Morning Brief

Putrajaya has pledged to prioritise affordable housing projects amid concerns from some residents groups that this could result in excessive development, leading to traffic congestion. Teresa Kok, the MP for Seputeh, shares her views from her constituents' perspectives.Image Credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China’s economy is increasingly looking less likely to reach its 5% GDP growth target - what does this mean for equities? Brock Silvers of Kaiyuan Capital weighs in on whether there are silver linings amid the economic uncertainties. Image Credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia Aviation Group has temporarily reduced its flights and routes until December this year to implement corrective measures after a series of delays and flight cancellations caused the ire of many passengers. Brendan Sobie, Independent Analyst and Consultant of Sobie Aviation explains why this has happened to MAG and what they need to do to repair their reputation and restore confidence.Image Credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A recent report by the healthcare news portal CodeBlue on medical inflation featuring comments from the Chief Executive of the Life Insurance Association of Malaysia (LIAM) has sparked debate on regulatory reform for private healthcare pricing. We get industry perspectives from Datuk Dr. Kuljit Singh of the Association of Private Hospitals Malaysia (APHM) on factors driving up the cost of private healthcare and potential solutions.Image Credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China has experienced a series of trade retaliatory measures, including tariffs imposed by Canada and the EU, in response to its alleged dumping of cheap goods. This comes amid a weak consumer market in the world’s second-largest economy, where e-commerce giants have been warning of declining profits. Gary Ng, Senior APAC Economist at Natixis, shares his analysis of the prospects for the Chinese economy and whether it can achieve sustainable growth.Image Credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Earlier this, the Asia Internet Coalition (AIC), an industry group, sent a letter to the Prime Minister calling for a halt to new social media licensing. The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has since questioned AIC’s representation of tech companies, noting discrepancies and Grab Malaysia’s claim of not being consulted. We turn to Derek John Fernandez, a Commission Member of the MCMC, for insights on these allegations.Image Credit: Malaysia Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With more than three million Malaysians involved in freelance work, the current labour laws are outdated. A new bill to protect gig workers will be tabled in October. We speak to Dr. Sia Chin Chin, Senior Lecturer, School of Law and Governance at Taylor’s University as to what these law should include.Image Credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Vietnam’s newly installed Communist Party chief To Lam has announced he will step down as president, a role he took on after the death of his predecessor, Nguyen Phu Trong. The Deputy Prime Minister Le Minh Khai has also resigned, having violated anti-corruption rules. Dr Nguyen Khac Giang, a visiting fellow at the Vietnam Studies Programme of the ISEAS - Yusof Ishak Institute, shares his analysis.Image Credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2024 Paris Paralympics commences this week with Malaysia represented by a 30-person strong contingent and a target of four gold medals. Malaysia has achieved Paralympic gold glory since the 2016 Rio Games, but why has this not been rewarded with greater investment in para-sports? We get perspectives from Datuk Dr Ras Adiba Radzi, Chairperson of Persatuan OKU Sentral, and also a former Paralympic Shooter.Image Credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A government has yet to be formed in France more than a month after snap elections in July. This week President Emmanuel Macron rejected the nomination of Lucie Castets from the National Popular Front (NFP), the left-wing coalition that won the most seats in the elections. How long can this impasse last and how will it affect the governance of France? We get an analysis from Dr. Benjamin Barton of the University of Nottingham Malaysia.Image Credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Israel and the Hezbollah group exchanged dozens of rockets and missiles over the weekend, in an escalation that drove fears of an all-out Middle East war to new heights. James Dorsey, Senior Fellow at the S Rajaratnam School of International Studies assesses the current situation which has now taken on an uneasy calm.Image Credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Digital Nasional Berhad  announced last Friday that Telekom Malaysia’s Share Subscription Agreement (SSA) to acquire a stake in DNB has been terminated as it failed to fulfill the the conditions. We explore the consequences of this and if it derails the country's 5G plans including the rollout of the second network. Professor Dr. Ong Kian Ming, Pro Vice Chancellor for External Engagement at Taylor's University and Former Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industry gives us his perspective and what clarifications the government should provide for this national utility. Image Credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For decades the Registration of Criminals and Undesirable Persons Act 1969 has caused difficulties for about a million people on the list, making it difficult for them to get jobs, start a business and to basically reintegrate into society. Jerald Joseph, Chair of CSO Platform for Reform, shares his thoughts on this Act which the Home Ministry is now looking to review to give ex-offenders a real second chance.Image Credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore's residential market appears to have cooled this year, registering a price increase of 2.3% versus a cumulative 8% in 2023. Likewise, the rental index of private residential properties fell for a third consecutive quarter. Alan Cheong, Executive Director at Savills Singapore analyses the reasons for this.Image Credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Housing & Local Government Ministry is looking to set up escrow accounts for housing projects to ensure payments by homebuyers are used solely for the properties they have bought. The current practice allows a developer to use purchasers' funds for any of their projects. Adriana Abu, the legal advisor of the National Homebuyers' Association Malaysia shares her views on this proposal.Image Credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today marks the last day of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Illinois. As Kamala Harris will be making an appearance later, most likely to close out the event, we speak to Mark Rozell, Dean, Schar School of Policy and Government, George Mason University to discuss what issues he might touch on.Image Credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has just wrapped up a three-day official visit to India, holding meetings with his counterpart Narendra Modi. Both leaders have also agreed to elevate their relationship from an enhanced strategic partnership to a comprehensive strategic partnership. Rahul Mishra, Associate Professor, at the Centre for Indo-Pacific Studies of Jawaharlal Nehru University shares his views on the significance of this visit.Image Credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia is investing RM10.7 billion in 62 new passenger trains for Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB). Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook confirmed that no KTMB staff will lose their jobs, with costs covered through a 30-year lease with China. Professor Muhammad Zaly Shah, Professor of Transportation Planning and Logistics, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia discusses the impact of this investment, highlighting how it will transform the rail network, enhance service quality, and improve overall efficiencyImage Credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government has announced that a carbon tax will not be introduced in Budget 2025. However, Investment, Trade, and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz says Putrajaya is considering implementing the tax in the future and is currently studying the rollout mechanism. How should Malaysia balance efforts to reduce emissions without compromising the financial health of local companies? Yin Shao Loong, Deputy Director of Research at Khazanah Research Institute, shares his insights.Image Credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Public Accounts Committee has proposed that the government implement a salary cap for federal statutory bodies. This is to prevent agencies from paying excessive salaries to their top executives and reduce discrepancies in pay across different bodies. Dr Muhammad Mohan, the President of Transparency International Malaysia shares his views.Image Credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2024 Democratic National Convention this week will conclude on Thursday, Aug 22, with Kamala Harris formally nominated as the party's presidential candidate. Speakers included president Joe Biden, former president Barack Obama and the party's 2016 presidential nominee Hillary Clinton. Adrian Ang, Research Fellow at the S Rajaratnam School of International Studies shares his assessment of the mood of the delegates during the convention with Election Day less than 3 months to go.Image Credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thailand’s new Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, is inheriting a country that has seen a lower level of economic growth compared to its peers in the region for the past few years. Nonetheless, the Thai economy has been perking up as seen in data from the second quarter of 2024. What sort of policies might her government implement to sustain the apparent positive signs in Thailand’s economy, and what is its outlook in the coming months? We discuss with Erica Tay, Director of Macro Research at Maybank Singapore.Image Credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China's uncertain economic growth has led to a rally in the bond market as investors look for safe haven assets. However regulators are concerned about a bubble but will their measures to curb this market be effective. Alex Muscatelli, Director of the Economics Group at Fitch Ratings tells us whilst weighing in on the impact a China slowdown will have on Asian sovereigns.Image Credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Nenggiri state by-election in Kelantan saw Barisan Nasional beating Perikatan Nasional with a 3,352 vote majority in a straight fight. Political scientist, Dr Azmil Tayeb, associate professor at Universiti Sains Malaysia analyses the results with PN marking its worst by-election performance since GE15 and whether or not this signals a resurgent BN and Umno.Image Credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last Friday Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced salary increases ranging from 7 to 15 percent for the civil service. We speak to Dr Lee Hwok-Aun, Senior Fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute whether the pay hikes are justified and the possible implications for economic growth and productivity.  Image Credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China has been exerting its influence in the South Pacific where nations like Kiribati, Nauru and the Solomon Islands have switched their alliances from Taipei to Beijing. Graeme Smith, a senior fellow at the Department of Pacific Affairs of Australian National University shares his analysis on what China is doing in the global geopolitical scheme of things.Image Credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia’s top two banks were fined a combined RM5 million for prolonged service disruptions that breached financial services laws. We discuss the implications of the penalties imposed on service delivery with Ling Kay Yeow, Partner at Ernst & Young Consulting. Image Credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In January this year, Malaysia and Singapore signed a MOU on the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (SEZ), which aims to boost cross-border economic connectivity. However, talks of incentives are still ongoing, with the Johor government proposing that the Forest City Special Financial Zone (SFZ) be included within the SEZ. We speak to Francis Hutchinson, Senior Fellow, Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute for his views.Image Credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The World Health Organization has declared a global public health emergency due to the Mpox outbreak in Africa, with over 14,000 cases reported this year. Due to the limited availability of doses, vaccination campaigns are expected to be delayed until October. We’ll dive into the details of this disease with Prof. Paul Ananth Tambyah, President of the International Society for Infectious Diseases.Image Credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thailand’s Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has been removed from office after a court ruled he had violated the constitution, in a shock decision that plunges the kingdom into further political uncertainty. This move was a surprise to many including Thai observers as Thavison had only been in power for slightly less than a year. Michael Montesano, Associate Senior Fellow, ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute will be helping us unpack the implications of this moveImage Credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last month, Indonesia raised the minimum age to purchase cigarettes from 18 to 21 in a bid to lower the prevalence of smoking and curb underage smokers. Should Malaysia consider a similar policy? We discuss initiatives to combat nicotine use with healthcare policy expert Azrul Mohd Khalib.Image Credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announcing his resignation in September, his early departure concludes his leadership of the LDP. Despite his efforts to enhance Japan's defence and US ties, his tenure has been marred by a major corruption scandal. We discuss the implications of his resignation on Japan's future with William Pesek, Columnist, Nikkei AsiaImage Credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Underlying US inflation as measured by the core CPI is at its slowest pace since 2021. Is this the confirmation that the Federal Reserve needs to cut rates in September? Tony Nash, CEO of Complete Intelligence tells us his view.Image Credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Digital Minister Gobind Singh has reported that Malaysia lost a total of 3.8 billion ringgit to online scams involving more than 98,000 people from 2021 to April 2024. With that, the government will be introducing new legislation to protect data whilst banks will be beefing up their account opening procedures. Raymond Ram, Certified Fraud Examiner and Anti-Money Laundering Specialist, Graymatter Forensic Advisory gives us an opinion if these measures will work.Image Credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government recently announced that it is looking to enhance protections for intimate partner violence (IPV) beyond the Domestic Violence Act 1994. We speak to lawyer Nooradila Abdul Aziz about the gaps in the current law and recommendations to strengthen action on domestic violence, IPV and stalking.Image Credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite Indonesia’s outgoing president Joko Widodo convening is first Cabinet meeting in the country's planned new capital on Monday, Nusantara is still some way away from being completed. Made Supriatma, Visiting Fellow, Indonesia Studies Programme at the ISEAS Yusof Ishak Institute shares his insights into the challenges this ambitious project to carve a new city from the jungles of Borneo and the future fate of the current capital, Jakarta, which is one of the fastest-sinking cities in the world.Image Credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Malaysian contingent has returned from the Paris Olympics with only two bronze medals. We speak to Haresh Deol, Editor of the online portal Twentytwo13 for an objective post-mortem on the performance of our athletes and more importantly, what needs to be done differently for us to win our first gold medal at the 2028 Los Angeles games.Image Credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Three Malaysiakini journalists were questioned by the police last week to reveal their anonymous sources in their report on high-profile transfers in the police force. What does this signal about the government's stance on media freedom? We speak to Premesh Chandran, Malaysiakini co-founder and also the chairperson of the Malaysian Media Council pro-tem committee about the laws protecting journalists and their sources as well as developments on the Media Council. Image Credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore’s three domestic banks, DBS, UOB, and OCBC, are facing a shift in their earnings trajectory, as they grapple with narrowing net interest margins and slower lending growth. Sarah Jane Mahmud, a senior analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence shares her outlook for the sector amid a potential US rate cut, the recent market volatility and ongoing geopolitical tensions.Image Credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 6 main government-linked investment companies - Khazanah, EPF, KWAP, PNB, Tabung Haji and the Armed Forces Fund Board - have collectively pledged RM120 billion in direct domestic investments, with a focus on the semiconductor sector. Independent writer, P. Gunasegaram, shares his thoughts on a strategy like this, its implications and more crucially, will this truly benefit the rakyat?Image Credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There is confirmation that Ukraine's military has advanced up to 30km inside Russia, the deepest and most significant incursion since the invasion began in February 2022. Dr Alexey Muraviev, an associate professor at the National Security & Strategic Studies of Curtin University talks about what this means for President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's strategy to expel Moscow's troops from areas in Ukraine that they have annexed.Image Credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore marks its 59th National Day today and the first one with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong at the helm. We take stock of his first three months in office and also the potential of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone to shape the regional economy and bilateral relations with James Gomez of the Asia Centre.Image Credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thailand’s Constitutional Court has dissolved the Move Forward Party, citing violations of constitutional norms and banning 11 top leaders for ten years. This ruling is set to reshape the political landscape, especially given the party's notable performance in the 2023 elections. Dr. Termsak Chalermpalanupap, Visiting Fellow, ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute  shares his analysis into the impact of this decision and its implications for the future of Thai politics.Image Credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There has been a significant surge in shipping traffic in the already busy waterways around Malaysia after the US tariff deadline for Chinese goods passed on Aug 1st. This has resulted in delays at Malaysian ports. Ooi Lean Hin, president of the Shipping Association Malaysia, talks about the impact these delays might have on the local economy and businesses relying on timely shipments.Image Credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Meta Platforms recently apologised to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for removing his posts expressing condolences over the death of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh who was assassinated by Israel. The social media platform admitted it was a mistake on their part, eventually restoring the posts. Bradley Freeman, Professor of Digital Media with the School of Arts at Sunway University, analyses the repercussions of this development in relation to Putrajaya's plan to for a social media licensing framework starting next year.Image Credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Democratic President nominee Kamala Harris has unveiled Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota as her running mate, ending days of speculation. What does Walz bring to the table? We discuss reactions to the nomination with Justin Vaughn of Coastal Carolina University.Image Credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Markets were in turmoil this week thanks to a perfect storm of a possible US recession and the unwinding of the carry trade in Japan. Justin Patrie, Senior Director, Credit Policy Group, Head of Fitch Wire tells what other risks we should be aware of in the second half of the year and what are the implications of a US presidential election.Image Credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was always traditional for government departments, ministries and agencies to host lavish official events that included gift exchanges. However, this has raised risks of fostering bribery and compromising ethical standards over the years. Pushpan Murugiah, CEO of the Center to Combat Corruption & Cronyism (C4), shares his insights as the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission raised concerns over this practice.Image Credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The UK is currently seeing its worst riots since 2011, sparked by online disinformation about a deadly knife attack in Southport last week. What is the Labour government doing to quell the unrest and what does this indicate about the socio-economic discontent within British society? Dr Benjamin Barton of the University of Nottingham Malaysia weighs in.Image Credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In recent political news, Perikatan Nasional (PN) is dealing with internal tensions following a dispute with Gerakan over a school donation. PN Secretary-General Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin has assured that the issue has been settled, but the implications for the coalition's future are still unclear. Dr. Oh Ei Sun, Principal Adviser, Pacific Research Centre shares his perspective on how this situation could influence PN's cohesion and stability.Image Credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.