Morning Brief

Dato’ Sri Amir Hamzah Azizan, the former CEO of EPF has been tapped to become Finance Minister II. What might he bring to the table and what is expected of the fortified MOF leadership? We get reactions from economist Dr. Afzanizam Abdul Rashid of Bank Muamalat.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia is currently strategising two major projects, the tram system in Melaka and the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore high-speed rail. One for vanity, another for necessity. Will these two projects create a catalyst for more people to use public transport for their travels? Will it ease congestion? We discuss their practicalities with Transit Malaysia Member, Bernard Chong.Image credit: Metro TremSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the weekend, several skirmishes were reported between Chinese and Philippines’ vessels in the South China Sea, highlighting continued tensions over maritime territory in the region. We discuss what transpired with security analyst Chong Ja Ian of the National University of Singapore.Image credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Environmental Impact Assessments were introduced back in 1974 under the Environmental Quality Act to evaluate the sustainability and long-term viability of a proposed project or development. However, amid accusations that these EIAs have not fulfilled their purpose, the Natural Resources, Environment, and Climate Change Ministry might want to make it more robust. Kwong Chiew Ee, a member of the Bar Council Environment and Climate Change Committee, explains what this means.Image credit: MalaysiakiniSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

TERAJU was established in 2011 under the Prime Minister's Department to increase Bumiputera participation in the economy, but how successful has this agency been in delivering its mandate? As the government relooks at its strategy to uplift the Bumiputera economy, more focus needs to be done on its proper implementation and ensure support is given to those who need it. Ahmad Yazid Othman, Secretary General at The Malay Chamber of Commerce gives an assessment of TERAJU and what is needed to make it effective.Image credit: BernamaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Investors begin a cautious week as the final Federal Reserve meeting of 2023 looms, hoping for any signals on when central bankers will begin to cut interest rates. Stephen Chiu, Chief Asia FX and Rates Strategist with Bloomberg Intelligence shares with us how recent market movements and impending Fed decision will impact Asian rates as well as currencies.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Russian President Vladimir Putin recently made a whirlwind visit to the UAE and Saudi Arabia last week, covering issues such as the war in Gaza and OPEC+ ties. We speak to Muhammad Faizal Abdul Rahman, Research Fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies to find out the meetings’ wider implications for geopolitics and oil.Image credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia is seeing a demographic transition, with projections indicating that about 15% of the population will be elderly by 2030 - consisting of individuals aged 60 and above. Chai Sen Tyng, a senior research officer at the Malaysian Research Institute on Ageing (MyAgeing), Universiti Putra Malaysia, discusses what should be considered with the Senior Citizen Bill expected to be tabled next year in the Dewan Rakyat to protect the welfare and rights of elderly individuals and their caregivers.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Data from the Programme for International Student Assessment or PISA 2022 showed a steep decline in performance of Malaysian students in all three domains, namely mathematics, science and reading. Chan Soon Seng, CEO at Teach for Malaysia analyses the data, what ails the education industry and how the government can do better to improve the future of Malaysian students.Image credit: Berita Harian OnlineSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Printing Presses Publication Act (PPPA) 1984 gives absolute power to the Home Affairs Minister to ban any publications which are deemed to be prejudicial to public order, morality, security, or which is likely to alarm public opinion. Sheena Gurbakhash, Writer and EXCO Member of PEN Malaysia explains why the powers of this statute is very broad, open to misinterpretation and may impede creativity in the writing industry. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The MyDigital ID programme is set to launch for the public in July next year and is expected to be used for verification to receive targeted subsidies. However, there is also concern about the possibility of data breaches given past experiences of government portals. What's being done to assuage such concerns? We discuss the implementation of national digital IDs with Intellectual Property and Information Technology Lawyer, Foong Cheng Leong.Image credit: Free Malaysia TodaySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s been 21 months since the outbreak of war in Ukraine, and Western financial assistance is beginning to dwindle. On Wednesday, Republicans blocked a bill in the US Senate that would provide much-needed financial support to Kyiv. What impact might this have on the Ukrainian counter-offensive? We get updates from Denys Mykhailiuk, Chargé d'Affaires, Ukrainian Embassy in Malaysia.Image credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government aims to say goodbye to toll gantries via a Multi Lane Free Flow (MLFF) system, thus making it easier for drivers to coast onto the highways. However, The Association of Highway Concessionaires Malaysia pushed a roadblock to the government’s move to directly award the project to a private company. To understand what obstacles this plan faces, we speak to Professor Dr. Ahmad Farhan Mohd Sadullah, Vice-Chancellor and Professor of Transport at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) for his thoughts on the matter.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Global Carbon Budget report highlights that carbon dioxide emissions from coal, oil, and gas continue to increase. This is despite recommendations that there needs to be a 45% decline in gas usage by 2050 to prevent temperatures from exceeding the critical 1.5°C limit. Dr Ali Izadi-Najafabadi, Head of APAC Research at Bloomberg-NEF discusses the implications if no consensus is reached.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysian students scored poorly on the Programme for International Student Assessment 2022 (PISA), even below the OECD average. The data showed that Malaysian students showed weakness in all three literacy measures that include reading, mathematics and science. Is there a weakness in the education system and what remedies are necessary? Datin Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim of the Parent Action Group for Education (PAGE) discusses with us the implications the future of Malaysian’s talent pool faces.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ByteDance’s TikTok has reportedly agreed to invest in a unit of Indonesia’s GoTo group to restart its ecommerce business while the soon-to-be-listed Shein and PDD’s Temu have been taking advantage of consumers’ love of a bargain. Nathan Naidu, Equity Research Analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence talks about this battle for Southeast Asian consumers' eyeballs and wallets.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Malaysian Bar filed for leave for a judicial review to quash the Attorney General’s decision to seek a discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA) of Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s 47 graft charges, even after a prima facie was established and 77 days of trial. The Malaysian Bar raises their concern that this matter is of public interest. Karen Cheah, President of the Malaysian Bar discusses why this pursuit is important to uphold the sanctity of the judiciary.Image credit: BernamaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The UN Climate Change Conference has been ongoing for about a week, and the focus in the last few days has been on fossil fuels. Shazana Mokhtar, Presenter & Producer on the Morning Run who is there in Dubai tell us why this issue has flared up, what are the other significant announcements so far especially from the Malaysian contingent.Image credit: ReutersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Putrajaya is set to announce a quota increase for its 7-year-old Net Energy Metering Scheme by year's end. This comes as the existing quota that was expanded by 630 megawatts back in March this year has already been fully taken up. Davis Chong, President of the Malaysian Photovoltaic Industry Association talks about the growing demand for rooftop solar installations for residential, commercial and industrial buildings driving this latest decision.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shopping traffic has returned back to pre-Covid levels. Lines are forming outside popular stores but their purchasing power is weakened by the cost of living crisis. The Retail Group Malaysia has lowered its retail sales growth rate estimate for the fourth quarter of 2023 to 2.1%. This is down from the 3% the group had estimated back in September. Tan Hai Hsin, Managing Director of Retail Group Malaysia shares with us his views about the retail sector.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A white paper outlining the progressive wage policy has been introduced by the government, scheduled for implementation in June next year. Dr. Carmelo Ferlito, CEO of the Center For Market Education provides his insights into the potential impact of this policy on our wage landscape which is only for those earning RM5000 and below.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is expected to come up with a framework soon to facilitate the registration and regulation of social media platform providers. We discuss how this framework could affect the industry with Alexander Wong, managing editor and co-founder of SoyaCincau.Image credit: MCMCSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chinese property developers are on the edge of collapse and to salvage the battered sector, the Chinese government is proposing a rescue package that is sending shivers down the banking industry. Will this cloud China's pathway to recovery? Eric Yee, Senior Portfolio Manager, Atlantis Investment Management (Singapore) Pte Ltd discusses about the recent events as well as all things related to the Chinese economy.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Kemaman parliamentary by-election just ended with Terengganu Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri emerging as victor thus propelling him onto the national stage as possibly the future face of PAS politics. How will the Prime Minister change tack to entice traditional PAS voters? We speak with Dr Azmil Mohd Tayeb, Political Scientist and Associate Professor, Universiti Sains Malaysia for an analysis of the road ahead for Malaysian heartland politics.Image credit: BernamaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For COP 28, Malaysia has sent its largest contingent led by Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change (NRECC) Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad. Malaysia's theme this year is “Going beyond: Green growth, resilient community and sustainable planet”. Shazana Mokhtar, Presenter & Producer on the Morning Run who is there, gives us an update on this event and what we can expect over the next few days.Image credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2022 was an anomaly with both equities and fixed income performing poorly. This has meant that the 60/40 investment portfolio that has been a cornerstone of a well-diversified portfolio has underperformed but should we dismiss this asset allocation strategy? Abel Lim, Head of Wealth Management Advisory and Strategy at UOB tells us his perspective whilst weighing in on the themes to pay attention to in 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.

In conjunction with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on Dec 3rd, we look at the discrimination faced by this community especially in workplaces. Despite Malaysia implementing the Persons with Disabilities Act in 2008, guaranteeing equal access for PWDs to public facilities, healthcare, and recreation, what issues remain? V. Murugeswaran, President, of the Damai Disabled Persons Association Malaysia, reflects on this.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.