Morning Brief

Thailand politics has been far from stable over the last decade, with an ongoing cycle of elections, protests and coups. Could the outcome of Sunday’s general election bring an end to the uncertainty? We discuss the initial results with Dr. Greg Raymond of the Australian National UniversityImage by: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Unity Government came together for a show of strength. Even the usual hardline youth wings sang the same tune. Will this be enough for the grassroots and upcoming state elections? To get an analysis on the show, we speak with Dr Azmi Hassan, Senior Fellow, Nusantara Academy of Strategic ResearchImage by: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia’s GDP expanded 5.6% in the first quarter of 2023 compared to a year ago, mainly thanks to domestic demand. But as export continues to see some moderation, can this expansion continue?Image by: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Malaysian Bar in an Extraordinary General Meeting on Wednesday declared a motion of no-confidence against the Attorney General for failing to defend the judiciary, among other resolutions adopted. We hear from Bar Secretary General Anand Raj on why the Bar has taken this stance and what it hopes to see moving forward.Image by: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Indonesia chaired the first ASEAN Summit of the year this week in the Labuan Bajo. Unsurprisingly, the prolonged conflict situation in Myanmar was one of the key issues in the spotlight, however the lack of progress on resolving the crisis continues to have an impact on ASEAN’s credibility as an institutional actor. Is there political will for a different approach? We discuss the outcomes of the meeting with Thomas Daniel of ISIS Malaysia.Image by: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Labour government led by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese unveiled their second budget this week, projecting the first surplus in over a decade. What does the budget say about the government’s policy priorities? We discuss the highlights of the budget and the outlook for the economy with Catherine Birch of ANZ BankImage by: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government is studying policies for a progressive wage system. We discuss the factors contributing to Malaysia’s slow pace of income growth and what’s needed to accelerate the pace to achieve high-income nation goals with Nithiyanathan Muthusamy of Khazanah Research Institute (KRI).Image by: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government announced that it was lifting the ban on renewable energy exports. What are the implications of this for Malaysia’s energy sector? We get reactions from Dhana Raj Markandu, independent energy analyst & consultant.Image by: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The tech war between the US and China is throwing havoc on the Shanghai Composite and Hang Seng Index. China’s recovery was expected to drive up markets, but the year has been mixed so far. To make sense of this, we talk to John Lau, Portfolio Manager, AHAM Capital on his views on China’s markets, economy and policies moving forward.Image by: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The EPF has been constantly in the news since the pandemic hit in 2020 - from the various special Covid-19 withdrawal schemes to proposals to allow members to use their savings as collateral for loans. More recently, a workers’ union group wants employers’ EPF contribution increased from 13% to 20%; and PM Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim wants the fund to increase its domestic investments from the current 64% to 70%. Independent business writer P Gunasegaram unpacks what all these mean.Image by: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Deputy Prime Minister has signalled that the government is looking to pen an agreement with the UNHCR regarding its roles and responsibilities for refugees and asylum seekers. We discuss the policy implications of this with Lilianne Fan of Geutanyoe Malaysia.Image Credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Big Tech’s pandemic boom of the past 2 years was marked by double to triple growth rates. Fast-forward to 2023 and we are seeing Q1 results of between 3% to 9% for giants like Alphabet, Amazon, Meta and Microsoft. Dan Ives, Managing Director of, Wedbush Securities, helps us sift through the analyses of the outlook for the US tech sector, amid the industry’s heavy cost-cutting exercises. Image by: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The traffic congestion in Penang has been an issue for residents with many solutions including the government proposed LRT. Is this the best way forward or are there other holistic solutions to consider. Dr Ahmad Farhan Mohd Sadullah, Professor of Transport Engineering in Universiti Sains Malaysia tells us his answers.Image by: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Turkey will head to presidential and parliamentary elections this Sunday, in what some observers call the most important elections of 2023. We discuss the stakes at play for incumbent President Recep Tayyip Erdogan with political expert Dr. James DorseyImage by: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The World Health Organization announced on Friday May 5 that Covid-19 is no longer a global health emergency, and immediately drew mixed reactions and emotions from health experts and stakeholders alike. Dr Khoo Yoong Khean, Scientific Officer, Duke-NUS Centre for Outbreak Preparedness helps us dissect these fractions and share his thoughts on how we should move forward in this pandemic phase.Image by: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia came in 3rd in this year’s Economist Crony-Capitalism Index. Surprisingly Singapore is ranked 4th. So what defines a crony capitalist economy and how does it differ between Malaysia and Singapore? For answers to this and more, we are joined by Pushpan Murugiah, Acting CEO, Center to Combat Corruption and Cronyism, or commonly known as C4.Image by: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the long Hari Raya weekend, vegetable farmers in the country had to dump surplus fresh vegetables on a large scale, causing millions of ringgit in losses and unnecessary food waste. An ironic situation considering questions over the level of food security in Malaysia and the rising cost of food. Prof. Dr. Fatimah Arshad, Research Fellow at Laboratory of Agricultural & Food Policy Studies, Universiti Putra Malaysia tells us what the solutions to resolve this.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the long Hari Raya weekend, vegetable farmers in the country had to dump surplus fresh vegetables on a large scale,causing millions of ringgit in losses and unnecessary food waste. An ironic situation considering questions over the level of food security in Malaysia and the rising cost of food. Prof. Dr. Fatimah Arshad, Research Fellow at Laboratory of Agricultural & Food Policy Studies, Universiti Putra Malaysia tells us what the solutions to resolve this.Image by: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a country which has had 12 army coups since 1932, will elections which are due on May 14 bring forth a stable government that can appeal to the army and a very divided electorate. James Gomez, Regional Director, Asia Centre gives us an update whilst telling us who might be the Prime Minister.Image by: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a country which has had 12 army coups since 1932, will elections which are due on May 14 bring forth a stable government that can appeal to the army and a very divided electorate. James Gomez, Regional Director, Asia Centre gives us an update whilst telling us who might be the Prime Minister.Image by: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government announced that Malaysia will allow for a dual-wholesale network of the 5G roll-out once national coverage has reached 80% by the end of the year. What are the implications of this decision for telcos and consumers? We get reactions from Alexander Wong, Managing Editor of tech news portal SoyaCincau.Image by: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bank Negara Malaysia, US Federal Reserve, European Central Bank, and Reserve Bank of Australia all raise rates by 25bps this week. It appears central bankers are more concerned about inflation rather than recession. Joining us to share his take on this surprising but not unexpected hikes, we have with us Firdaos Rosli, Chief Economist at Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad.Image by: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia jumped 40 spots in this year’s World Press Freedom Index, ranked at number 73, ahead of regional peers. What accounts for the massive improvement and how do we compare to the rest of ASEAN? We speak to Daniel Bastard of Reporters Without Borders for insights from the report.Image by: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The admission by Daihatsu that it rigged safety tests for four car models that it manufactures, including the Perodua Axia, has put the spotlight on safety standards for cars sold in Asian regions. Auto journalist Daniel Fernandez speaks to us about the implications of the scandal and whether it will have an impact on demand.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to Fitch Solutions, the global rice market is heading towards a record shortfall this year. What factors underpin these projections and what does this mean for the global 3.5 billion rice consumers? We discuss the trends with Priyanka Kishore of IMA Asia.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On World Press Freedom Day, we check in with founder and managing director of our own station, Malek Ali to ask the questions about editorial freedom and the challenge of operating an independent radio in a digital age.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week, rumours were ablaze that certain BN MP's were going to join PN to topple the government. Dr Azmil Tayeb, Political Scientist, Universiti Sains Malaysia tells us if there was any truth to this. He also tells us the chances of sacked UMNO members who may or may not run on the opposition ticket at the upcoming state elections.Image by: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It seems like every other month, company databases are being breached and our personal details are sold on the dark web. Is our PDPA Act strong enough or is this an enforcement issue of the existing laws? Kenny Lam, Partner, RDS Law, joins us to share his thoughts on the state of cyber security and data protection in the country.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Luxury sector continues to be recession proof for the world’s richest person, LVMH CEO Bernard Arnault. And with China reopening, will the good times continue to roll or will the boom end? Deborah Aitken, Senior Equity Analyst for Global Luxury Goods Bloomberg Intelligence, gives us her insights on the industry moving forward.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Regional banks in the US play a significant role in the economy serving small town communities which went unnoticed until the failure of SVB bank. Herman Chan, senior analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence tells us the health of these regional banks and if there should be regulatory changes.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Penang South Islands reclamation project recently received Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) approval from the Department of Environment, to the dismay of fishing community associations and environmental activists who have long protested the mega development. We speak to Mageswari Sangaralingam of Sahabat Alam Malaysia on the implications of the project for marine biodiversity.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

India is set to overtake China as the world’s most populous country, reaching 1.43 billion people by the end of the month. We discuss what these demographic shifts mean for policymakers with Sanghmitra Singh from the Population Foundation of India.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2016 Companies Act was arguably a game changer for Malaysian standards of corporate governance, demanding more accountability from company directors and specifying their duties. But what are the standards expected to ensure good corporate standards?Ranjit Singh, founding partner of Ranjit Singh & Yeoh tells us.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Continuing our two part episode focusing on scams, Ooi Beng Cheang of FPAM comes on the show again this time to talk about online scams. He shares tips on how to spot online phishing scams, what to do when you're caught in one and what you can do if you fall for one.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Joe Biden has officially declared that he is running for re-election in 2024, setting up a potential showdown with erstwhile rival Donald Trump. We discuss the variables in the presidential race with Prof. Robert Shapiro of Columbia University.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Asian central banks begin to press pause on rate hikes while the Fed continues its tightening cycle, what effect would this have on FX trends? We discuss the outlook for Asia-Pacific currencies with Stephen Chiu of Bloomberg Intelligence.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For the 15th straight year, the Economist Intelligence Unit has named Singapore as the world’s leading business environment in its annual Best Place to do Business Report, and that it will hold that position for the next 5 years as well. What sets Singapore apart from other nations? Where is Malaysia? Cheah Wen Chong, an analyst at the EIU, discusses what is in the report.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The list of ingredients in many a packaged food product frequently reads like a chemistry textbook. In light of Taiwan's health authorities detecting excessive levels of a carcinogenic substance in 2 instant noodle brands - one from Malaysia and the other from Indonesia - it is good to know what is safe and what isn't to eat. Dr Chai Lay Ching, Associate Professor at the Institute of Biological Sciences, Universiti Malaya, takes us through how authorities sift through the different chemicals inevitably found in foodstuff.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Intellectual property isn’t always a priority for businesses, be it small or big. Yet, as Malaysia moves toward a knowledge driven economy, it should be essential. Gerald Peter Samuel, Director at Marks & Clerk explains what IP is and the process involved.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Datuk Ramanan Ramakrishnan, the newly-appointed committee chairman Mitra has said that the agency will undergo a comprehensive audit to clean up its accounts after being mired in controversy with claims that millions had been syphoned out since its establishment.Prof Dr P Ramasamy, Perai assemblyperson and Penang deputy chief minister II tells us what reforms needs to be in place to ensure that it does indeed serve the needy Indian community with accountability.Image credit: TwitterSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fighting broke out on 15 April between 2 Generals, previous allies that has since caused the deaths of more than 400 and thousands fleeing the country. David H. Shinn, Adjunct Professor, Elliott School of International Affairs at the George Washington University gives us the reasons for this war, the power brokers involved, the repercussions it has on Sub-Saharan Africa and can peace be achieved?Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In conjunction with World Malaria Day, we speak to Dr Paul Divis, Director of Malaria Research Centre at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) on efforts to eliminate malaria.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recently headlines have been dominated by the bankruptcy of a tycoon. We separate fact from fiction as to the laws regarding bankruptcy with Christopher Guo, Legal Associate at Kenny Tan & Co.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We discuss the progress and developments on Malaysia’s 5G roll-out, including speculation that the government could introduce a second wholesale network with Alex Wong of tech news portal Soya Cincau.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Menu Rahmah is an initiative aimed at providing affordable meals, especially the B40 group at 5 ringgit a meal. Great for consumers but what about F&B players? Abdul Mukthahir Ibrahim, Vice President of Malaysian Muslim Restaurant Owners Association tells us their side of this initiative.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We discuss the implications of the online leaks of classified US intelligence information on the war in Ukraine and the current progress of the Russia-Ukraine conflict with Dr. Alexey Muraviev of Curtin University.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Maybank investment bank recently released their 1st Quarter ESG report. We speak to its author Anand Pathmakanthan, who is also the regional head of research at Maybank Investment Banking Group for the methodology behind it and what companies meet that criteria.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Federal Court dismissed an appeal by DBKL and 3 others to reinstate the development order over a certain part of Taman Rimba Kiara, upholding the 2021 Court of Appeal ruling. What does this judgement then mean for controversial development projects in Kuala Lumpur, and what does it say about the protection of already scarce public spaces? Alliff Benjamin Suhaimi of Messrs Thomas Philip, which represented the TTDI residents explains the implications.Image credit: Low Yen Ying / EdgePropSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China’s GDP grew more than expected in the first quarter, increasing by 4.5% on-year. What does this bode for its economic trajectory for the rest of the year? We get analysis from Gary Ng, APAC economist with Natixis.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The public social media squabble between Transport Minister Anthony Loke and his predecessor Dato’ Sri Wee Ka Siong has put the spotlight on transport links to East Malaysia. We speak to transportation consultant Khair Mirza of Integral Capital on the mechanics of airfare pricing and the viability of state-owned airlines.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.