Morning Brief

Parliament recently gave Suruhanjaya Hak Asasi Manusia or the Human RIghts Commission more authority to defend the rights of individuals and also its pursuit in ensuring the rights of children. We speak with Jerald Joseph, former SUHAKAM Commissioner from 2016 to 2022 on how much this decision is welcomed and how the public and the bureaucracy can work together for the common good.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recent price movements of cocoa caused concern among chocolate connoisseurs. The commodity price soared to the highest in 46 years as bad weather and high fertiliser prices affected crop production. How will this further impact the industry? Diana Gomes, Senior Equity Analyst covering consumer goods for Bloomberg Intelligence shares with us her insights on what is affecting this popular commodity.Image credit: ReutersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With development lagging behind that of Malaysia, will the Sabah's 2024 state election be a game changer and help the state achieve its theme of "SABAH TEGUH, RAKYAT TERBELA”? Dr. Firdausi Suffian, Political Economist, UiTM Sabah gives us his view.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The establishment of the Gig Economy Commission Malaysia (SeGim), initially mooted by Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, has now been shelved. It was intended to ensure the welfare of gig workers across the entire economic chain. Datuk Thavalingam Thavarajah, an Employment and Industrial Relations Lawyer and an author of several publications on labour laws, analyses the argument that SeGim would have been doing roles already taken up by other bodies for the same purpose.Image credit: BernamaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Charlie Munger, Warren Buffett’s long-time business partner at Berkshire Hathaway passed away at 99. He was known for being the human capitalist behind Buffett's investment decisions, providing them with the rational compass behind the process. Rajen Devadason, CEO, RD WealthCreation, reflects on Munger's legacy.Image credit: AP PhotosSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The UN Climate Change Conference, also known as COP28 begins today and will run for the next two weeks. What’s at stake in the global negotiations and what does Malaysia bring to the table? We discuss expectations for the event with Gary Theseira of Climate Governance Malaysia.Image credit: AP PhotosSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The fifth edition of the Global State of Democracy report by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance reveals that democratic trends have been declining around the world over the past 5 years. We review the patterns observed in the Asia-Pacific region, including the bright spots as well as aspects of concern with Leena Rikkilä Tamang at the International IDEA.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A local business group has called for the implementation of a 10% low-value goods tax to protect Malaysian brick and mortar businesses from being undercut by foreign vendors. Will this move influence local buyers to purchase more goods locally? We speak with Datuk William Ng, Chairman, Small and Medium Enterprises Association on why this move is much needed for the SME sector and how it will not dampen the growth of e-commerce.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yesterday, the Ministry of Health finally tabled the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Bill 2023 for the first reading in the Dewan Rakyat. However, the revised bill no longer incorporates the Generational Endgame or GEG element which would prohibit the sale to, purchase by or use of tobacco products for those born after 1 January 2007. We discuss the consequences of the amended bill with Azrul Mohd Khalib, CEO, Galen Centre for Health and Social Policy.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We look at the health of the US retail sector on the back of the biggest shopping event in the calendar. Over the weekend, inflation-weary American consumers were coaxed by various discounts happening over Black Friday through to Cyber Monday. Poonam Goyal, Head and Senior E-Commerce & Athleisure Analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence shares with us what US consumers were buying and which players have been benefiting from this.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the weekend, Russia fired more than 70 drones at the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv overnight, in what officials are calling the largest drone attack in the war so far. We discuss the latest developments as the war approaches its second winter with Dr. Alexey Muraviev, Associate Professor of National Security and Strategic Studies of Curtin University.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia eases visa rules for China and India, key sources of tourist arrivals as we push for more revenue in this sector. This is on the back of similar proposals by ASEAN neighbours such as Thailand. Is Malaysia competitive enough to pull tourists from our neighbours while the country grapples with inflationary pressures and a higher degree of expectations from global travellers? We analyse this with Nigel Wong, President of the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Deep reflection occurs at PKR’s Annual Congress as the party changes tack after being on the opposition benches for 25 years. The economy remains the focus while leadership manages dissent and dissatisfaction among the grassroot. Will PKR find its true north without damaging its alliances in the Unity Government? We speak with Syaza Farhana Mohamad Shukri, Associate Professor at the International Islamic University of Malaysia and Visiting Fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China is seeing a spike in respiratory illnesses and pneumonia cases, especially among children, evoking nightmares of the Covid-19 pandemic. However, the World Health Organisation has explained that this is not due to any novel virus but rather due to extended lockdowns having affected their natural immunity. Dr Vinod Balasubramaniam, an associate professor at the Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences explains the situation to us.Image credit: EPA-EFE ImagesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More than 141,000 eligible voters will again vote for their Dewan Rakyat representative in the Kemaman constituency after the Terengganu Election Court's decision in September, invalidated the victory of the PAS candidate in GE15. Adib Zalkapli, Director at BowerGroupAsia analyses how the Barisan Nasional-Perikatan Nasional battle this weekend will pan out.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The three-member panel at the Court of Appeal has decided that, vernacular schools in Malaysia are constitutional. And that the use of Chinese or Tamil in national-type schools is protected by Article 152 of the Federal Constitution. Firdaus Husni, Chief Human Rights Strategist, Malaysian Centre for Constitutionalism and Human Rights (MCCHR) tell us the impact of this ruling whilst also looking at other reasons why it should be permitted.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Public trust and confidence in charities has been shaken due to alleged governance issues at a large NGO. Many will start questioning how much of their donated funds do end up at the target beneficiary. We speak to Raymon Ram, Certified Fraud Examiner & Anti-Money Laundering Specialist, Graymatter Forensic Advisory to understand that compliance checking is everyone's responsibility.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China's property woes continue to be of concern with shadow banking giant Zhongzhi Enterprise Group disclosing last week that it was severely insolvent, revealing a shortfall amounting to USD36.4 billion, which authorities are currently investigating. Louise Loo, China Economist with Oxford Economics, talks to us about how this fallout might impact the overall economy.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to the latest data from the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), Malaysia recorded a cumulative total of nearly 6 million graduates in 2022, with labour force participation of 85% and an unemployment rate of 3.7%. Are these healthy labour stats and do the headline numbers belie the problem of underemployment among Malaysian graduates? We discuss the data and graduate hiring trends with Datuk Shamsuddin Bardan, Executive Director, Malaysian Employers Federation.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The cryptocurrency industry has been plagued by scandals and investigations. This month, we saw two of its figureheads, FTX's Sam Bankman-Fried and Binance's Changpeng Zhao brought down by criminal proceedings. What do these scandals mean for the broader crypto world? Sam Reynolds, senior reporter at Coin Desk shares his thoughts on the matter.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thailand’s GDP expanded 1.5% on-year, in the 3rd quarter of 2023, less than the 1.8% reported in Q2 and lower than economist estimates. This was despite robust domestic consumption and steady tourism recovery. What’s weighing down the Thai economy and how might the Thavisin government respond? We discuss the outlook for our northern neighbour with Erica Tay of Maybank Singapore.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia dreams of developing her own EV and in the meantime has banned the import of such vehicles costing under RM100,000 until that happens. There are also worries that the charging infrastructure may be unable to support the needs of this industry. Datuk Shahrol Halmi, President of the Malaysian Electric Vehicle Owners’ Club shares his perspective.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recently, it was revealed that the total assets under management (AUM) exposure for GLICs on Bursa Malaysia is around 451 billion ringgit, around 25% of the market’s total equity value. This comes as the ringgit is plumbing new depths against the USD. Independent business writer, P Gunasegaram, shares his thoughts on how efficiency and governance at these GLICs can be improved to bring about better value.Image credit: BernamaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg unveiled the state’s largest-ever budget for 2024, totaling 12.4 billion ringgit. Professor Dr. Evan Lau, Head of Strategy, Faculty of Economics and Business, University Malaysia Sarawak tells us what are the drivers of the state's economy and the development gaps.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

India is due to release its second quarter GDP results next week, which some economists have estimated could come in as high as 7% growth. What’s buoying the world’s fifth largest economy, at a time when the outlook for major economies like the US, China, Japan and the Eurozone is less optimistic? We discuss the trends with Sanjay Mathur, Chief Economist for India and Southeast Asia with ANZ Bank.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Fed minutes reveal that it's still maintaining their hawkish policy for the moment due to sticky inflation and its resolve to bring inflation down to long-term target rate of 2%. What does this mean for the other investment asset classes especially since treasury yields have increased in tandem. Francis Tan, Investment Strategist with UOB tells us the answer whilst weighing in on the ideal investment strategy for 2024.Wealth Advice That Matters is brought to you by UOB Privilege Banking. Visit www.uob.com.my/bfm to find out more about upcoming topics.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The deadline for candidates to register in Taiwan’s presidential election is just days away, and the opposition is in disarray. Having failed to come to a consensus on a joint presidential candidate, there are doubts on the ability of the two main opposition parties - the KMT and the TPP - to unseat the ruling Democratic Progressive Party. Brian Hioe, Co-Founding Editor of New Bloom Magazine shares his insights and what this means for the elections come January next year.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore has seen a tremendous rise in family offices, from 400 in 2020 to more than 1,100 today. The government is embracing this segment by providing incentives for Ultra High Net Worth Individuals to set up family offices there, challenging Hong Kong’s traditional role as Asia’s financial centre. Loh Kia Meng of Dentons Rodyk & Davidson discusses the island state's strategy in attracting investors and whether this can be replicated in Malaysia.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

J-KOM’s main focus is to assist the federal government in disseminating information to the people but it has been also accused of being a propaganda machine. Dr Benjamin Loh, Senior Lecturer, School of Media and Communication, Taylor's University tells us if it's time to revamp it with new objectives in light of the many competing government agencies.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MIC and DAP recently concluded their conventions with very different messaging. We check in with Dr. James Chin, Professor of Asian Studies, University of Tasmania on his take on the future of these political parties and their place in this Unity Government.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

OpenAI's 4-member board's sacking of its CEO Sam Altman and co-founder Greg Brockman, led to Microsoft hiring them both a couple of days later to lead an AI research team. The fallout to what OpenAI did continues as over 700 of its staff threatened to resign if the pair are not reinstated. Dan Ives, Managing Director, Wedbush Securities, talks about the repercussions from these developments.Image credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Libertarian economist Javier Milei emerged the overwhelming victor in Sunday’s Argentine presidential elections, defeating his Peronist rival and Economy Minister Sergio Massa by 11% of the vote. Milei campaigned for economic shock therapy to reform Argentina’s beleaguered economy - what does this bode for the country’s policy direction? We discuss the election outcome with political scientist Dr. Tracy Fenwick of the Australian National University.Image credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Putrajaya has renegotiated with selected concessionaires aiming to avoid toll hikes for 19 highways, as part of the government's election pledge. This means the concession period may be extended for at least 30 years longer. Shahrim Tamrin, Senior Journalist with the Vibes, and a former board of directors member at the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS), joins us to analyse this issue.Image credit: BernamaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia’s Q3 GDP expanded by 3.3% year on-year, better than the 2.9% gain in Q2. Lavanya Venkateswaran, Senior ASEAN Economist at OCBC breaks down the factors affecting this performance and what we can expect going forward.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amid reports that a deal was imminent for the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas, US President Joe Biden put forth a US vision for post-war Gaza governed by a revitalised Palestinian Authority. How realistic are these plans? We discuss current developments in the Israel-Hamas war with Middle East expert Dr. James Dorsey.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recent clashes in Myanmar between ethnic resistance groups and the military junta in border areas of the country have raised questions about the strength of the current regime. Are we seeing a turning point in the Myanmar crisis? Jason Tower of the United States Institute of Peace weighs in on developments.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Investment, Trade & Industry Ministry has implemented a 2-year moratorium to study challenges faced by the local iron and steel industry and update the industry’s direction in line with the New Industrial Master Plan 2030. The temporary suspension will affect all aspects of the iron and steel industry’s manufacturing licence processes, like new applications, licence transfers, expansions and more. Jarrod Lim, CEO of the Malaysia Steel Institute, an agency under MITI breaks down the issue for us.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Madani government targets to table the Malaysian Media Council Bill by March 2024 and engagements involving industry players, civil society organisations and other stakeholders are ongoing. Wathshlah Naidu, Executive Director, Centre for Independent Journalism, one of those involved in this effort talks to us about the latest developments.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Electoral watchdog Bersih has been calling for constituency development funds to be given equally to all MPs irrespective of their support for or against the government of the day. The urgency of this issue has returned to the forefront after 4 opposition MPs declared their support for the Madani government citing the need for funding allocations for their respective constituencies. Bersih's executive director Ooi Kok Hin talks to us about the challenges in institutionalising a CDF law.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The APEC summit, which has a membership of 21 countries, is ongoing in San Francisco. As a bloc, its members produce around 11.4 trillion US Dollars in exports. Calvin Cheng, Senior Analyst in the Economics, Trade and Regional Integration division at ISIS tells us what the benefits of joining this bloc especially from the Malaysian perspective.Image credit: BernamaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Indonesian embassy has reported that approximately 90% of complaints received are related to domestic helpers. To raise the standard of protection, the maximum recruitment cost for a new Indonesian domestic worker is RM15,000, and applications can only be done via Sistem Maid Online (SMO) and Sipermit owned by the Indonesian Embassy. We check in with His Excellency Datuk Hermono, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Malaysia if that would help to ensure a fair and just working environment.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Economy Ministry is in discussions with banks and financial institutions to develop an energy transition financing mechanism for companies to participate in green projects. We ask Cedric Rimaud, Independent Sustainable Finance Consultant the difference between that and green financing and what have been the recent challenges in this space.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the increased scrutiny on the constitutional validity of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Bill 2023, New Sin Yew, Constitutional and Human Rights Lawyer tells us to what extent are legal arguments based on the Constitution, considered absolute, and is it valid to consider this bill as unconstitutional.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We dissect the second meeting between US President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum after a rocky year of tensions between the two superpowers. We speak to Dr Pradeep Taneja, senior lecturer in Asian studies from the University of Melbourne on the outcome of this high-level meeting.Image credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sirul Azhar Umar has been freed from detention in Australia. Convicted for the murder of Mongolian model Altantuya Shaariibuu, can he be extradited since the mandatory death penalty has been abolished? However, the death sentence can still be meted out, subject to the court's discretion. We ask Edmund Bon, lawyer from Amer Bon Advocates for his insights on the matter.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia will reach the status of a “super-aged nation” by 2056 as more than 20% of the population will be above the age of 65. Yet, EPF has highlighted that 45% of Malaysians do not have 100 thousand ringgit in savings upon retirement. Munirah Khairuddin, Country Head and CEO of Principal Malaysia tells us what are some the possible solutions to this structural issue.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With reports circulating that Sabah’s Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor is considering an early state election, we ask Dr Oh Ei Sun, Principal Adviser at Pacific Research Center of Malaysia and Senior Fellow at Singapore Institute of International Affairs on what is the cause of the ground swell that is urging him to call for an early election.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

San Francisco will host the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) conference, starting today till November 17th. This economic summit will also bring both US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping for their 2nd face-to-face meeting. We discuss the expectations of APEC 2023 with Chong Ja Ian, Associate Professor at the National University of Singapore.Image credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Langkawi has been receiving negative publicity of late ranging from tourists being stopped for allegedly dressing inappropriately, reports on a ban on alcohol and overpriced food. The island is also not easy to get to, especially for foreign tourists, with few international inbound flights and limited passenger ferry services. Shaharuddin Saaid, Executive Director of the Malaysian Association of Hotel Owners, gives us the lowdown on what the real issues are plaguing the island of legends.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the Meteorological Department warning of heavy rains till March 2024, how prepared is Malaysia this time to avoid the disaster of the 2021 floods. Amran Mahzan, Executive Director of MATCH Foundation gives us that answer and how we can also contribute.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.