Morning Brief

The haze continues to cast a pall over our skyline and our well-being. It has placed pressure on our schools, businesses as well as our healthcare system. In a Cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad warned Malaysian firms implicated as contributors to the ongoing haze crisis, to put out the fires in their plantations or be prepared to face legal action. One feasible solution is for Malaysia to introduce a law to go directly after companies or individuals who add to the annual haze problem. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

IHH Healthcare Bhd proposed to buy the entire stake of Prince Court Medical Centre for just over RM1 billion after its wholly-owned unit, Pantai Holdings, has signed a conditional share purchase agreement with Pulau Memutik Ventures, a Khazanah Nasional subsidiary. IHH said the acquisition is expected to contribute positively to the group's future earnings and cash flows, add to the group's clinical talent pool, and help IHH gain a larger share of the medical tourism market. 06:40 - Director-General of GIACC, Tan Sri Abu Kassim, said a tabling of the Political Funding Bill is expected in the next Parliament sitting. The Bill is likely to stipulate the need to disclose sources of funding for all political parties, including donations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the weekend, a drone attack on two of Saudi Arabia's main oil facilities threw oil prices into flux, calling into question the safety of global supply chains. Now, as Saudi Arabia attempts to restore production, we speak to Professor James Dorsey, Senior Fellow at S.Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Middle East Institute, about the likely culprits behind the attack, and what this could mean for the fragile stability in the Middle East.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the weekend, a drone attack on two of Saudi Arabia's main oil facilities threw oil prices into flux, calling into question the safety of global supply chains. Now, as Saudi Arabia attempts to restore production, we speak to Professor James Dorsey, Senior Fellow at S.Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Middle East Institute, about the likely culprits behind the attack, and what this could mean for the fragile stability in the Middle East.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Housing and Local Government Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin defends her proposal to increase foreign home ownership through the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme to sell RM100 billion of unsold luxury homes. We speak to Sarkunan Subramaniam, Managing Director of Knight Frank Malaysia, to tell us if it is a good idea and whether it can be refined.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Toh Woo Kim, Senior Analyst at Alliance DBS Research, tells us that iPhone 11 won't see spectacular sales because it's not a game changer in terms of specifications but Malaysian technology companies may stand to benefit with the next iPhone launch in 2020 with 5G and new sensors.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Under the Malaysia Electricity Supply Industry 2.0 Masterplan, unfair power purchase agreements (PPAs) will be dismantled and Tenaga Nasional's monopoly position will be challenged. This is a response to trends in renewable energy, digitisation, innovation in electricity consumption, and IR4.0See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Under the Malaysia Electricity Supply Industry 2.0 Masterplan, unfair power purchase agreements (PPAs) will be dismantled and Tenaga Nasional's monopoly position will be challenged. This is a response to trends in renewable energy, digitisation, innovation in electricity consumption, and IR4.0See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do corporate leaders view Malaysia's economic prospects, in light of the gloomy outlook for the global economy? We speak to Professor Mahendhiran Nair and Professor Pervaiz Ahmed about a survey commissioned by Monash University Malaysia, indicating the outlook may be more optimistic than one might expect. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In one of the largest strikes in a decade and since GM received bailout money during the financial crisis, workers' rights are coming to the fore.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In one of the largest strikes in a decade and since GM received bailout money during the financial crisis, workers' rights are coming to the fore.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the US-China trade war intensifying, we speak to Suhaimi Ilias, Chief Economist at Maybank Kim Eng, to gain some insights into what policy measures ASEAN has to counter this slowdown whilst drilling down on specifically what options Malaysia has.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the US-China trade war intensifying, we speak to Suhaimi Ilias, Chief Economist at Maybank Kim Eng, to gain some insights into what policy measures ASEAN has to counter this slowdown whilst drilling down on specifically what options Malaysia has.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UMNO and PAS have officially cemented their partnership, signing a National Cooperation Charter over the weekend. We speak to Ben Suffian, Programme Director of Merdeka Center, about the charter, the alliance's future prospects, and potential issues that could cause a rift between the parties.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UMNO and PAS have officially cemented their partnership, signing a National Cooperation Charter over the weekend. We speak to Ben Suffian, Programme Director of Merdeka Center, about the charter, the alliance's future prospects, and potential issues that could cause a rift between the parties.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The KL REIT Index has risen 8% year-to-date outperforming the KLCI. To see if there are any legs left in this sector, we speak to Ng Bei Shan, Analyst with MIDF Research, for her views and also her top picks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The KL REIT Index has risen 8% year-to-date outperforming the KLCI. To see if there are any legs left in this sector, we speak to Ng Bei Shan, Analyst with MIDF Research, for her views and also her top picks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US Democratic Debates are heating up, with all of the top contenders set to take the stage together at the party's third primary debate. Who will finally be given the party ticket?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The retail industry is one that has seen significant change and disruption with the rise of e-commerce and technology. Independent retail research firm Retail Group Malaysia (RGM) has revised downward its retail sales growth forecast for 2019, to 4.4% from 4.9% estimated in June. We speak to Tan Hai Hsin, Managing Director of Retail Group Malaysia for some insight into their forecast on the retail sector  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As expected, Bank Negara decided on Thursday to maintain the OPR at 3%. We speak to Julia Goh, Senior Economist with UOB Bank, to find out the reasons why and what else we can expect from Budget 2020.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The European Central Banks cuts rates even lower to -0.5% with Mario Draghi, the President having to face opposition from the "northern" bloc. We ask Jeffrey Halley, Senior Market Analyst at OANDA if the infinite quantitative easing and negative interest rates will help resuscitate the European economy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The European Central Banks cuts rates even lower to -0.5% with Mario Draghi, the President having to face opposition from the "northern" bloc. We ask Jeffrey Halley, Senior Market Analyst at OANDA if the infinite quantitative easing and negative interest rates will help resuscitate the European economy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Looks like it is back to the drawing board for Axiata with the failure of the non-cash merger with Telenor. So we speak to Tan J Young, Senior Analyst with Hong Leong Investment Bank, to find out what options Axiata has now.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the weekend, Crown Prince Mohamed Salman stripped a once-trusted adviser, Khalid Al Falih from his position as the Energy Minister. It is speculated that Falih was not very supportive of Aramco’s IPO plans. In his place, the Crown Prince appointed a half brother, Prince Abdul Aziz as the Energy Minister. If the IPO goes ahead, Saudi Aramco would be valued as high as 2 trillion US dollars, making it the largest listed company in the world. We speak to Rob Barnett, Senior Analyst with Bloomberg Intelligence for some insight into how these developments could impact the oil markets.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite gains in manufacturing, the sluggish outlook from the Industrial Production Index reflects concerns over slowing global growth. With September's monetary policy meeting decision out later today, we ask if Bank Negara is likely to lower the rates like many of the central banks in the region.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite gains in manufacturing, the sluggish outlook from the Industrial Production Index reflects concerns over slowing global growth. With September's monetary policy meeting decision out later today, we ask if Bank Negara is likely to lower the rates like many of the central banks in the region.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

FDIs are usually known to be productive for a country's economy but a recent study done by the IMF reveals that 40 % of the global FDI are in fact "Phantom FDIs".  For more insights, we speak to Alex Cobham, Chief Executive of the Tax Justice Network, an international advocacy network dedicated to tax reform.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Donald Trump has cancelled negotiation plans with the Taliban, ostensibly following an attack in Kabul last week which killed one US soldier and 11 others. With National Security Adviser John Bolton also out of the White House, what are the prospects now for peace with the Taliban? We speak to Hady Amr, Senior Fellow at Brookings Institution, for more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia is likely to miss the target of 75% insurance ownership by 2020. It is at a mere 55% now or under 35% if you adjust for people owning more than one policy. Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng said that the target would be revised. Perhaps, the problem is the practice of selling insurance with bells and whistles which make policies more expensive. This would be a good time to promote vanilla policies which cost only a fraction of current offerings.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

AirAsia and AirAsia X have been fined RM200,000 for adding processing fees to base fares. While consumer protection is a good thing, will travellers have to brace for such fees translating to higher ticket fares?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Unfortunately there appears no respite from the haze with rain only expected in late September. So we speak to Dr Helena Varkkey, Senior Lecturer at University Malaya to find out if the cause is open burning in Indonesia and what the Malaysian government can do to respond to this health crisis.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Patrick Chang, Chief Investment Officer of Principal Asset Management Berhad tells us that Malaysian corporate earnings disappoints again in the 2nd quarter but yet there are still bring spots which includes the REITS, Technology and the Consumer Sector. However the risk remains the US-China trade war and the domestic policy uncertainty.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Patrick Chang, Chief Investment Officer of Principal Asset Management Berhad tells us that Malaysian corporate earnings disappoints again in the 2nd quarter but yet there are still bring spots which includes the REITS, Technology and the Consumer Sector. However the risk remains the US-China trade war and the domestic policy uncertainty.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The technology sector has seen one of the largest impacts of the US-China trade war, with tariff salvos from either side rocking the trade landscape.  To give us some insight into the investment situation, we speak to Jonathan Curtis, Vice President and Portfolio Manager at Franklin Templeton, about his tech investment strategy, and expectations for the 5G ecosystem.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

0:05 - In the first half of this year, EPF has received dividends amounting to RM1.56 billion, from 10 of the companies in its portfolio. 5:32 - Airasia Group CEO Tan Sri Tony Fernandes has taken aim once again at MAVCOM, over allegedly bureaucratic policies.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New appointments to the public service may no longer be made under the permanent and pension schemes, as the government has now announced a contractual scheme instead. For more insight, we speak to Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam, ASLI, for a look at how attractive this scheme will be, as well as its feasibility.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bereft of monetary policy options to kickstart growth, incoming ECB President Christine Lagarde wants richer, lower-deficit northern nations to open their coffers with fiscal spending measures. The only thing lacking? Details.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bereft of monetary policy options to kickstart growth, incoming ECB President Christine Lagarde wants richer, lower-deficit northern nations to open their coffers with fiscal spending measures. The only thing lacking? Details.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is Carrie Lam's decision to withdraw a controversial extradition bill too little, too late? We speak to Sonny Lo, political commentator, about the move, other demands made by protesters, as well as the situation on the ground in Hong Kong.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sources say the cabinet has scrapped the PDP model for the RM16.5 billion Pan-Borneo Highway, which means that the RM907 million that would have flowed to Najib Razak confidante Tan Sri Bustari Yusof no longer accrues.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sources say the cabinet has scrapped the PDP model for the RM16.5 billion Pan-Borneo Highway, which means that the RM907 million that would have flowed to Najib Razak confidante Tan Sri Bustari Yusof no longer accrues.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It is the duty of the government to create employment for the nation regardless of age according to the MTUC. In this vein, the lifting of the retirement age should not cannibalise jobs for the young.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Trump administration began collecting 15 percent tariffs on more than 125 billion dollars worth of Chinese imports. China on the other hand increased duties of between 5 percent to 10 percent on a variety of major American exports. As both sides continue to fan the flames, is there still a chance we will see deescalation any time soon? And how does this affect the rest of us in Asia?  We speak to Ross Cameron, fund manager and head of Japan for Northcape Capital on his insights.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Trump administration began collecting 15 percent tariffs on more than 125 billion dollars worth of Chinese imports. China on the other hand increased duties of between 5 percent to 10 percent on a variety of major American exports. As both sides continue to fan the flames, is there still a chance we will see deescalation any time soon? And how does this affect the rest of us in Asia?  We speak to Ross Cameron, fund manager and head of Japan for Northcape Capital on his insights.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Nielsen Global Consumer Loyalty Survey has found that consumer trends are changing, with more options now in the market to choose from coupled with rising cost of living. For more on this, we speak to Luca De Nard, Managing Director of Nielsen Malaysia, about how Malaysian consumer loyalty compares to the rest of the region. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Nielsen Global Consumer Loyalty Survey has found that consumer trends are changing, with more options now in the market to choose from coupled with rising cost of living. For more on this, we speak to Luca De Nard, Managing Director of Nielsen Malaysia, about how Malaysian consumer loyalty compares to the rest of the region. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Boris Johnson's grip is slipping on his own party, as 21 Tory MPs sided with the opposition to take control of the parliamentary agenda. This means, they can now bring forward a bill seeking to delay the UK's exit date from the EU. For more insight, we speak to Patrick Diamond, Associate Professor of Public Policy at the Queen Mary University of London, about the potential outcome of a snap election, as well as how the EU would respond to a UK election.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2019 UPSR or the national Standard 6 exams kicks off and the Education Ministry has stated that a total of about 445,000 candidates have registered to sit for the exam.Earlier in August, the National Union of the Teaching Profession Peninsular Malaysia (NUTP) renewed calls for the examination to be abolished, as part of an effort to move away from an exam-oriented education system.Its secretary-general, Harry Tan said abolishing the primary school level assessment test could lighten the burden and stress on pupils.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the impending start of construction for Indonesia’s new capital in Kalimantan, we speak to Alden Iswanto, Analyst, KRA Group about the cost of the project, and what it will mean for MalaysiaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the impending start of construction for Indonesia’s new capital in Kalimantan, we speak to Alden Iswanto, Analyst, KRA Group about the cost of the project, and what it will mean for MalaysiaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.