Morning Brief

Two subsidiaries of Petronas in Azerbaijan have been seized following a French court order. This comes as heirs to the Sulu Sultanate seek a RM62 billion compensation over land in Sabah leased to their ancestors in 1878. Bunn Nagara, Convenor of the Sabah Malaysia Study Group, helps us put the issue in perspective.Image credit: shutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China's foreign minister Wang Yi was Kuala Lumpur as part of a 5-nation tour around South East Asia after a hiatus of face to face visits due to the pandemic. Angeline Tan, Researcher in the Foreign Policy and Security Studies at ISIS Malaysia gives us her observations of this visit and what the focus was.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Public Services Department (JPA) is cancelling the scholarship bonds of contract doctors, dentists, and pharmacists who successfully apply for release. This means there night be fewer medical professionals in government service. Dr Vijay Ganasan, Chairperson of MMA's Section Concerning House Officers and Medical Officers (SCHOMOS), gives us the latest and what he believes a sustainable solution might be. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With life expectancy at birth in 2021 increasing to 75.6 years we ask Dr. Juita Mohamad, Director of Economics and Business and Acting Research Director, IDEAS what does an ageing population means for Malaysia in terms of an economic, social protection and health perspectiveSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Perikatan Nasional chairperson Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin announcing that the coalition will be using a new logo for GE15, Adib Zalkapli, Director, BowerGroupAsia helps us understand whether the logo change is an attempt to hold together a breaking alliance.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

3 years into the pandemic and with a week long closure for casinos in Macau, what does this mean for earnings for the operators? Angela Han Lee, Equity Research Analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence gives us her views as to whether value is emerging despite the headwinds of China's zero covid policy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We discuss the importance of keeping institutions independant with economist Dr Nungsari Radhi off the back of the recent news that the newly created Special Task Force on Jihad Against Inflation has asked Bank Negara to explain its reasons for raising the Overnight Policy Rate by further 25 basis points to 2.25%. Dr Nungsari shares his concerns regarding the possibility of the government meddling in decisions made by independent institutions and just how effective the task force has been in addressing inflation. Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the back of Shinzo Abe's shocking assasination, we discuss the ramification of his death and the legacy Japan's longest serving prime minister is leaving behind. William Pesek in Japan shares his views on this and thoughts on the recent upper house election results which saw the ruling conversative government take on a comfortable majority in parliament.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What can only be described as tumultuous weekend in Sri Lanka, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe have finally agreed to step down after months of public protest as basic necessities such as medicine, fuel and even food became short in supply. What's next for this South Asia country which is a poster child of mismanagement, corruption and nepotism. Dr. Chulanee Attanayake, Research Fellow Institute of South Asian Studies (ISAS), National University of Singapore tells us.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After around 3 months, Elon Musk announced that he was terminating his 44 billion dollar deal to buy Twitter due to the fake or spam accounts on the platform. But Bret Taylor, the chair of Twitter’s board said the company is still committed to closing the deal at the agreed-upon price and plans to pursue legal action to enforce the agreement. We ask Daniel Ives, Managing Director, Wedbush Securities how will this impact Tesla and Twitter, and the outlook for the Q2 earnings season. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are reports that some pharmacies and clinics are low on supply for common medicines like paracetamol, cough syrup and lozenges for sore throat, but is this situation short-lived? And a study commissioned by the insurance industry found that medical treatment costs have increased by around 8-9 percent annually between 2013-2018. How worried should we be about all these issues, and what is the Malaysian Health White Paper update? Questions we ask Datuk Dr Kuljit Singh, President, Association of Private Hospitals Malaysia (APHM).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It has been a month since the arrival of the omicron BA 4 and BA 5 sub variants and Malaysia is seeing increase in number of cases. We ask Dr Vinod Balasubramaniam, Senior Lecturer and Co-Lead, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine & Health Sciences on how worried should we be and why should we consider taking the second booster vaccine?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Chinese government is due to report GDP growth next week but can the world's second economy achieve the target of 5.5%? We ask Peiqian Liu, China Economist, NatWest Markets on the impact of Shimao Group's default, PBOC's next move and her outlook.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s been about a month since Rafizi Ramli comfortably won the deputy presidency of PKR and while many were expecting the win to result in more acrimony in the party due to his testy ties with party president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, it seems temperatures have cooled with no signs of any major tension. We take stock of this development ahead of PKR's  two-day convention that begins on July 16 with Professor Shamsul Baharuddin of Institute of Ethnic Studies (KITA) to get his take on PKR's prospects.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With more than 45 cabinet members resigning from Boris Johnson's government. What are the chances he will survive and who might inherit a divided Tory party? Patrick Diamond, Associate Professor of Public Policy, Queen Mary University of London gives us the answers.Image Credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With markets in a tailspin with a plethora of risks from the war in Ukraine to inflation, what is the best investment strategy to adopt? Manpreet Gill, Head of Fixed Income, Currencies & Commodities Investment Strategy at Standard Chartered Private Bank gives us his views on this as well as on oil and gold.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bank Negara's Monetary Policy Committee raised the overnight policy rate (OPR) by 25 basis points in June, marking the first back-to-back rate hikes since the mid-2010s. What implications will this have for the Malaysian economy? We discuss with economist Dr. Carmelo Ferlito.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the second quarter, resale HDB flats’ prices increased 2.6% compared with 2.4% in the first quarter While prices for private residential properties rose 3.2%, which is an almost five times increase of the 0.7% inflation in the previous quarter. In tandem, rentals have also increased by 20-40%. We ask Alan Cheong, Executive Director of Savills Singapore why the Singapore property is so hot and will this trend continue.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri announced that Government Linked Companies (GLCs) and Government Linked Investment Companies (GLICs) should appoint a representative from the MTUC to their board of directors, in a bid to enhance transparency and ensure workers' interests are protected. We get reactions on this move from Lya Rahman of the Institutional Investors Council Malaysia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Earlier this month, the government announced that employees can now apply for flexible working arrangements with their respective employers, following recent amendments to the Employment Act 1955 which will come into force on September 1st. We discuss the implications of this for the workplace with Ridhima Khanduja of Kincentric Malaysia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the government forming a Special Task Force on Jihad Against Inflation, Dr Shankaran Nambiar, Head of Research, Malaysian Institute of Economic Research outlines what is necessary to tackle inflation in the immediate and longer termSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

25 years have passed since the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis and with global equity markets in freefall with central bankers desperately trying to manage inflation, are we looking at a repeat? Will currencies come under pressure and which countries are vulnerable? Jeff Ng, Senior Currency Analyst at MUFG gives us a history lesson whilst giving us his view of what to expect for the rest of 2022.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sevan Doraisamy, Executive Director, SUARAM gives his perspective how will these new appointments of SUHAKAM will impact the human rights progress in Malaysia and what are the steps forward from now onSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Firdausi Suffian, Senior Lecturer in Public Policy, UiTM Sabah unpacks the economic challenges facing Sabah and gives his perspective on the right diversification economic model it needs to adopt to drive greater growth and to substantially reduce its poverty levelSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With a new Chief Executive in Hong Kong, William Pesek, columnist with Nikkei Asia argues that the the current political dynamics will have a negative impact the trajectory of Hong Kong’s growth and will threaten it's position as an economic powerhouse in AsiaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Oh Ei Sun, Senior Fellow, Singapore Institute of International Affairs analyses the recent rift between DAP and Warisan as he unpacks what this means for Pakatan Harapan as GE15 looms.Image credit: shutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has greenlighted the proposed merger of Celcom and Digi, which will see the currently second and third largest telco providers combine to dominate market share. Have all the consumer risks of the merger been factored by the regulator? Business writer P. Gunasegaram weighs in with his concerns.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to the Department of Statistics (DOSM), the Covid-19 pandemic saw some 580,000 middle-income households fall to the B40 bracket. What are the effects of rising inflation on Malaysia's middle class? We discuss the implications for the broader economy with Dr. Lee Hwok Aun of ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to PwC’s Global M&A Industry Trends: 2022 Mid-Year Update, merger and acquisition activity has resumed to 2019 levels at around 25 thousand deals. Dr Gregory Bournet, Deals Partner and Corporate Finance Leader, PwC Malaysia tells us if this trend will be derailed in this rising interest rate environment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite her trade standoff with the US, China's semiconductor industry is growing by leaps and bounds, thanks to a govt-led plan for industry self-sufficiency, says Phelix Lee, Equity Analyst, Morningstar.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In conjunction with International Day of Parliamentarism, what are the reforms need for Malaysia's Parliament to ensure that this institution remains an relevant check and balance against the government of the day. Lawyer ,Andrew Khoowho is also the co-chair of the Bar Council’s Constitutional Law Committee tells which reforms should be considered.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysian crude palm oil futures saw their biggest one month drop in more than 13 years in June. Recording a 22% drop to RM4922 suddenly, thereby erasing most of this year’s gain. We ask Akash Gupta, Director at Fitch Ratings’ Asia-Pacific Corporates as to why prices are so volatile and his own expectations for the year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Datuk Seri Tajuddin Rahman's removal as UMNO supreme council member saw the Pasir Salak MP reveal a widening rift among the country's most powerful political party among her leading lights.Dr. Hamidin Abdul Hamid, Senior Fellow, Ilham Centre, addresses the ramifications.Image credit: shutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Headlined by the war in Ukraine, a rising China, inflation and climate change, a plethora of issues face leaders of seven of the world's largest countries, but concern reigns that the summit might amount to not much more than a photo opportunity.Bunn Nagara, Independent Geopolitical Consultant and Honorary Research Fellow, The Perak Academy, discusses the ongoing G7 summit.Image credit: EPA-EFE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to the Department of Statistics Malaysia, the mean age of a woman’s first marriage has increased from 23.5 years in 1980 to 28.1 years in 2020. It also showed a similar trend for childbirth. But what lies behind the statistics? Anis Farid, Research and Advocacy Officer at the Women's Aid Organisation tells us whilst giving us her views if the recent amendments to the Employment Act go far enough to promote gender equality in the work force.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With long waiting times and surging prices, we ask Professor Loredana Padurean, Senior Associate Dean at Asia School of Business if the demand for EVs here to stay?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri announced that the government will be reviewing the current bankruptcy threshold in a bid to address rising bankruptcy among the youth. Idham Idris, Director and Licensed Financial Planner of Wealth Vantage Advisory goes behind the reasons for this rising trend and what can be done to solve it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the subsidy bill inching close to RM80 billion for the Malaysian Government, the cry for reform is growing louder despite the rising inflationary cost. Carmelo Ferlito, CEO, Center for Market Education tells us the economic reasons why we are this era of rising prices and offers some solutions to ease this predicament.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Zouhair Mohd Rosli, Senior Researcher, DM Analytics explains the Cik Kiah Index to help us understand varying inflation experience and contrasts with DOSM's consumer price index which increased by 2.8% y-o-y in May this year, the highest rate of inflation since July 2017Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The President of the European Council, Charles Michel announced that Ukraine and Moldova have been granted candidate status to the European Union. However how soon can formal membership be accorded and what is the process? Dr Frederick Kliem, Research Fellow at S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies tells us its an arduous path ahead.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We ask Wong Chin Huat how does a political funding bill ensure great transparency and a better state of politics for the country amid frustration over the lack of progress to legislate political funding on both sides of the aisleSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Wednesday, the Pakatan Harapan presidential council gave the government an ultimatum to announce a plan to tackle cost of living issues within 24 hours, otherwise the coalition will take to the streets. How is PH strategizing to regain flagging voter support ahead of widely expected general elections? We discuss the developments with political analyst Dr. James Chin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aside from supply tightness resulting from the war in Ukraine and the ensuing US and EU ban on Russian oil, refining capacity is another reason for brent crude prices above USD110. We explore why refiners are not expanding their capacity and what does sustainability mean for valuations with Horace Chan, Senior Analyst, Bloomberg Intelligence.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since the onset of the crisis in Sri Lanka, observers have drawn parallels with the structural economic issues in Malaysia that could lead us down a similar path. Once a jewel of South Asia, what went wrong in the economic development story of Sri Lanka, and what are the biggest lessons that Malaysia can learn? Independent writer P. Gunaseram weighs in.Image credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Pakatan Harapan Presidential Council gave the government an ultimatum to fully announce a plan to address the issue of subsidies and cost of living within 24 hours, or face street demonstrations. Does the opposition coalition have an alternative solution to the country's inflation woes? We follow-up on the statement with PKR Communications Director Fahmi Fadzil.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Sri Lankan economy continues to freefall, with headline inflation spiked 45% in May compared to the year before, the highest level since 2015 due to rising food and transport costs. The government is negotiating with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and bilateral partners for financial assistance, with an IMF deal expected for the end of the month. How is the fall out affecting the lives of Sri Lankans on the ground? Research Fellow Dr. Chulanee Attanayeke of NUS gives us an update on the situation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With ESG and sustainable investments projected to increase at a rapid pace in the future, many businesses around the world are pressed to get into ESG or be left behind. One such sector is the insurance sector where more companies are adopting ESG principles into their funds and also company frameworks. But is that growth reflected here in Malaysia and how will the insurance players adapt to the growing global demand for green money? Catherine Raju of Sun Life Malaysia explains. Brought to you by Sun Life Malaysia. Your lifetime insurance and takaful partner. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The total subsidy bill of RM71 billion is weighing down the government's fiscal health calling into question the sustainability of the current subsidy and price control framework. But how do you balance the welfare of the people and what is best for the Malaysian economy? Dr. Juita Mohamad, Director of Economics and Business and Acting Research Director, IDEAS helps answer that question.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Works Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof saying that the ministry needs an allocation of RM3.4 billion to repair sick or damaged federal roads throughout Peninsular Malaysia, we ask Dr. Ahmad Farhan Mohd Sadullah, Professor of Transport Engineering, USM on what needs to be done to fix our expired roadsImage credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has upgraded its outlook for the airline industry’s 2022 financial performance, amid faster recovery from the Covid-19 crisis. But with a litany of headwinds from labour shortages to fuel price increases, can aviation players expect to breakeven in the coming year? We discuss the outlook for the aviation sector with Khair Mirza of Modalis Infrastructure Partners.Image credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.