Morning Brief

The 1MDB chapter in the US court system came to a close this week, but Goldman Sachs still has unfinished business with the Malaysian government. We get a refresher with independent business writer P. Gunasegaram on where the 1MDB accountability process stands and the loose threads that need to be tied up by the 1MDB Taskforce.Image Credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Electoral reform advocacy group Bersih has called out the Madani government for appointing two members of the Electoral Commission without an open and transparent process as promised in previous election manifestos. We speak to Ooi Kok Hin, Executive Director of Bersih on how the selection process should be reformed especially in light of the EC Chair becoming vacant today.Image Credit: Gwoeii / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A delegation of US Department of Treasury officials are in town this week to discuss concerns that counter-terrorism funding is being channelled through Malaysia's financial system. We discuss the potential implications and ways to improve our counter-terrorism financing response with Raymon Ram of Graymatter Forensic Advisory.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week President Xi Jinping is embarking on his first European tour since 2019, under vastly different circumstances. His visit to France, Serbia and Hungary comes at a time when tensions with the EU are at a high over Beijing’s support to Russia and contentions over trade practices. Will this visit succeed in reframing the narrative? We discuss the visit with political analyst Dr. Frederick Kliem of Episteme Consultancy and Adjunct Fellow with the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies. Image Credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index has been rallying and so far it has chalked up a tenth successive session, registering its longest winning streak since 2018, thanks to improving market sentiment. Peter Lewis, the founder and director of Peter Lewis Consulting (China) Limited helps us analyse what's been going on and if this upswing has more legs to it.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia recorded a dismal performance, plummeting 34 spots to 107th place in the rankings with our overall score also falling by 10 points to 52, Gayathry Venkiteswaran, Assistant Professor, University of Nottingham Malaysia tells us the reasons for this decline and what the government should focus on to improve those rankings.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) is reportedly planning to issue arrest warrants for Israeli political and military figures, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over allegations of war crimes in the state of Palestine. We discuss the legal proceedings at play with Dr. Juliette McIntyre of the University of South Australia.Image Credit: oliverdelahaye / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week, the Japanese yen plunged to a 34-year low before strengthening to 157, sparking speculation about intervention by Japanese authorities. We discuss the implications of the yen's weakness and what this means for the Bank of Japan with William Pesek, columnist at Nikkei Asia.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing has urged tourism players to comply with the ASEAN Tourism Standards. Nigel Wong, President, Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents shares with us what are the guidelines in these set of standards as well as his review on the recently unveiled strategic direction towards Visit Malaysia Year 2026.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In light of World Press Freedom Day, we discuss the current media landscape in Malaysia as well as assess the Madani government’s commitment to press freedom. Is their rhetoric backed by action? Dr. Benjamin Loh of Taylor’s University weighs in.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Anwar Ibrahim-administration launched the country's inaugural National Human Resource Policy Framework on Labour Day. It aims to address pressing issues like fair wages, job welfare, labour union movements, job mismatches and foreign labour. Adrian Pereira, Executive Director of the North South Initiative breaks down what was unveiled.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An MOU was signed between Malaysia and Singapore to create a Johor- Singapore Special economic zone (SEZ). Details are still pending but both economies and multiple sectors will likely benefit. Thilan Wickramasinghe , Head of Research, Singapore, Maybank Investment Bank tells us what are the ingredients for a success SEZ and which companies stand to do well from this.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Saudi Arabia hosted the World Economic Forum Special Meeting on Global Collaboration, Growth, and Energy for Development this week, with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in attendance. We discuss Malaysia's bilateral ties with Saudi Arabia and the opportunities that could be explored in the aftermath of the event with Bunn Nagara of the Perak Academy. Image Credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Earlier this week the government announced a cabinet reshuffle, the first under Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s watch, which saw six new faces added to the line-up and four ministers dropped. Dr Greg Raymond, Senior Lecturer, Australian National University tells us why these changes were made whilst giving us a review of Thavisin's deliverables or lack thereof.Image Credit: teera.noisakran / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China's retail numbers appear to be healthy so far this year with physical sales up 5.5% for the first two months of this year, while online figures registered a 14% jump, indicating resilience in the e-commerce sector. Catherine Lim, a senior analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence breaks down the numbers and where consumer sentiment in the world's second largest economy is headed for the rest of 2024.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The amendments to the Companies 2016 have come into force on 1 April with all Malaysian businesses that are registered with the Companies Commission of Malaysia having to disclose the names of their beneficial owners. Pushpan Murugiah, Chief Executive Officer, Center to Combat Corruption and Cronyism tells us the implication of this and what more needs to be done to stamp out corruption.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Women, Family & Community Development Ministry is investigating how welfare centres and elder care facilities operate, after video clips where a resident in a welfare home was beaten up. The centre in question was found to not have a proper licence. Delren Douglas, President of the Association for Residential Aged Care Operators of Malaysia (AGECOPE) give us a view of how these centres are regulated ... or not.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The upcoming Kuala Kubu Baru state by-election will see a competitive four-cornered race with the incumbent Pakatan Harapan DAP candidate facing off with Bersatu for Perikatan Nasional, Parti Rakyat Malaysian and an independent candidate. Dr Lau Zhe Wei, Assistant Professor with the Department of Political Science at the International Islamic University Malaysia lays out the different scenarios how this election might pan out when voters cast their ballots on May 11th.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EPF yesterday unveiled details of Account 3, also known as Flexible Account. The restructuring will be applicable for members under the age of 55 and provide flexibility for savings in this third account to be withdrawn at any time. Ng Zhu Hann, CEO & Founder, Tradeview Capital tells us how this restructuring could impact EPF’s portfolio, and who should consider transferring part of the savings from account 2 to this new flexible account.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia is looking to restart negotiations with the European Union on a free trade agreement, 12 years after talks stalled. Is the environment more ripe for an agreement to be reached this time around? We discuss the opportunities and challenges posed by FTAs with former deputy minister of international trade Ong Kian Ming.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

India is currently in the second of seven phases for its parliamentary elections, with the outcome slated for early June. Sanjay Mathur, Chief Economist for Southeast Asia and India, ANZ Bank tells us what set of challenges await for the incoming government, and the economic outlook for the world’s most populous country.Image Credit: Sumit Saraswat / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US Federal Trade Commission is imposing a ban on non-compete clauses in employment contracts, a seismic shift in the US labour environment. Why has the regulator deemed this clause problematic and do the same issues apply in a Malaysian context? We discuss the law with labour lawyer Sunitha Ruthram.Image Credit:  DCStockPhotography/ Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China’s property slump sees no signs of turnaround yet as sales from top real estate companies in March fell by 46%, as did the prices of homes. We speak to Patrick Wong of Bloomberg Intelligence Hong Kong for his outlook on China real estate, as well as what the property data tells us about who's winning the financial hub war between Hong Kong and Singapore.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The National Credit Counseling & Management Agency (AKPK) reported that 53,000 youths aged 30 and below have debt worth nearly 1.9 billion ringgit in total. The bulk of this is a result of credit card debts and personal loans. Rajen Devadason, a licensed financial planner, highlights the growing concern about how the young are not as financially savvy as they need to be while new products provide them with more ways to incur more debt.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The rising number of children, especially those under 13 years old, using social media platforms is alarming, given the risks they encounter, including cyberbullying and exposure to inappropriate content. We'll delve into methods to shield children from these potential harms while ensuring they benefit from valuable digital education, with insights from Nur Arfah Zaini, Licensed & Registered Counsellor and Clinical Psychologist.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As we approach the end of the implementation period for the Higher Education Blueprint 2015 - 2025, the government has signalled that it is beginning work on a successor blueprint to transform the tertiary education system for the next decade. What are the priorities that should be emphasised? We get recommendations from Prof. Zaharom Nain of GERAK.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The recent case of a senior citizen sentenced to imprisonment for petty theft has raised questions about sentencing practices in Malaysia. We discuss what judges take into account when deciding a sentence and the state of access to justice in our legal system with lawyer Edmund Bon.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government is set to open applications for hauliers to obtain a fleet card that will allow them to continue enjoying diesel at subsidised prices the subsidy rationalisation plan is rolled out. But how will this impact retailers. Datuk Khairul Annuar Abdul Aziz, President of the Petrol Dealers' Association Malaysia, shares his insights.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the average Malaysian's life expectancy currently at 78 for men and 80 for women, there will be long-term implications for the country as it becomes an ageing nation. This now raises conversations about the nature and timeline for retirement. Chai Sen Tyng, the senior research officer at Universiti Putra Malaysia' Malaysian Research Institute on Ageing (myAgeing), shares his thoughts on how Malaysia can move towards encouraging a multi-generational workforce.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia hoping to become the natural home for more unicorns, i.e. start-ups valued at more than $1 billion US dollars. As part of efforts to create the right ecosystem, the Ministry of Economy yesterday launched the KL20 Action Plan to attract capital, talent and start-ups to set-up shop on our shores. We discuss the highlights of the strategy with economist Dr. Carmelo Ferlito of the Center for Market Education.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How will the court decide on the judicial review application regarding the royal addendum on former Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Najib Razak’s pardon? We try to untangle the legal process with lawyer Dato’ Vignesh Kumar.Image Credit: NAUFAL ZAQUAN / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the weekend, the US House of Representatives finally approved a $95 billion dollar aid package, which includes $61 billion for Ukraine, $26 billion for Israel and $8bn for the Indo-Pacific region.  In a rare show of bi-partisan support, House Speaker Mike Johnson put his position on the line by getting both support from mainstream Republicans and Democrats. What do these developments indicate about the law-making environment in US Congress? Dr. Adrian Ang of the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies weighs in.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Parti Keadilan Rakyat celebrated its silver jubilee as part of a coalition that is now the country's ruling government, following a substantial time in opposition. Dr Azmil Tayeb, Political Scientist at Universiti Sains Malaysia talks about the path PKR is charting for itself with the 16th General Election which has to happen at the latest by February 2028.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EPF is reportedly going to restructure retirement savings accounts for members below the age of 55, with the formation of a new flexible Account. We speak to Pankaj C. Kumar, Financial Market Columnist as to whether such a move should be welcomed, will it affect dividends and what conditions should be attached to allow for withdrawals.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Joe Biden this week said that the White House would push to raise tariffs on Chinese steel to insulate American producers from cheap imports. The announcement came as the US Trade Representative announced a new investigation into unfair trade practices by China in maritime, logistics and shipbuilding sectors. What does this mean for US-China trade relations? We discuss the dynamics with Richard McGregor of the Lowy Institute.Image Credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The escalation of Middle East tensions earlier this week pushed prices above $90 US dollars per barrel - how might geopolitics influence the price trajectory in the coming months? We discuss factors influencing the demand and supply of oil with analyst Vandana Hari of Vanda Insights.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Starting from December 1st, Singapore employees will be able to seek four-day work weeks, more remote work days, and staggered schedules. We speak to Deepa George, Managing Consultant, MYHRC Services on how this can be best implemented from an employer and employee perspective since this is also provided for under Malaysian labour laws.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysians have one of the highest rates of diabetes in Asia with our love of sugar. We speak to Dr Rafidah Abdullah, Consultant Nephrologist, Hospital Putrajaya on the consequences of unchecked sugar intake to our own wellbeing and the nation's healthcare system which is already stretched.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government aims to woo more investors to Malaysia with a proposed Semiconductor Strategic Plan, which the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) has been tasked with drawing up. We speak to Dato Seri Wong Siew Hai, president of the Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association (MSIA) on industry expectations for the plan and how Malaysia can remain competitive in the sector. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The surge in US Dollar strength is wreaking havoc on emerging market currencies and complicating central bank monetary policy decisions in Asia. We discuss the implications of King Dollar for emerging markets with Saktiandi Supaat of Maybank Group.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aligned with our country’s energy transition objectives, the government has established the Energy Exchange Malaysia (ENEGEM) to facilitate cross-border green electricity sales to neighbouring countries. Ganesha Pillai, Senior Research Associate, Center for Technology, Strategy and Sustainability, Asia School of Business shares his insights into the impact of this initiative on regional energy dynamics.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Around 40 thousand voters will head to the polls on the 11th of May for the by-election of Kuala Kubu Baru. How will each political coalition strategize their campaign and candidate choice ? Dr Oh Ei Sun, Principal Adviser, Pacific Research Centre  helps us answer that question and if the outcome is status quo.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 15 marks a new political era for Singapore as Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong will step down and hand over the reins to his successor, Lawrence Wong. We discuss what this means for Singapore’s future with Dr. Gillian Koh, Senior Research Fellow at the NUS Institute of Public Policy.Image Credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Crude palm oil futures closed weaker earlier this week amid concerns over demand and the rising output of the commodity. Now, with the escalating geopolitical tensions and uncertain economic conditions thrown into the mix, how will this affect the sector moving forward? Alvin Tai, analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence gives us his take.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad has said that the proposed amendments to the Medical Act 1971 or Act 50, which aim to address the gap between the parallel pathway programme and the local master’s medicine programme is almost ready. However will this resolve the imbroglio? Dr. Kelvin Yii, MP, Bandar Kuching gives us his perspective whilst weighing in on the state of public hospitals and how it can be improved.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the weekend, Iran launched a barrage of missiles on Israel in retaliation over an Israeli strike on its consulate in Damascus that killed 13 people. Although no direct targets were hit, the unprecedented attack raises questions over the risk of a wider conflict in the Middle East. Dr. James Dorsey of the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies discusses the potential repercussions of an escalation between Iran and Israel.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following a report that a man had fired a gun at the KLIA terminal building, injuring one person, and another involving an Israeli national who was in possession of 6 guns, we take a look at what gun control is like in Malaysia. Criminal lawyer, Goh Cia Yee, explains Malaysia’s legislation surrounding firearms and ammunition.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Bursa Malaysia Property Index has appreciated more than 68% since October 2022, reflecting improving demand supply dynamics post-pandemic. Positive news flow from Johor and Penang surrounding major infrastructure improvements also helped. Loong Kok Wen, Regional Head of Property, RHB Investment Bank, helps us understand what is fuelling this current rally and will it continue.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The latest Malaysia Retail Industry Report has projected the country's retail sales to grow 4% this year. However, after a 0.2% retail sales contraction for the fourth quarter of 2023, what can we expect for the rest of this year? Patrick Sim, council member of the Malaysia Retail Chain Association’s F&B division shares his insights in a year that is expected to see rising input costs and other challenges.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Advance estimates have revelaed that Singapore’s economy expanded slower than expected in the first quarter of 2024 with a 0.1% growth on a quarter-on-quarter basis, as manufacturing and construction weighed. Meanwhile, China saw its exports contract by 7.5% in March. Selena Ling, Chief Economist, OCBC Bank shares how these developments might impact economic outlook going forward.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.