Morning Brief

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.

Amy Wong from Knight Frank shares her perspective on how property prices will evolve amid the higher cost of building materials, the recent rise in OPR rates by Bank Negara, and inflation concerns.Image credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How will French President Macron push through key reforms in the assembly following French voters denying him an absolute majority in parliament? Professor Peter McPhee, Emeritus Professor of History, University of Melbourne helps us unpack the challenges Macron will face.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The highest increases in poverty rates were in the states of Sabah, Sarawak, Kelantan and Kedah. We speak to Dato Dr Ahmad Faizal Mohd Perdaus, President of MERCY Malaysia to discuss why these states have been left behind in our move towards high income nation by 2025 and what can be done to rectify it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recruitment of foreign workers from Bangladesh continues to be delayed over policy squabbles regarding the companies appointed to conduct the process. Khor Yu Leng, political economist from Segi Enam Advisors helps us understand why is there a delay and what are the consequences of it.Image Credit: Hafiz Johari/Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week the government announced that beginning June 16th, all rides on RapidKL public transport will be free for one month. While rides may be free for passengers, it will cost the government RM155 million ringgit. Will free rides restore public confidence to use public transport amidst crippling traffic jams as the economy reopens? Researcher Aziff Azuddin weighs in.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Malaysia has more than 182,000 refugees and asylum seekers as of April 2022. 25% of that figure comprises children under the age of 18. Despite being host to so many people fleeing conflict and abuse, Malaysia does not have an effective legal framework to legitimise the position of refugees. What policies are needed to improve the situation of refugees in Malaysia?Image credit: shutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With a sharp Fed Fund rate hike of 75bps and more to come at each FOMC meeting, what are the implications to the US and global economy? Which Asean countries are in better shape to weather the coming economic storm? Suan Teck Kin, Head of Global Economics & Markets Research from UOB tells us.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Car deliveries are at a near-standstill following a perfect storm of global and domestic factors, triggering a series of interesting alternative travel, including in public transport and small motorcycles. Daniel Fernandez, Managing Director of the car portal www.dsf.my, analyses.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With nationalism and polarisation continuing to rise globally, Dr Ross Tapsell from the Australian National University gives us an overview of developments taking place across ASEAN this year and how social media has shaped the regional political landscape. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) will convene its International Health Regulations Emergency Committee on 23 June, to assess whether the continuing Monkeypox outbreak represents a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. We speak to Dr. Chan Yoke Fun, Associate Professor and Head of Medical Microbiology at Universiti Malaya as to whether there should be any cause for concern and if Malaysia has a plan in place.Image Credit: Poetra.RH / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With recent economic data showing mixed signals, we ask Gary Ng from Natixis if China’s economy is in recovery mode, or whether the worst is still to come.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sub-humane conditions in Malaysian jails and an apparent lack of political will for reform plague ex-prisoners, curtailing already slim chances of rehabilitation and a return to society. Jerald Joseph, former Commissioner of SUHAKAM, weighs in on the challenges of prison reform and his recommendations on what to prioritise in policy-making.Image Credit: Mohd Izwan Awang / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia has lost further ground in the race for global foreign direct investment (FDI), according to IMD's 2022 World Competitiveness Ranking, raising much-needed self-scrutiny into the country's development priorities. Daniel Bernbeck of the Malaysian-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry, analyses the factors considered by foreign investors and how Malaysia stacks up against regional peers.Image Credit: Abdul Razak Latif / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The past few days have been terrible for cryptocurrency markets, with the market cap of crypto falling below USD1 trillion US dollars, down from USD3 trillion at its peak in November. The sell-off comes as investors rotate out of the riskiest assets due to macroeconomic headwinds and rising interest rates. Once touted as a hedge against inflation and the future of money, can cryptocurrencies rally? We discuss the outlook for the crypto space with fintech expert Varun Mittal.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This Friday, the Malaysian Bar is staging a “Walk for the Independence of the Judiciary” at Padang Merbok, in response to the anti-corruption probe into Justice Mohd Nazlan Ghazali, the judge who presided over the SRC International 1MDB trial and convicted former Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Najib Razak. However, given the current climate of political polarisation, how much of an impact will the protest make? We speak to lawyer and activist Dato' Ambiga Sreenivasan on why the legal fraternity is marching. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Although Malaysia's economy shows promise post pandemic, it is also time to engage in economic reform with focus on improving fiscal sustainability and improving the level of social protection for the most vulnerable. Dr Apurva Sanghi, Lead Economist for Malaysia at the World Bank tells us how on the back of their recently released Malaysia Economic Monitor report.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Ministry of Finance recently issued its 2023 pre-budget statement highlighting the priorities of the government in its annual spending plans. We speak to Julia Goh of UOB Malaysia for hints on what to expect in Budget 2023.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The prefect storm of a war in Ukraine, supply chain shortages and rising energy cost is creating a sharp rise in food prices. We talk to Dr Paul Teng from the S Rajaratnam School of International Studies at Nanyang Technological University as to the consequence of this and what are the solutions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recently eyebrows were raised over a RM30 million project to upgrade 200 lamp pole units for DBKL, leading to more questions about the procurement process between DBKL and the contracted parties, Ennova Sdn. Bhd. and subcontractor SCIB. Economist Dr. Nungsari Radhi helps to untangle the complexities of government procurement and the gaps in the process that need to be addressed to prevent mismanagement.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The long-awaited Anti-Hopping Bill will finally be tabled during the Parliamentary sitting beginning 18th July. Will this bill put an end to the party hopping that has been part of Malaysian politics? Dr. Azmi Hassan, Senior Research Fellow at the Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research gives us his analysis, while also diving into the prospects for Bersatu and the risk that it may see more defections.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apple has announced a slew of hard-and-software upgrades at last week's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), sending waves of optimism that the tech behemoth is best-poised to weather the current storm among other tech players.Daniel Ives, Managing Director, Wedbush Securities, discusses. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With inflation at record highs, what policy options does Bank Negara have and should out of the box options be considered? Woon Khai Jhek, Senior Economist at RAM Ratings weighs in and also discusses the possibility of stagflation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Shangri-La Security Dialogue returns to Singapore after a two-year hiatus, and all eyes will be on the competing narratives from the US and China on the future of the Indo-Pacific. We discuss expectations for the security summit with Chong Ja Ian of the National University of Singapore.Image Credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Veerinderjeet Singh, Chairman of Tricor Malaysia and the Immediate Past President of Malaysian Institute of Accountants explains what is the purpose of the Fiscal Reform Bill. We also dive into the necessity of reforming the taxation system and is this the right time.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After two years of pandemic restrictions, Malaysia officially reopened most sectors of the economy on April 1st this year. However, do the twin headwinds of inflation and rising interest rates stifle recovery for SMEs? For a channel check on the state of the economy from the perspective of SMEs, we speak to Datuk William Ng, Chairman of the Small and Medium Enterprises Association (SAMENTA) on the current challenges and outlook for SMEs.Image Credit: PradeepGaurs/Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With ESG investing growing at a rapid rate around the world, how has the trend been like in Malaysia? Are local companies adopting ESG values and framework fast enough? And how should they benchmark their standards and criteria to an international level? Leslie Yap of Nomura Asset Management Malaysia explains. Brought to you by Sun Life Malaysia. Your lifetime insurance and takaful partner.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.