Morning Brief

There has been considerable outcry over potential disciplinary action taken against Cikgu Fadhli Salleh, a primary school teacher in Gombak, for social media posts critical of the education system. We discuss the rules governing civil service discourse on government policy and what this case reveals about the state of Malaysian education.Image credit: fuadstephan / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A plot is afoot to rid the Prime Minister of United Kingdom which is emanating from her own party after a disastrous mini-Budget which has already taken the career of chancellor, Kwasi Kwarteng.  Professor Chandran Kukathas, Dean of the School of Social Sciences, Singapore Management University, gives us the chances that Liz Truss can survive beyond Halloween. Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Will PAS' decision to stick with Perikatan backfire on them? Or will this change post elections and alliances that are formed with UMNO/BN? For insights, we speak to Asrul Hadi Abdullah Sani, Deputy Managing Director from BowerGroupAsia who will also touch on PAS’ strategies and grassroots support. Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Government-linked companies are a standard feature of the Malaysian corporate landscape, with top posts at GLCs often politically appointed by the government of the day. However the constant change of governments over the past 4 years has seen the Prime Minister trying to secure support through political appointments at GLCs, leaving a negative impact for business and the broader economy. How do we mitigate the fall out of the GLC appointment cycle? We discuss proposals for reform with business writer P. Gunasegaram.Image credit: Najmi Arif / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There will likely be no major surprises with Xi Jinping securing a third term as party secretary general. But the more important factors - relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions and who Xi appoints to his government will be closely watched. For more understanding on this, we speak to Angeline Tan, Researcher in the Foreign Policy and Security Studies programme, ISIS Malaysia. Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prasarana and MRT Corp have come under fire recently for poorly maintained station facilities and unreliable train services. Why does the Kuala Lumpur public train system fall short of regional peers? We get perspectives from transport analyst Datuk Ridza Abdoh Salleh.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UK Prime Minister Liz Truss looks set to abandon her deeply unpopular mini budget and its tax cuts after weeks of volatile financial market. We speak to Douglas McWilliams, Chief Executive and Founder of CEBR, for his views on this, and whether the Governor of the Bank of England will keep to his promise to end the bond purchasing program.Image credit: EPA-EPESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Malaysia head into GE15, the running of the country is in the hands of a caretaker government. But what are the limits of its powers? What are the remedies if it does so? Beatrice Chin, Constitutional Lawyer, gives us her answers. Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As we head into GE15, we can expect more disinformation to circulate. How can we be on guard against this? Munira Mustaffa, Executive Director of Chasseur Group, tells us the signs of how to distil fact from fiction.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While there were certainly monetary benefits, grants and tax cuts, could there more to be done to address other softer issues? For some context we speak to Datuk William Ng, Chairman, Small and Medium Enterprises Association.Brought to you by Mah Sing. Reinvent Spaces. Enhance Life. Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Ferdinand “Bong Bong” Marcos Jr. marked 100 days in office last week. To the surprise of some, he has opted for a path of traditional statesmanship and policy moderation in his first 3 months, especially when compared to his predecessor Rodrigo Duterte, who was known for his firebrand politics and violent crackdown on drugs. However, amid deteriorating economic conditions in the Philippines, the president’s jet-setting and his family’s love of parties has been heavily criticised by the public. We speak to political analyst Andrea Chloe Wong for her review. Image credit: EPA-EPESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many quarters were opposed to holding the 15th general election during the monsoon season, especially given the unprecedented floods in December last year, but Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri has finally dissolved parliament. What does this say about who really is in charge of UMNO, and is this election theirs to lose? Dr Oh Ei Sun, Principal Adviser, Pacific Research Centre gives us his views.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Budget 2023 included proposals to make Malaysia more business-friendly to attract more foreign direct investments. These included the extension of various tax incentives on eligible green projects and the implementation of a 15% global minimum tax to be implemented in 2024. Michel van Crombrugge, Vice President of the Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce & Industry talks to us about what Budget 2023 got right and what it missed, as well as the ongoing labour issues Malaysia continues to face.Brought to you by Mah Sing. Reinvent Spaces. Enhance Life. Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The war in Ukraine has taken another turn after Russian forces launched air strikes across the country, in the most extensive attack by Russia since the beginning of the war. Although Russia said that it only targeted military, energy and telecommunications facilities, there is evidence that civilian infrastructures such as residential buildings and schools were also hit. Does this indicate a changing of tactics from the Russian military? We discuss the latest developments with Alexey Muraviev of Curtin University.Image credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We discuss the country’s economic outlook with UOB senior economist Julia Goh following Budget 2023, and whether Malaysia will achieve GDP growth of between 6.5 to 7 percent this year, and projected GDP to grow between 4 to 5 percent in 2023 as it contents with bloated operating and development expenditure.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government appears to proceed with its proposal to close down the office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees in Malaysia, as disclosed in a written reply to Parliament recently. What implications will this have for the protection of refugees and asylum seekers here? We speak to Lilianne Fan of Geutanyoe Project on this matter.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Malaysia gears up for the 15th General Election, we speak to Thomas Fann of Bersih on the role of the Election Commission during this pivotal period. Thomas also weighs in on why it's important for voters to exercise their right at the ballot box.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government has ratified the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CP-TPP), 4 years after the agreement was signed in 2018. According to MITI, all legal amendments related to the CP-TPP have been completed, and the trade deal will come into effect for Malaysia on Nov 29th. How will this benefit Malaysia? We speak to Dr Juita Mohamad of IDEAS about the impact of the deal for Malaysian trade.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government is hoping to embark on an ambitious legislative initiative in the generational end-game tobacco bill, which would stop the sale of tobacco products to those born in 2007 and beyond. Dr Helmy Haja Mydin, Consultant Respiratory Physician and Technical Advisor to Ministry of Health on tobacco control, gives us an update on whether and when it will be passed in Parliament.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Analysts expect Budget 2023 to remain expansionary, with some even speculating that it could be higher than Budget 2022, which was the highest on record at RM300 billion. Can Budget 2023 thread that fine line of providing a cushion for economic volatility, while also ensuring fiscal discipline? Firdaos Rosli, Chief Economist of Bank Islam Malaysia shares his expectations.Brought to you by Mah Sing. Reinvent Spaces. Enhance Life.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

OPEC+ members agreed to impose production cuts of up to 2 million barrels per day in a bid to keep oil prices elevated. This is the most significant round of cuts since 2020. What does this mean for oil prices? Salih Yilmaz, analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence, gives us that answer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The latest findings of the Public Accounts Committee on the littoral combat ship (LCS) and MySejahtera controversies highlight the gaps in public procurement processes and implementation. We speak to Dr Muhammad Mohan, President of Transparency International Malaysia, on the lessons that should be learnt from these projects as well as his Budget 2023 wishlist.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour shortages, the rising cost of building materials and looming recession fears continue to stifle the construction industry. So what will help the industry get back on their feet? And what is their wishlist for Budget 2023? Oliver Wee, President of Master Builders Association Malaysia (MBAM) tells us.Brought to you by Mah Sing. Reinvent Spaces. Enhance Life.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thailand has been one of the slower ASEAN economies to recover from the pandemic slump. In a further blow to the economy, Thailand is facing its worst flooding in years, impacting its tourism and agricultural sector. What policy levers does Bangkok have to stimulate economic growth? We discuss the outlook for the Thai economy with Krystal Tan of ANZ Bank.Image credit: teera.noisakran / ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Budget 2023 slated to be tabled on October 7th, questions arise whether Pakatan Harapan would abide by the MOU signed with the government and support the budget. In addition, is PH coming up with its own shadow budget to provide an alternative to the voting public? We speak to PKR member and Subang MP Wong Chen on opposition expectations for the budget.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Although mid-tier companies represent around 2% of total business establishments, they contribute around 40% to Malaysia's GDP. How can Budget 2023 create a level playing field for Malaysian mid-tier businesses which are so important as they attempt to compete in regional markets? We speak to Callum Chen of the Malaysian Consortium of Mid-Tier Companies for their budget wishlist.Brought to you by Mah Sing. Reinvent Spaces. Enhance Life.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brazilians went to the polls to vote for a President, which ended in a runoff which is now scheduled for October 30th. The main candidates for Latin America’s largest economy could not be more different in personality and policy. Clara Ferreira Marques, columnist, at Bloomberg Opinion gives us her opinions on President Jair Bolsanaro and Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and who might win.Image credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has made requests to attend the current Dewan Rakyat sitting and to visit his constituency in Pekan while serving his 12-year prison sentence. What are the rights of a convicted Member of Parliament? We pose this question to criminal lawyer Goh Cia Yee.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to the Malaysia Retail Industry Report for September 2022, Malaysia’s retail industry recorded a growth rate of 62% in retail sales in Q2 versus 18.3% in the prior quarter. But will consumer sentiment remain high as inflation bites? We speak to Tan Hai Hsin of Retail group Malaysia on retail players’ Budget 2023 wishlist.Brought to you by Mah Sing. Reinvent Spaces. Enhance Life.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We discuss how controversies in crypto markets will impact Singapore’s bid to become a financial hub for digital assets with crypto watcher Varun Mittal following the collapse of stable coin TerraUSD this year that has triggered a downward spiral for the crypto markets.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With UMNO sending the strongest signal yet that GE15 will be called before the end of the year, we speak to Ibrahim Suffian of the Merdeka Centre for analysis, and what an earlier GE15 will mean for the incumbents and the opposition.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Bank Negara announcing a series of new measures last week to help safeguard against financial scams, we speak to Aznan Abdul Aziz, Assistant Governor of Bank Negara Malaysia about the implementation of these measures.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

SMEs were hammered during the pandemic, struggling with limited cash flow and reliance on brick-and-mortar operations. The government sought to help them with multiple assistance packages amounting to billions, as well as the record Budget 2022 of RM332 billion. With the country’s economy still on shaky ground, what can we expect from Budget 2023 that might help SMEs recover and grow? Chin Chee Seong, National Secretary General, SME Association of Malaysia gives us his budget wishlist for SMEs.Brought to you by MahSing. Reinvent Spaces. Enhance Life.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With North Korea carrying out 4 ballistic missile launches next week, which some security observers say could be a precursor for nuclear tests later this month, we discuss what this means for the region with William Pesek, columnist with Nikkei Asia, and what Kamala Harris's trip to South Korea mean for US-Sino relationship.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Although diners have returned to restaurants and eateries with the full reopening of the economy, current economic conditions are far from ideal for the F&B sector. Cost pressures, including higher raw material expenses and labour shortages, have put F&B operators in a dilemma given inflation is also constraining consumers' wallets. Can Budget 2023 provide a boost? We speak to Datuk Garry Chua of the MRCA for their budget wishlist.Brought to you by Mah Sing. Reinvent Spaces. Enhance Life.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The pandemic has changed the nature of work permanently with hybrid work becoming the norm. But what about the 4 day work week? Will employers accept this? And what are the challenges of implementing this? Mariam Salman, Campaign Officer at 4 Day Week Campaign in the UK tells us about its feasibility.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With general elections around the corner, talk of seat allocations and which candidates will run where is rife. PKR President Dato’ Sri Anwar Ibrahim recently signalled that he would not be defending his seat in Port Dickson, and may instead aim for a seat held by defectors from Pakatan Harapan. On the other side of the aisle, PAS has indicated that they will decide next week on which team to side with during GE15. We speak to political analyst Dr Oh Ei Sun for his analysis on these developments.Image credit: YuriAbas/ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Even with the full reopening of the economy, Malaysia's automotive sector remains beleaguered by the after effects of the lockdowns, supply chain disruptions and chip shortages. Can Budget 2023 provide impetus for the sector's recovery and growth? We discuss the auto sector's budget wishlist with Datuk Aishah Ahmad of the MAA. Brought to you by MahSing. Reinvent Spaces. Enhance Life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Saudi Arabia’s 86-year-old king has appointed his son, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, to replace him as prime minister, continuing a gradual transfer of power of the world’s largest oil exporter. Dr James Dorsey, Adjunct Senior Fellow at S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies tell us the reasons for this whilst weighing on the recent protests in Iran. Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Reports by Malaysiakini and the watchdog Rimba Disclosure Project revealed that over 800 hectares of forest land in Bukit Lagong will be cut down to make way for 27 quarries, involving three developers linked to the Selangor state government. What does this signal about the state government’s commitment to green conservation? We discuss the implications of the quarry development for Bukit Lagong with forestry researcher Dr. Lim Teck Wyn.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From October 11 onwards, Japan will finally open its borders to individual tourists, and resume visa free entry for short term travellers, thus marking the end of their cap on daily arrivals. Will this mean Japan’s tourism sector seeing a light at the end of the tunnel? We speak to Denise Wong, Equity Analyst for Bloomberg Intelligence for some outlook on Japan’s prospects.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The full reopening of the economy has seen the return of road congestion and mounting frustration over the lack of commuting options in the Klang Valley. What policies would best address the gaps in urban public transport? Aziff Azuddin, independent urban mobility researcher give us his prescription for Budget 2023.Brought to you by Mah Sing. Reinvent Spaces. Enhance Life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to police statistics, more than 71,000 scams amounting to over RM5.2 billion in losses were reported between 2020 and May 2022. In response, Bank Negara is introducing a slew of initiatives to curb financial scams, including instructing banks to migrate away from SMS OTP authentication. How effective are these measures? We get reactions from Munira Mustaffa of Chasseur Group.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Budget 2022 received the highest allocation in the nation’s history at RM332 billion. Malaysia witnessed a 6.9% growth in the GDP for the first half of 2022 and is projected to exceed annual growth targets this year. How much of this is due to the implementation of Budget 2022 policies? Farah Rosley of EY gives us her review.For more information on Budget 2023, visit budget.mof.gov.my.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia's tourism industry is finally starting to recover, with Tourism Minister Datuk Nancy Shukri projecting a new target of 9.2 million tourist arrivals for 2022. But with global economic conditions set to take a downturn, how can Budget 2023 help tourism players position themselves to compete with international offerings? Nigel Wong of MATTA gives us the outlook for the sector and their wishlist for the budget.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We speak to Saktiandi Supaat, Head of FX Research, Global Markets, and Maybank Singapore on how emerging market currencies will perform with strengthening US dollar as UK’s newly announced mini-budget sent the pound sterling to record lows.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Chairman of the Election Commission estimated GE15 could cost RM1 billion ringgit. How much should the price tag factor into the timeline of the elections? We ask Danesh Prakash Chacko of Tindak Malaysia what he thinks on this. Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Umno President Dato’ Sri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi was acquitted of 40 bribery charges last Friday, when the Shah Alam High Court ruled that the prosecution had failed to show a prima facie case against the politician. While his legal issues are far from over, the victory no doubt gives his supporters a morale boost and gives him a lifeline ahead of GE15. We discuss the prospects for Zahid Hamidi and implications of his acquittal for Umno with Dr Bridget Welsh of the University of Nottingham-Asia Research Institute Malaysia.Image credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With record property transactions in the 1H 2022, we ask Datuk NK Tong, President of The Real Estate and Housing Developers' Association (REHDA) on whether the property market will remain resilient and what would be his wish list for Budget 2023.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.