 billion allegedly acquired with 1MDB funds. However we ask the question that continues to baffles Malaysians - where is he?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Competition in the streaming space is about to get even more heated, with HBO Max announcing it will launch in May 2020 at a price of $14.99. We speak to Matthew Bloxham, a Media, Technology and Telecom Research Analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence, for his take on the numerous players in the streaming sector, international viewers, and the importance of localised content.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has won parliamentary approval to hold an early December election- the first in almost a century. The hope is that the polls will help to break the Brexit deadlock, for better or for worse. For some insight into the issues, we speak to Patrick Diamond, Associate Professor of Public Policy at Queen Mary University of London, about what we can expect going into December.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has won parliamentary approval to hold an early December election- the first in almost a century. The hope is that the polls will help to break the Brexit deadlock, for better or for worse. For some insight into the issues, we speak to Patrick Diamond, Associate Professor of Public Policy at Queen Mary University of London, about what we can expect going into December.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Think tank IDEAS say that Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir is wielding too much power in moving the control of key strategic GLCs from the Ministry of Finance to 3 important ministries helmed by people believed to be his allies. The fact that such ministries oversee a lot of money is not reassuring for the governance agenda.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Think tank IDEAS say that Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir is wielding too much power in moving the control of key strategic GLCs from the Ministry of Finance to 3 important ministries helmed by people believed to be his allies. The fact that such ministries oversee a lot of money is not reassuring for the governance agenda.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So the Education Ministry is dishing out money to kickstart student unions in five universities. Academic Zaharom Nain thinks it's about time students are allowed to be adults.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newly minted Peronist President Alberto Fernandez rightly wants to be for the Argentines. Will he fund noble aspirations with the unenviable task of worshiping at the altar of the IMF?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

00:05 - Sirius TV, to be launched next month, is attempting to take a share in the satellite pay-TV market that Astro has monopolised for 20 years. But competition in the pay-TV segment may not be the biggest challenge as the industry is also facing disruption from free or low-cost online streaming platforms. 05:48 - Nine of out ten Malaysians are willing to emigrate for better career opportunities and work-life balance, highlighting the severity of the country's brain drain problem. We discuss the reasons and how Malaysia can retain its much needed talent.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia has witnessed a surge in mall construction but footfall traffic has not kept up, with seven states recording occupancy rates below 80%. As malls and retailers brace for the glut ahead, they are also facing fierce competition from the e-commerce players who have come up with catchy marketing strategies like 9-9, 10-10, and 11-11 to gain market share.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.