Morning Brief

The Anti-Sexual Harassment Bill has been put into hiatus as the different stakeholders concluded that it is not robust enough. Betty Yeoh, Co-Founder of All Women’s Action Society (AWAM) and Training Consultant at ENGENDER Consultancy tell us what the gaps are and how the bill can be improved. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Joe Biden’s trip to Europe is said to be one of the highest stakes presidential trips in recent memory as he had back-to-back summits with NATO, the Group of Seven and the European Union discussing on the various issues on Russia and Ukraine. Dr. Adrian Ang, Research Fellow in the US Program at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies shares with us his thoughts on this. Image credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Earlier this month, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad told parliament that over 38,000 students dropped out of or deferred from courses in public and private higher education institutions. What is the implication of this trend for Malaysia's labor force and the private higher education sector? We discuss the issues at hand with Dr. Premkumar Rajagopal of the Malaysia University of Science and Technology. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Malaysia's last four state elections costing a combined RM420 million, questions are now — rightly — being asked of the presence of fiscal transparency and sources of funding. Danesh Prakash Chacko, Director, Tindak Malaysia, addresses these issues. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yesterday, the Dewan Rakyat voted against a motion to extend the enforcement period of section 4(5) of the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012, or SOSMA. The provision allows for detention without trial for up to 28 days and must be renewed by both houses of parliament every five years to remain valid. The motion was defeated by 86 to 84, with 50 MPs absent from proceedings. We hear from YB Ramkarpal Singh, Member of Parliament for Bukit Gelugor on the events in Parliament and why the SOSMA provision should not be renewed. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Adrian Pereira, Director of North South Initiative, expands on the implications of Malaysia formally ratifying the International Labour Organisation forced labour convention, also known as Protocol 29 or P29. Image credit: Pixabay.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Krystal Tan, economist with ANZ Bank, expands on the triple whammy of rising Covid cases, inflation, and geopolitical risks, which will likely send Thailand into a back-to-back current account deficit this year, the first time since 1997. Image credit: Zephyr_p/Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Minister for Women, Family and Community Development, Datuk Seri Rina Harun recently said the government did not intend to legislate against child marriage, opting for other measures to curb the practice. We speak to women's rights activist and lawyer Meera Samanther on why legislative reform is necessary alongside poverty reduction efforts to protect children, especially girls. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2022 has had an ominous start with the war in Ukraine uprooting the optimism that this was the year of global economic recovery. Julia Goh, Senior Economist at UOB tells if global growth will be impacted by the war and the subsequent price shocks that have followed as a consequences. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the face of it, the amended Employment Act does seem to improve workers' rights since there is an increase in length of paternity and maternity leave. However, Donovan Cheah, partner at Donovan & Ho gives us the details of this Act and its shortcomings. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aaron Tang, Country Manager at Luno Malaysia weighs the pros and cons of adopting crypto as legal tender and helps us understand how easy is it for a country to implement, as well as whether Malaysia is ready for such a move in the first place. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recently, Bank Negara Malaysia and the World Bank published a report on nature-related financial risks for Malaysian banks. We speak to Rekha Reddy, Senior Financial Sector Specialist at the World Bank as to the significance of the report and the consequences if these risks are ignored. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Replacing Howard Lee, Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii has been elected the new chief of DAP Socialist Youth or DAPSY. What role will DAPSY play in DAP’s new future? Dr Kelvin Yii speaks to us and shares his thoughts and plans. Image credit: Dr Kelvin YiiSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr James Chin, Professor of Asian Studies at the University of Tasmania, helps us navigate the outcome of DAP's central executive committee (CEC) election and what DAP's new leadership team needs to do to reverse its fortunes for GE15. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Biden Administration has formally declared that Myanmar’s years-long repression of the Rohingya Muslim population as a “genocide", the eighth time such a designation has been used. This designation has been long-anticipated by many and advocates think that this would bolster efforts to hold the junta accountable. Hunter Marston, Researcher at Australian National University tells us more. Image credit: Pexels.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

During the UMNO General Assembly, Prime Minister Dato' Sri Ismail Sabri said that any decision to call for snap general elections will be done in concert with the top 5 leaders of Umno. On the back of a triumphant general assembly, we speak to UMNO Youth Chief Dato' Dr. Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki on the state of unity within the party and why he's advocating for GE15 sooner rather than later. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With an inflation rate of 15% which is the highest in Asia, Sri Lanka is facing the brunt of rising oil prices and border closures. Bernard Aw, APAC Economist at Coface tells us what options the government has when it comes to repaying its foreign debt and how dire the economic situation is. Image credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Only 35% of children in Malaysia aged 5 to 11 have received their first dose of the covid-19 vaccine which is below the 50% target set by the Ministry of Health. Why is that the case when there are 400 walk in vaccination centers? Dato’ Dr Musa Mohd Nordin, Consultant Paediatrician tells us how we can improve the vaccination rate and why it's important for all children to do so. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Umno headquarters, the World Trade Centre, was a sea of red and white over the weekend as the party faithful gathered for the annual general assembly. The mood at this year’s assembly was in stark contrast to previous years, coming on the back of triumphant wins in the Johor and Melaka state elections. We discuss the key takeaways from the political summit with Adib Zalkapli of BowerGroupAsia. Image credit: Adam AmrHmzh/Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The movement control orders imposed during two years of the pandemic have had a significant impact on the Malaysian economy, with GDP contracting by 5.6% in 2020 and unemployment hitting a high of 5.3%. As we head into the endemic phase, has Malaysia's policy response been sufficient to minimize economic scarring? We discuss the economic reforms needed with Tricia Yeoh of IDEAS. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The lockdowns imposed in March 2020 were the start of a steep learning curve for students and educators to transition to online learning. The effectiveness of PdPR has been mixed at best, with learning outcomes dependent on the availability of technology equipment, internet access and parental supervision. What are the lessons learned from lockdown learning? We discuss policy considerations for education with Dr. Niaz Asadullah of Universiti Malaya. Image Credit: Din Mohd Yaman/Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The lockdown in Malaysia started on 18 March 2020 but what were the gaps in our healthcare system? Azrul Mohd Khalib, CEO, Galen Centre for Health & Social Policy does a review with us whilst making recommendations for the future. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cryptocurrencies have garnered significant attention amidst the war in Ukraine. As Russia becomes more excluded in the global financial system, many have raised questions as to whether Russia will turn to cryptocurrencies to bypass the sanctions imposed. Varun Mittal, Chief Growth Officer of Singlife with Aviva and author of Singapore: The Fintech Nation tells us more. Image credit: Unsplash.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The final piece of connectivity in the Kuala Lumpur public transport system, or MRT3, has been recently resuscitated with limited information from the government. While waiting for more details to be shared by the government and the open tender in May, we ponder on what can be improved upon to ensure that the project is future-proofed. Chung Yi Fan, Independent Transport Policy Analyst shares his analysis on this. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government will once again allow Malaysians to withdraw up to 10,000 ringgit of their retirement savings from EPF, to help rebuild their lives after two years of virus restrictions. According to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri, the decision was a difficult one to make, as it involves citizens’ retirement funds. But what are the consequences of this? Pankaj C Kumar, Business Commentator gives us his views. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hong Kong is struggling to contain the omicron wave after being the poster child of handling the Covid crisis. Michael Frank, Senior Analyst of Public Policy at Economist Impact tells us what the situation is like on the ground and why things went so wrong. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia will be opening its borders to international travellers on April 1st. The move comes as relief to the ailing tourism sector, which has relied heavily on domestic tourism for the past two years since borders were shut in March 2020. We catch-up with Nigel Wong of MATTA on the outlook for travel and tourism in light of the reopening. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following the disastrous Johor, Melaka, and Sarawak state elections, we ask Rafizi Ramli what he plans to do to transform the fortunes of PKR as he vies for the no. 2 post. Image credit: https://rafiziramli.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

FBI agent, Eric Van Dorn testified in the US courts alleging that fugitive financier Low Taek Jho had stolen USD1.42 billion from bond transactions that Goldman Sachs arranged for 1MDB while former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak also allegedly received USD756 million dollars from the same bond deal. P. Gunasegaram, Independent Writer and Consultant tells us if any of these revelations were new and why the ex- PM still has his fans. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We think of plastic pollution when we say ocean pollution, but a recent report by the Economist Impact titled “The Invisible Wave” also highlights the problem of chemical pollution to the marine environment. How much awareness of and action on ocean preservation is there in the Asia Pacific region? Charles Goddard, Editorial Director with Economist Impact tells us more. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the PM launching the GLC open day with much fanfare, Dr Nungsari A. Radhi provides his assessment on the clarity of the role of GLCs and GLICs in nation building and driving more investments into the country. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite winning 10 out of 14 seats, questions still arise as to whether DAP has lost the support of their traditional voter base and whether the PH coalition is weak. Syahredzan Johan, Political Secretary to Lim Kit Siang, DAP helps us answer these questions. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jill Shah from Bloomberg News gives us her take on how sanctions are impacting the ultra rich in Russia and how they intend to preserve their wealth as governments and members of society try to track them down and seize their assets. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our country’s international borders are reopening with relaxed restrictions come April 1st and will this be a boost for the tourism sector? Yap Lip Seng, CEO of Malaysian Hotels Association shares his views, and it may not be as straightforward as we think. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Talks to save the Iran Nuclear Deal or Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action or JCPOA, and to bring Iran back into the deal’s compliance began in the beginning of 2021, but has been facing many obstacles. Just before the weekend, it was announced by the EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell that the talk in Vienna has been suspended due to external factors. Dr. James Dorsey, Senior Fellow, Middle East Institute of National University of Singapore helps us to understand what has taken place and if a deal will be eventually struck. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oil prices increased more than 40% on a year to date basis and the Malaysian government's oil subsidies have skyrocketed to RM2bn just for the month of January alone. The government is studying a more targeted fuel and cooking oil subsidy mechanism. But will a targeted fuel and cooking oil subsidy mechanism effective in optimising our resources? Dr. Juita Mohamad, Director of Economics and Business and Acting Research Director of Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS) shares her perspective with us. Image credit: See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite the omicron wave, will retail sales do better in 2022? What are the catalysts that we should keep an eye out for? Tan Hai Hsin, Managing Director at Retail Group Malaysia tells us his views. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Parti Bangsa Malaysia, previously known as Sarawak Workers Party, went through a rebranding in October last year led by Julau MP Larry Sng. It's making its debut in the Johor State elections, contesting in 4 seats. Haniza Mohamed Talha, Johor state election director and deputy president of Parti Bangsa Malaysia tells us what the party stands for and its chances this election.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Parti Sosialis Malaysia was officially registered as a political party in 2008 but currently has no representatives in either Dewan Rakyat or any Dewan Undangan Negeri and will be contesting for one seat in Kota Iskandar state seat where we will see a five-cornered fight. How does PSM plan to champion through? R. Arangkannal, PSM's one and only candidate and contesting for Kota Iskandar seat tells us more. Image credit: Parti Sosialis MalaysiaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yoon Suk-Yeol, who is a member of the People Power Party and former prosecutor, has won the neck-to-neck Presidential race against ruling Democratic Party member and ex-mayor and lawyer Lee Jae-myung with a less than 1 percent margin. Jonathan Berkshire Miller, Senior Fellow at the Japan Institute of International Affairs tells us what to expect from his reign. Image credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government has made revisions to the negative list with only nightclubs to remain closed during this transition to endemicity, as nightclubs are thought to be at high risk for the transmission of Covid-19. But nightclubs have remained closed since the beginning of lockdowns in March 2020. How should nightclubs navigate through this? Jeremy Lim, Vice-President of Persatuan Pemilik Restoran dan Bistro tells us more. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Warisan is contesting 6 seats in the Johor state elections on its own. Will this east Malaysian party make headway and what does the party stand for? YB Suhaimi Salleh, Johor Chief of Warisan, tells us. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was reported in the press, that the Government may be considering a U-turn over its proposed SWN (Single Wholesale Network) model. Alexander Wong, Managing Editor at SoyaCincau chimes in on which model will be better for Malaysian consumers and does a U-turn delay a rollout of 5G services in the country? Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

PKR will be contesting in 20 seats in the upcoming election in Johor, which is the largest number of seats in the Pakatan Harapan coalition. But why the breakaway in logo usage and is cohesion really a matter of concern? We speak to Johor’s PKR Chairman, YB Syed Ibrahim to understand it all. Image credit: Facebook.com/Parti Keadilan RakyatSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the country segues to the endemic phase on 1st of April, There will only be one SOP but 9 guidelines. Dr Vinod Balasubramaniam, senior lecturer and co-lead at the Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine & Health Sciences gives us his views on this important transition. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the start of the Ukraine war, President Vladimir Putin ratcheted tensions by threatening to use nuclear weapons. Should this threat be taken seriously, and how should the West be reaping? Pavel Povdig, Senior Researcher in the WMD Programme at UNIDIR, lets us into this opaque world of nuclear arms. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Will Johoreans once again vote for DAP in the upcoming state elections? Or are the voters going to choose stability over change? Johor DAP Chief, Liew Chin Tong, tells us. Image credit: Twitter.com/DAP MalaysiaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pejuang is contesting 42 seats in the Johor state elections, with an ambitious target of securing more than 30 seats. Although headed by a political legend, can this minnow party make headway in a crowded race? Datuk Dr Shahruddin Md Salleh, Johor Chief of Pejuang tells us the party's campaign strategy. Image credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia’s rental market has long been viewed as lacking proper regulation to safeguard both tenants and landlords.The absence of specific rules on rental tenancy means that contract law becomes the default means of settling disputes, but is a Residential Tenancy Act, the solution? Siva Shanker, CEO of Estate Agency, Rahim & Co gives us his view. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Russia has become the world's most heavily sanctioned country following international response to its invasion of Ukraine. What has the impact been on the economy thus far, and what options do Russian authorities have to cushion the fall-out? We discuss this with economist Tatiana Orlova. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.