Morning Brief

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.

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.