Morning Brief

Bank Indonesia has projected GDP growth to be more than 4.5% in the fourth quarter of the year, after growth slowed the previous quarter due to pandemic restrictions. To support the nation’s economic recovery efforts, the central bank has also kept interest rates at a record low of 3.5 per cent for now. Is the worst over for the Indonesian economy as we head in 2022? Economist Wellian Wiranto weighs in. Image credit: BloombergSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following GPS's stunning victory in Sarawak's state election, Dr James Chin, Professor of Asian Studies, University of Tasmania helps us understand what this will mean for the state and for federal politics in the immediate future.Image credit: Najmi Arif / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With one of the worst flash floods experienced in decades, YB Charles Santiago, Klang MP, helps us assess the situation on the ground and the preparedness of Federal and State governments in anticipating and responding to disasters.Image credit: YB Charles Santiago Facebook PageSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Malaysia tries to overcome the economic scars caused by Covid 19, is this actually an opportunity for us to reskill the nation and embrace the new economy?We have a discussion with Kamarulzaman Bin Ahmad, Head of Corporate Ventures at Tenaga Nasional and Mohamed Ridzuan Mohamed, Director of Research at Khazanah Nasional on ways to pivot to renewable energy, and their thoughts on the green economy.Energising the Future is powered by Tenaga Nasional.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government is introducing new laws aimed at enhancing tax compliance and collection procedures via the new Section 106A of the Income Tax Act. The amendments allow the Inland Revenue Board to obtain taxpayers' bank account details for review or investigation under certain circumstances without notice. How do these changes affect Malaysian taxpayers? We discuss the implications with tax expert Dr Veerinderjeet Singh. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sarawakians vote tomorrow in the 12th Sarawak state election, with the governing coalition GPS widely expected to retain their majority. The key question is how wide will the GPS margin of victory be? And why haven't Pakatan Harapan and other opposition parties managed to forge a stronger front against the incumbent? Political analyst Dr. Oh Ei Sun gives us a preview of what to expect. Image credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the onset of rising property prices, Alan Cheong from Savills Singapore provides his assessment whether the proposed measures to cool Singapore property prices will be enough. Image credit: Unsplash.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was recently revealed in Parliament that Prime Minister Dato' Seri Ismail Sabri spends some RM136,000 on special advisers per month, which is the most since the Najib Razak administration. Should the selection of advisers be more transparent and strategic? We discuss whether such appointments are justified and how they can be improved with Tricia Yeoh, CEO of IDEAS. Image credit: BernamaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thomas Daniel, Senior Fellow in the Foreign Policy and Security Studies Programme, ISIS Malaysia shares whether the recent short trip by the US Secretary of State will elevate US-Malaysia's relations moving forward. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Electric vehicles are poised to become mainstream amid a global push towards electrification and green energy. EVs currently make up just 3% of total vehicles, but this is estimated to grow to 10% in 5 years. The anticipated surge in consumer demand has seen electric vehicle makers become investor darlings. We discuss the factors driving the bullishness in EVs with Daniel Ives of Wedbush Securities. Image credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Dewan Rakyat unanimously passed the MA63 Bill this week, approving several amendments to the constitution in recognition of the special status of Sabah and Sarawak. We discuss the implications of these constitutional amendments with political commentator Dr James Chin, ahead of the Sarawak state elections this weekend. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The High Court has ordered the Home Ministry to register MUDA as a political party within two weeks after its first attempt to do so in September 2020. YB Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, MP for Muar and Founder, MUDA tells us his reaction to this judgement and what is next for the party as GE15 draws closer. Image credit: MUDASee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Malaysia Competition Commission is launching investigations into 500 companies across various sectors for suspected bid-rigging in government procurement tenders worth over RM2 billion. We discuss the scope and timeline of investigations with MyCC CEO Iskandar Ismail, as well as proposed amendments to competition legislation. Image credit: Pexels.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Professor Rouben Azizian, Director, Centre for Defence and Security Studies, Massey University helps us unpack the Russian - Ukraine conflict and the likelihood of the situation spiralling into armed conflict and how did the parties get here? Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the global rise of Omicron and the clear lax of SOP compliance among the wider public, we ask Dr Khor Swee Kheng if the proposed hefty increases in compounds will be able to ensure better adherence to Covid-19 SOPs. Image credit: BernamaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As it celebrates its 70th anniversary, director of BowerGroupAsia, Adib Zalkapli helps us understand what the future holds for PAS and Muafakat Nasional as it plans for the upcoming GE15.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Joe Biden rolled out his foreign policy platform for the 2020 presidential campaign, he made a big promise: to gather the world's democracies at a major summit, where they would show solidarity against a rising tide of authoritarianism. He kept that promise but did the summit actually achieve its objectives? Professor Benjamin Reilly, political scientist at University of Western Australia tell us. Image credit: ReutersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shahrill Sabaruddin, Director of Consultancy, Bait Al-Amanah helps us unpack the recent 90% KPI achievement of the first 100-days of Ismail Sabri's government and whether there is a better way to assess government effectiveness. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week, Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Reezal Merican said that local government elections would not be revived due to the high cost implications. We speak to PJ City Councillor and local government expert Derek Fernandez on why this stance should be reconsidered.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the three-fold downward pressure of contraction of demand, supply shocks and weaker expectations, Bernard Aw from Coface explains how Chinese policymakers are expected to front load their policies to stabilize China's economy. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Disgraced and convicted former PM Najib Razak might have received his latest setback in the courts but his star still shines bright among the masses. Azmi Hassan, political commentator, explains why. Image credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to the Ministry of Health, nearly 20,000 Malaysians who contracted Covid-19 experienced post-Covid-19 syndrome, also known as long Covid. What do we know about long Covid and what are the treatment implications for patients and the healthcare system? We make sense of the scientific data available with expert Dr Vinod Balasubramaniam. Image credit: Pexels.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chong Ja Ian from the National University of Singapore tells us what to expect ahead of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit to Southeast Asia and what will be on his agenda. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following former PM's Datuk Seri Najib Razak failure to overturn his conviction and sentence for seven charges on SRC International at the Court of Appeal, P. Gunasegaram, Editorial Consultant, The Vibes explains what's next for the convicted Ex-Prime Minister of Malaysia. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Datuk Wira Ameer Ali Mydin, President of Bumiputera Retailers Organisation shares with us the challenges and lack of action taken to address the labour shortage faced across all sectors and what does the retail industry need right now after close to two years of hardship caused by lockdowns. Image credit: gracethang2 / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

America, Australia, Canada and the UK will boycott the 2022 Winter Olympic Games in Beijing, prompting another round of analyses on waning US-China ties. James Dorsey, Senior Fellow at the National University of Singapore's Middle East Institute, discusses. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB) announced this week that wholesale 5G services will be offered for free to mobile carriers during an initial trial roll-out until March 2022. However, the Communications and Multimedia Minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa also announced that the Cabinet is still discussing whether to deploy 5G via a single wholesale network system or have multiple systems to allow some competition, with a final decision expected by January. What does this mean for the rollout of 5G moving forward? We discuss the implications and timeline with Nitin Soni of Fitch Ratings.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cancer is the 2nd highest cause of death in the country but early detection improves the survival rate. But with Covid, has this been thwarted. Farahida Mohd Farid, General Manager of Majlis Kanser Nasional (MAKNA) tells us. Image credit: Pexels.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With 349 candidates contesting in 82 seats in Sarawak's state election, we ask Dr Oh Ei Sun, Senior Fellow, Singapore Institute of International Affairs where the different political parties stand and who is likely to emerge victorious. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shahnaz Al-Sadat, Chairperson of LeapEd Services gives her perspective on the recent education ministry announcement that since the first lockdown this year, more than 21 thousand students in Malaysia have dropped out of school before completing the period of education. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The EU has launched an infrastructure development project dubbed as the Global Gateway, which is branded as an alternative to China's Belt and Road Initiative. How does it stack up against the BRI and can it sway the geopolitical balance in the region? We discuss the potential implications with expert Dr Frederick Kleim. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the Health Ministry unveiling a set of new guidelines on the National Covid-19 testing strategy or NTS, Azrul Mohd Khalib from the Galen Centre provides clarity on who should get a Covid-19 test, when to get tested and who should pay for the test. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Professor Niaz Asadullah from University Malaya help us understand the severity of the shortages and the skill gaps in engineering in Malaysia as well as what needs to be done to fill these shortages. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Business commentator, Pankaj C Kumar unpacks Grab Holdings IPO which debuted Nasdaq via a SPAC on Thursday and does it have what it takes to go the distance moving forward? Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Abhimanyu Veerakumarasivam, Dean of School of Medical and Life Sciences at Sunway University helps us unpack the latest Covid developments in Malaysia and explains to use why getting the booster jab is an important individual and collective responsibility. Image credit: shutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite chronic labour shortages in a number of key industry sectors, there remains no plan to legalise migrant workers currently, begging the question of how and where businesses find the people to work. Khor Yu Leng, Political Economist, Segi Enam Advisers, discusses. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With oil prices surging in the three months to September, Petronas appears to have turned the corner, but the wider issue of profit sustainability remains. Sean Lim, analyst from RHB investment bank, discusses.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the prices for fertilizers surged around 200% and hurting farmers, we ask Chris Lawson, Head of Fertilizers of C.R.U Group whether he sees prices continuing to increase in 2022 and what are the demand and supply dynamics. Image credit: Pexels.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to the Department of Statistics (DOSM), the Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in a marked increase in clinical waste from the use of test kits and personal protective equipment (PPE). What are the best practices in dealing with clinical waste? Waste management expert Dr Agamuthu Pariatamby walks us through the processes, and what we as individuals can do when disposing of pandemic-related waste. Image credit: Yuri AbasSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oil prices are down by more than 20% from their highs. Matthew Darvin, Asia Regional Head of Sales at HedgePoint Global Markets tells us the reasons for this and what to expect from the OPEC+ meeting this week and will supply be raised or cut? Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Selangor state government has allocated RM2.34 billion for its 2022 budget, focusing on five key priority areas. We get reactions from assemblymen from both sides of the political aisle on the budget, and the main concerns of both rural and urban constituents in Selangor. Image credit: ShamAn77See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week marks 100 days since Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri became the ninth Prime Minister of Malaysia. He came into office at the height of the Covid-19 outbreak, with more than 20,000 cases of infection reported every day. Daily cases are now down to around 5000 and the political situation also seems less tense compared to Tan Sri Muhyiddin's term. What does this say about Ismail Sabri's leadership? We assess his achievements with political commentator Dr Hamidin Abd Hamid. Image credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Johor-Singapore Causeway finally reopened thanks to the launch of the Vaccinated Travel Lane by land which allows 1400 people to travel daily. Is this the much-needed relief for Johor businesses who benefitted from 400,000 people who crossed daily before Covid 19? Teh Kee Sin, the Founding President of SME Association of South Johor tells us. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The scientific community is racing to better understand the latest Covid-19 variant, dubbed Omicron that was first reported in South Africa. We discuss the available data, the outstanding questions and how governments should respond to the risks of contagion with epidemiologist Ben Cowling. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Datuk Seri Nazir Razak gives us a perspective on Better Malaysia Assembly as they request for the formation of a non-partisan assembly to propose reforms for systemic national change, but will this bring about the change that Malaysians want? Or will this just be another exercise in futility? Image credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia saw 13 Initial Public Offerings in the 1st half of this year creating a market capitalisation of RM1.5 billion on the Bursa Malaysia. A total of RM395 million was raised which was 102% more than the same period last year. But will this positive trend continue in 2022 and from what sectors? Wong Kar Choon, IPO Leader, Audit & Assurance Partner from Deloitte Malaysia gives us his views based on their recently released report. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US Dollar had been already gaining strength prior to news of this Covid 19 variant, Omicron. But will emerging currencies face more headwinds over this new uncertainty and how will the Ringgit react? Saktiandi Supaat, Head of FX Research at Maybank tells us. Image credit: Pexels.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the median savings for all EPF members below age 55 stands at RM13,000, which translates to RM54 a month for their retirement years. We speak to Dr Geoffrey Williams, economist at the Malaysia University of Science and Technology on the possible solutions for this issue. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Election Commission has set December 18th as polling day for the upcoming 12th Sarawak state election. More than 1.2 million voters will be eligible to cast their ballot. Political commentator Dr James Chin discusses the parties to watch and logistical challenges for the state elections. Image credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Billions of dollars are pouring into English Premiership football, which naysayers are killing The Beautiful Game. Professor Simon Chadwick, Director of the Centre for Eurasian Sport, Emlyon Business School, discusses. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.