Morning Brief

Parliament will reconvene next week on Monday for its first full sitting since GE15. Dr. Wong Chin Huat, political scientist, Sunway University tells us why parliamentary reform is essential to ensure that democracy thrives in this country.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the threat of a global recession looming overhead, what does this mean for consumer sentiment, especially in the Asia-Pacific region? We discuss consumer trends with Liyana Yahaya, Senior for Regional Analytics & Insights, NielsenIQ.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the world shifts towards renewable energy, the decommissioning of fossil fuel asset becomes a primary consideration. Are there standardised regulations to ensure this is done correctly and what are the complexities involved, William Attwell, Associate Director from Sustainable Fitch tells us.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced last week that development allocations for MPs would be reduced by 65% to RM1.3 million as part of efforts to control government finances. What are the implications of this move for MPs and their constituents? Two-term former MP Ong Kian Ming explains the potential consequences.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Subang is going to be brought back to life under the Subang Airport Regeneration Plan announced by Transport Minister Anthony Loke on Monday. The minister said the plan would be a major game-changer for the airport, and includes bringing back narrow body jets to the facility for both commercial and cargo flights. What are the implications of the S.A.R.P. for Malaysian aviation? We discuss the proposed redevelopment with Shantanu Gangakhedkar of Frost & Sullivan.Image Credit: AZIRULL AMIN ARIPINSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re continuing to see the fallout of UMNO’s mass purge of members last month, with former prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri saying he is ready to retire from mainstream politics. Separately, Noh Omar said he has no intentions to join any political party, but he is open to telling “the truth” be it for PN or UMNO. What does all this mean for the future of UMNO or politics in general especially when PN has already revealed its shadow cabinet? For insights, we speak to Shazwan Mustafa Kamal, Associate Director, Vriens and Partners.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Minister for Digital and Communications Fahmi Fadzil last week announced the Unity Fixed Broadband package which provides high-speed broadband for RM69 per month targeted towards the B40 income, people with disabilities and senior citizens. How far will this go in addressing the digital divide in the country? Alexander Wong of SoyaCincau weighs in on this and other digital policy initiatives.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Saturday, the US shot down the Chinese surveillance balloon that had been making its way through US airspace  with the Navy and Coastguard collecting the debris to look for clues as to its actual purpose. China said the balloon was for meteorological research. Chong Ja Ian, Associate Professor, Department of Political Science, National University of Singapore tell us what the political repercussions will be from this.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With rising inflation hitting the lower-income segments doubly hard, what can the government do to alleviate cost-of-living burdens beyond economic theory? We assess government action with economist Dr. Shankaren Nambiar, senior research fellow from the Malaysian Institute of Economic Research.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Local university UCSI released rather alarming research recently which found that 73% of close to 1,100 Malaysians aged between 18 and 40 are in debt. The key driving factors for taking on more leverage were financial constraint (42%), inflation (22%) and luxurious lifestyle (21%). This would imply that three-quarters of Malaysian youths do not have sufficient capital for financial commitments. For insights, we speak to Associate Professor Dr. Hassanudin Mohd Thas Thaker, Head of Research and Postgraduate Studies UCSI University.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Narendra Modi government laid out a slew of measures in the federal budget tabled this week to bolster job creation and attract investment ahead of elections due in the next 15 months. However overshadowing the budget tabling is the ongoing market rout of Adani Group, one of India’s largest conglomerates; billionaire founder Gautam Adani is known to have close ties to Modi. We discuss the implications of the budget and the Adani saga with economist Vishnu Varathan.Image Credit: Amit.pansuriya / ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transparency International released its 2022 Corruption Perception Index (CPI) report on Tuesday, in which Malaysia dropped in score to 47 out of 100. This year marked the third year of decline for the country, after reaching a high of 53 in 2019. Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Anwar Ibrahim has pledged to reverse the declining trend, and said he would not compromise on any form of corruption. How closely does the government’s rhetoric match its actual actions, and what should be the primary focus in tackling corruption? Dr. Muhammad Mohan, President of TI-Malaysia assesses Malaysia's performance and what needs to be done to arrest the CPI decline.Image credit: T. SchneiderSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister warned that the government had debts and liabilities of some RM1.5 trillion ringgit. So as we head to the tabling of Budget 2023 on 24 February, what should the economic priorities of this Unity Government be? P. Gunasegaram, independent business writer weights in whilst telling us the other priorities to be considered.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trump kicked off his campaign to reclaim the White House in 2024 last weekend, visiting two early-voting states, New Hampshire and South Carolina and brushed aside criticism that his run was off to a slow start. Also, an increasing number of elected officials have expressed concerns about Trump's ability to beat Democratic President Joe Biden, if he decides to run again. Will Trump be able to mount a successful comeback in time for the presidential elections? For answers, we speak to Robert Shapiro, Professor of Government, Columbia University.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recently, Minister for Local Government Development, Nga Khor Meng said that local council polls must take a backseat, until the government has managed to revive the economy and address the people’s problems first. We explore why governments of the day are so reluctant with Danesh Prakash Chacko, Director of Tindak Malaysia and the importance of it.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim concluded a half-day official visit to Singapore, his first as Malaysia’s 10th Prime Minister. We check in with Thomas Daniel, Senior Fellow at ISIS Malaysia on the future of bilateral ties and how we can improve trading relations.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tensions are flaring between Palestine and Israel following a raid by the Israeli military last Thursday in the town of Jenin in the occupied West Bank. In the aftermath of the Jenin raid, the Palestinian National Authority withdrew its security cooperation with Israel. Meanwhile Israel’s security cabinet signalled plans to relax gun laws and withdraw Palestinian social security rights. Will this latest surge of violence become a prelude to another uprising in Palestine? Middle East expert Dr. James Dorsey weighs in.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The mass purge of UMNO members sent shockwaves although names which included Khairy Jamaluddin and Tan Sri Noh Omar were not a surprise. Reasons cited include criticising the party president and working with opposition parties during GE15. Dr Azmi Hassan, Senior Fellow, Nusantara Academy of Strategic Research helps us unpack the consequence of this move.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Overcrowding in public hospitals have reached alarming levels in Malaysia. Azrul Khalib, Chief Executive, from Galen Centre gives us the reasons for it whilst sounding the warning bells on the urgency of critical holistic reform needed for healthcare.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What makes Singapore’s HDB affordable housing scheme so successful, and can this model be replicated here? We discuss this with Alan Cheong, Executive Director of Savills Singapore with affordable housing being a long standing issue in Malaysia with Bank Negara noting that there has been severe mismatch of demand and supply.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can China lift Asia economies? The Covid lockdowns hampered the region’s economy hard. Asia was also unique in that it may have been the first to lockdown but it was also slow to reopen. Some of Covid holdouts like Hong Kong, Taiwan and Japan only played catch-up in recovery with much of the world in the latter half of last year. What headwinds is Asia sailing into and will China reopening be a big boost? For answers we speak to Arup Raha, Head of Asian Economics at Oxford Economics.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the latest earnings season kicks in, what trends can we glean from early tech sector results, including from the likes of Tesla, Microsoft and Intel? Dan Ives of Wedbush Securities weighs in with his tech outlook.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The shock resignation of former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has shone a spotlight on the effects of burnout in the workplace. How can employers and employees address long-term fatigue in the corporate world? HR consultant Deepa George weighs in with tips on how to deal with burnout.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What constitutes vote-buying under the Election Offences Act? Why are veteran politicians seemingly confused about what electoral corruption looks like? We discuss urgently needed reforms in political financing with Thomas Fann of Bersih.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Although the inflation rate is slowly moderating, Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli believes that consumers can do more to arrest price increases. He recently singled out restaurant dining as one of the main contributors to inflation and urged customers to make educated purchases. Economist Dr. Geoffrey Williams weighs in on how smart consumerism can temper inflation as well as other policies the government can consider.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

OCBC is forecasting global growth to come in slightly below 2% for 2023. However its likely to be a tale of 2 halves with a better second half thanks to Federal Reserve inching close to the terminal rate. Selena Ling, Chief Economist at OCBC tells why she has this view.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The announcement of Jacinda Ardern's resignation as Prime Minister of New Zealand surprised political observers both locally and abroad. What legacy does she leave behind and can her successor Chris Hipkins lead the Labour party to victory when Kiwis vote in the October general elections? Grant Duncan of Massey University weighs in on the political outlook of the country.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We discuss what’s ahead for Hong Kong equities in the coming year with Peter Lewis, Founder & Director, Peter Lewis Consulting in Hong Kong.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2021, 1650 cars were stolen which is actually a decline from 2020 but most are still avoidable. Daniel Fernandez, Managing Director, at online car portal, dsf.my gives us the reason why this remains an issue in Malaysia with the onset of new scams.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bank Negara Malaysia surprised markets by keeping the overnight policy rate at 2.75 percent yesterday. It revealed that data showed Malaysia recorded economic expansion in the last quarter of 2022 and headline inflation moderated slightly from high levels in recent months. However, with the FED still sticking to its hawkish stance, will we see BNM hiking the OPR in the coming months? For answers, we speak Julia Goh, Senior Economist, UOB Malaysia.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Selangor Menteri Besar recently announced plans to establish a Greater Klang Valley area comprising 4 cities in Selangor within the next decade. These four cities are Petaling Jaya, Subang Jaya, Shah Alam, and Klang, which is still a municipality currently. What is driving this initiative and are there any synergies to be derived? For insights, we speak to Cha-Ly Koh, CEO & Founder, Urbanmetry.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Justin Chan, Equity Research Associate CLSA helps us navigate CLSA's 2023 tongue in cheek Feng Shui Guide as we understand the months, sectors and asset classes that will likely outperform for the different element and zodiac signs.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Six states that did not hold concurrent elections during the 15th general election last November must do so this year as their five-year mandate comes to an end. Aside from the dates, all eyes are on Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan as to whether their cooperation at the federal level will continue in these state polls. But can a collaboration be strong enough to take on Perikatan Nasional? For some answers, we speak to Adib Zalkapli, Director, BowerGroupAsia.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since late November 2022, share prices of Wynn Macau, MGM China Holdings and Sands China have risen sharply due to the award of new licenses to the city’s existing casinos. This outperformance continued with China reopening its borders on January 8. But can the gaming industry reach pre-pandemic levels this year and what casino stocks should investors be focusing on - VIP or Mass? For insights, we speak to Angela Han Lee, Senior Equity Analyst, Bloomberg Intelligence.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A total of 3.8 million vehicles are expected to use expressways this Chinese New Year but with 4000 fatalities registered just from January to September last year, how can we make our roads safer? Professor Dr Kulanthayan Mani, Head of Putra Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion Research Group under the Department of Community Health at Universiti Putra Malaysia tells us.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2022 was a year of volatile commodity prices, no thanks to the Russia-Ukraine war and an uncertain economic outlook. But will 2023 have a more positive outlook on the back of China's reopening and which metals should shine this year? Daniel Hynes, Senior Commodity Strategist from ANZ answers those questions. Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his cabinet had a one day' working retreat aimed at strengthening cooperation and unity among the ministers taking a cue from companies where for some it was an annual or even bi-annual affair. However before embarking on one, what are the critical questions that should be asked to ensure efficacy? Indira Nair, Communications Coach tells us.Image credit: TwitterSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bank Negara Malaysia's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting starts today and will continue tomorrow. Most economists are expecting a 25 bp increase bringing the OPR to 3.0%. Another key event to watch is the tabling of a revised Budget on February 24 where the Prime Minister Anwar's statement that the national debt including liabilities has reached 1.5 trillion Ringgit. This may provide some clues on the direction of the Budget. How will this impact Bank Negara Malaysia's monetary policy direction? For insights, we speak to Abdul Mui'zz Morhalim, economist, MIDF research.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the biggest negatively impacted sectors from the pandemic was property which saw sales and launches decline. Recovery was seen in 2021 and also last year but still below pre-pandemic levels. Chan Ai Cheng, President, Malaysian Institute of Estate Agents tell us if recovery is in view for 2023 despite the economic slowdown and rising interest rates.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister and his cabinet attended a one day retreat to bolster consensus and solidarity among Ministers whilst discussing the future direction of the government and set KPIs for each ministry. Such a retreat appears imperative as the government comprises parties that contested against each other at GE 15. Additionally, with six state elections due this year, Anwar’s ministers will have to strategize how to work together to show a united and stable federal government. But how will the KPIs be set? What should the priorities be, especially since the rakyat’s patience may wear thin if no results are forthcoming soon. For some thoughts on this we have with us Tricia Yeoh, CEO, IDEAS.Image credit: TwitterSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are strong expectations that the average Chinese consumer will be back with a vengeance with the relaxation of Covid-19 restriction and the opening of borders effective January 8. But this reopening has not been without its headwinds as we have seen higher hospitalisation rates and also deaths in China. China remains a crucial market for categories geared toward consumers with higher incomes on the back of rising affluence. But with a still uncertain environment and fluid nature of this reopening, how should investors be positioning for stocks within the consumer sector? For insights, we have Catherine Lim, Senior Analyst Bloomberg Intelligence.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Umno General Assembly concluded last Saturday where nearly 3,000 delegates convened and heard from party leaders on the future direction of the party. The biggest development was the passing of a resolution to not have the party’s top two positions open for contest in its upcoming election. But will this sit well with the grassroots and can this party recover from their poor performance at GE15. Dr Bridget Welsh, Honorary Research Associate, Asia Research Centre, University of Nottingham Malaysia gives us her views.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Malaysian government said it may consider a ban on exporting palm oil to the EU in response to the bloc’s latest lawwhich bans imports of grown on deforested land including palm oil and its derivatives. Dr. Sathia Varqa, co-founder, Palm Oil Analytics tells us what this means for CPO prices and will such a ban work.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2022 was the era of the King Dollar led by the aggressive rate hiking cycle of 425 bps by the Fed. But there are expectations of the Fed being at the tail end of its hiking cycle and also supported by the modest inflation print for December. The Bloomberg dollar index is down 2% YTD. With this, we have seen Asia currencies appreciate across the board. What does this mean for the global currency outlook in 2023? For answers we speak to Jeff Ng, Senior Currency Analyst, MUFG.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sri Lanka’s critical debt restructuring is facing further delays as China and India has yet to formally agree to a write-down of their loans. The IMF will not release the cash until China and India first agree to reduce Sri Lanka's debt and this would delay the bailout that Sri Lanka was supposed to get. We speak to Anushka Wijesinha of the think tank Centre for a Smart Future for some thoughts.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US inflation print was released yesterday where core inflation came in at 5.7%, which points to signs of interest peaking and reaching a point of stability. This may be the much needed inflection point for fixed income and drive interest in this asset class. With the era of the King Dollar likely behind us and we get closer to the terminal Fed Funds Rate will emerging market bonds outperform developed market bonds? Additionally, should it be investment grade or high yielding? For insights, we speak to Ang Beng Kuan, Head, Fund Management Hong Leong Islamic Asset Management.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since 1959, Malaysia has seen 14 single coalition simple majority governments until the fateful GE15 that resulted in a hung parliament for the first time in our history. And after what seemed like a very long 5 days from the time we voted, the political uncertainty ended with the country’s five major parties, PH, BN, GPS, GRS and Warisan agreed to a coalition government. But is a hung parliament negative for a democracy and should there be a relook at our electoral system? For some answers we speak to Dr Wong Chin Huat, Political Scientist, Sunway University.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The shortage of workers which is still plaguing many local industries. Recently, the Home minister said that employers applying for foreign workers from 15 countries will be able to get their applications approved within three days. This is limited to seven sectors and employers are now precluded from going through pre-conditional hiring qualification and quota eligibility. While this may be a welcome move, it is still a short term solution. Hence, what are some of the longer term measures the government should be looking at? For insights, we speak to Datuk Shamsuddin Bardan, Executive Director of Malaysia Employers Federation.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At GE15, UMNO had its worst performance, winning just 26 seats. With that, at its General Assembly, how much soul searching will take place and will there be a leadership challenge? Dr Azmi Hassan, Senior Fellow of the Nusantara Academy of Strategic Research tells us what to expect.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2022 saw the selloff of most asset classes, no thanks to the Federal Reserve adopting a very hawkish monetary policy. And with the IMF warning that the global economy will slow in 2023, what are the investment opportunities and how important is it to stay invested? This conversation is brought to you by Standard Chartered Malaysia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.