Morning Brief

The recently tabled 12th Malaysia Plan acknowledged that more needed to be done to improve transport infrastructure and set out the targets of increasing usage of public transport as well as promote green mobility. The goals in themselves are laudable, but is there sufficient clarity on how we’re going to achieve these targets? We review the 12MP with Ziad Razak, Research Advisor at The Centre. Image credit: TK Kurikawa / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We speak to Philip Goh from IATA on how the airline industry will navigate these future storms and whether we'll finally see a light at the end of the tunnel as Malaysia begins to reopen to domestic tourism. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Employees Provident Fund (EPF), in its latest findings, reported that a majority of its members in the low- and middle-income groups, are likely to live in poverty in old age unless mitigation measures are taken. Pankaj C. Kumar, business commentator tells us what policy measures can be adopted to rectify this serious issue. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We discuss with Kuching MP Dr. Kelvin Yii on how we can better support mental health for Malaysians with the Government's launch of the National Strategic Plan for Mental Health 2020 - 2025, as we celebrate World Mental Health day.  Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week, Health Minister Khairy Jamaludin said that the government would procure 150,000 treatment packages of a Covid-19 anti-viral drug produced by Merck called Molnupiravir. The drug is being described by many quarters as a gamechanger in the fight against Covid-19. Based on trials conducted so far, the medication was shown to reduce the risk of hospitalization or death by around 50% in patients with mild-to-moderate symptoms of the virus. We get the lowdown on Molnupiravir from Sam Fazeli, Director of Research at Bloomberg Intelligence. Image credit: Quality Stock Arts / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week, Health Minister Khairy Jamaludin said that the government would procure 150,000 treatment packages of a Covid-19 anti-viral drug produced by Merck called Molnupiravir. The drug is being described by many quarters as a gamechanger in the fight against Covid-19. Based on trials conducted so far, the medication was shown to reduce the risk of hospitalization or death by around 50% in patients with mild-to-moderate symptoms of the virus. We get the lowdown on Molnupiravir from Sam Fazeli, Director of Research at Bloomberg Intelligence. Image credit: Quality Stock Arts / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US-China relations appear to remain cool under the Biden administration while Taiwan’s fate is the biggest uncertainty in the region, says Dr. Pradeep Taneja, Senior Lecturer In Asian Studies from the University of Melbourne. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Covid-19 pandemic has inarguably set back efforts to eliminate poverty among Malaysian society. According to the Department of Statistics Malaysia, the pandemic raised the incidence of absolute poverty to 8.4% in 2020, compared to 5.6% in 2019. The government has reiterated its commitment to tackle poverty and income inequality under the 12th Malaysia Plan, with the aim of eradicating hardcore poverty by 2025. But does the 12MP provide a sufficiently clear roadmap towards that aim? We discuss this with World Bank economist Ririn Salwa Purnamasari. Image Credit: Lens Hitam / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Helmy Haja Mydin, Consultant Respiratory Physician, talks about Malaysia’s readiness for interstate travel and indeed, whether international borders can reopen. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia’s small businesses have withered in the face of the full fury of the pandemic, prompting the question of what more can be done to save them, with Budget ‘22 looming. Image credit: Carlos Huang / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Melaka state assembly has been thrown into turmoil after four assemblymen withdrew support from the ruling government coalition this week. In response, the Melaka Governor Tan Sri Mohd Ali Rustam dissolved the state assembly paving the way for elections in 60 days, but will this lead to a resurgence in cases? We discuss the political ramifications of the chaos in Melaka with political commentator Dr. Hamidin Abdul Hamid. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Professor Kim Kyung Hyun gives us his perspective behind the success of South Korean soft power and the leverage it gives South Korea in the global economy and geopolitics. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After 10 hours of debate on Monday in the Singaporean parliament, a controversial law aimed at countering foreign interference in domestic affairs was passed. Dubbed the Foreign Interference (Countermeasures) Act aka (FICA), the law allows authorities to order social media sites and Internet providers to disclose user information or block content that they deem hostile. James Gomez, Director of Asia Centre tells us the implications of such a law. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is raising the average household income to 10,000 ringgit per month by 2025 realistic? Calvin Cheng from ISIS provides a reality check, his perspective on minimum wage, and social protection goals under the 12th Malaysia Plan. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Under the 12th Malaysia Plan, the government has allocated nearly RM3 billion towards prioritizing green growth. They have also pledged to reach carbon neutrality by 2050 and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions intensity by 45% by 2030. How viable are these targets and what's missing from the 12MP in terms of environmental sustainability? We assess the government's commitment to the green agenda with Alizan Mahadi of ISIS Malaysia. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michelle Leung from Bloomberg Intelligence Asia explains how serious the power crunch currently is, the major causes for such a severe power shortage in China, and what they can do to prevent another energy crisis in the future. Image credit: stevepb / Pixabay.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Veerinderjeet Singh helps us explain the significance of the Pandora Papers leak and how this intricate web of setting up offshore firms works, as well as whether the Malaysian government can stop these loopholes since it's been under mounting pressure to widen the tax base. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 12th Malaysia Plan has stated that 50 percent of the total basic development expenditure, will be channelled to the states of Kedah, Kelantan, Perlis, Terengganu, Sabah and Sarawak. The rationale being to narrow the development gap. Dr Francis Hutchinson, Senior Fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute gives a history lesson whilst telling us what the solutions are. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

‪Dr. Le Dinh Tinh shares his assessment on Vietnam's latest Q3 GDP numbers, the country's linkages to the global supply chain, and how it tends to accelerate their current vaccination programme as it lags behind regional peers. Image credit: dangquangn / Pixabay.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bersatu and Umno have both stated their readiness to contest GE15 seats, without compromising with the other. Given their similarities and with the addition of PAS as another potential element splitting the Malay vote, which party is more likely to come out on top? Dr. Bridget Welsh, Honorary Research Associate at the University of Nottingham-Malaysia weighs in with her analysis. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A recent survey by Ipsos Malaysia titled, "Are We Ready To Be Back In Office?” found that 33 percent of Malaysians prefer working from home completely, while another 32% were prepared to return to the office. We discuss the findings of the survey as well as how the pandemic will impact post-pandemic working arrangements for employers and employees alike. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

YB Nurul Izzah Anwar shares her perspective on the reason behind the low take-up of TVET and proposes the structural reforms necessary to strengthen this much needed programme. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP), the government pledged to transform the public sector, calling it out as a critical policy enabler in the delivery of the plan. Patrick Tay from PwC Malaysia tells us what the roadblocks are and what needs to be done to achieve this. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The digital divide has been exacerbated by Covid 19. The 12th Malaysia Plan does attempt to address this but does it go far enough? Dr. Rachel Gong, Senior Research Associate at the Khazanah Research Institute tells us. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

William Pesek uncovers who Fumio Kishida is and what to expect for Japan under his administration as Japan's 100th Prime Minister. Image credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It seems we never learn the lessons of the past as Dr. Muhammad Mohan from Transparency International-Malaysia explains the challenge of accountability, as more skeletons in the cupboard are unearthed and listed from the 2019 Auditor-General’s report. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

RM400 billion has been set aside for development expenditure under the 12MP but some of that is also for GLC rehabilitation. Dr. Nungsari A. Radhi, Economist tells us if this is a step in the right direction. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Salih Yilmaz, Oil Analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence shares his perspective on how the fast recovery in demand and whether the supply shortage is attributed to the price surge in both oil and gas prices, as policy makers grapple between energy security and environmental sustainability? Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chin Chee Seong, Vice President, SME Association of Malaysia shares his perspective on how SMEs would react to the 12th Malaysia Plan and his hopes for Budget 2022 as SMEs struggle to survive. Image credit: YuriAbas / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nydia Ngiow from Bower Group Asia gives up an update on recent developments in Singapore as they grapple with a surge in new COVID-19 cases, the recent debate over inequality, as well as proposals of a potential wealth tax. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Under the 12th Malaysia Plan, the government allocated RM400 billion for development expenditure. This is a 61% increase from the 11th plan yet keeping a fiscal deficit target of 3% to 3.5% of GDP by 2025. Firdaos Rosli, Chief Economist at Malaysian Rating Corporation Berhad tells us if this ambitious targets are achievable. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 12th Malaysia Plan sets out the roadmap for the country to achieve a prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable Malaysia. But how does it fare when it come to healthcare? Datuk Seri Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad, Chair of the Selangor Task Force on Covid-19 tells us whether there are more hits or misses. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tricia Yeoh from IDEAS shares her assessment of the 11th and 12th Malaysia Plan, as well as helping us dissect the highlights and gaps that exist in the plan. Image credit: Abdul Razak Latif / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Frederick Kliem from S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies helps us unpack the recent election results in Germany, where the centre-left Social Democrats (SPD) have narrowly won, triggering horse-trading to build the next government. Image credit: Michael Schwarzenberger / Pixabay.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The vaccination program for teenagers has started in Malaysia but there still remains uncertainty over the roll-out program. Assistant Professor Dr. Farhan Rusli, Public Health Medicine Specialist & Director of the Selangor Task Force (COVID-19) Operation gives us the mechanics of the plan and also the benefits of vaccines for them. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We ask Lavanya Rama Iyer, Head of Policy & Climate Change at WWF Malaysia the progress and track record of the government in focusing on environmental sustainability in the lead up to COP26 and the much anticipated 12th Malaysia Plan. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The world most indebted property company turned conglomerate, Evergrande is facing a debt pile of over US$300 billion with a serious cash crunch. Alfredo Montufar-Helu, Beijing Director, The Economist Intelligence Corporate Network tells us the backstory of how this happened and is the Chinese government going to save the day. Image credit: hxdbzxy / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Joe Biden has been beset with foreign policy missteps in his first year of office, with both partners and rivals. The Afghanistan withdrawal was criticized for lack of coordination and consultation with NATO allies, while the recent AUKUS defence pact created consternation with France as well as China. We discuss the highlights of President Biden's address at the 76th UN General Assembly and whether he's signalled a strategy to restore American credibility on the global stage. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was reported that about 90% of Members of Parliament (MPs) did not attend the afternoon parliamentary sessions, causing a delay to proceedings as the quorum was not met. Aira Azhari, Manager of the Democracy and Governance Unit, IDEAS & Member of The Seed Community for a Professional Parliament discusses their lackadaisical behavior. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The upcoming 12th Malaysia Plan is in sharp focus following previous iterations that while well-formed in structure and planning, has missed the target on a broad range of issues due to poor implementation. Dr. Shankaran Nambiar, Head of Research, Malaysian Institute of Economic Research (MIER), discusses. Image credit: Abdul Razak Latif / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Launched in 2013, the Malaysia Education Blueprint (MEB) ends in 2025. With four more years remaining, what problems continue to besiege our education system? Idris Jala, CEO of PEMANDU Associates discusses. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The lifting of the voting age to 18 and automatic voter registration will see 8 million new voters enter the electorate, including a million under the age of 21. What are political parties doing to court the youth vote, and what do the younger generation desire from political leadership? We speak to Ibrahim Suffian of the Merdeka Centre on the trends in youth and politics. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Securities Commission announced that it is revamping the framework for Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (SPAC) listing. Pankaj C. Kumar, financial market columnist discusses the necessary changes. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We talk to Azrul Mohd Khalib from the Galen Centre about how the 12th Malaysia Plan should address and anticipate the current challenges in Malaysia's healthcare industry. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the last decade, Malaysia’s domestic capital market tripled to RM3.4 trillion. But it pales in comparison to the size of Singapore’s markets. What does this tell us about Malaysia’s underlying economy? Dr. Liew Chee Yoong, Research Fellow, Center for Market Education unpacks the Securities Commission’s Capital Market Masterplan 3 and what more could be done to broaden the market and deepen liquidity. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Grant Wyeth helps us unpack Canada's recent election called by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as he tries to secure a majority following the last election in 2019 which resulted in a minority government. Image credit: Katstudio / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the early stages of the pandemic, the government implemented a freeze on hiring foreign workers, in part to curb the spread of Covid-19 but also to provide more job opportunities for locals. Recently, the Human Resources Ministry said that the freeze would be extended until the end of 2021 - but this has been met with dismay by employers groups, who say that the labour shortage will affect economic recovery. We discuss the impact of foreign worker shortages across different economic sectors with political economist Khor Yu Leng. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week, China formally submitted a request to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership - also known as the CP-TPP, what is China's motivation and is China ready to undergo the structural changes necessary in order to comply with the requirements? We speak to Dr Juita Mohamad, Indo-Pacific Fellow, Perth USAsia Centre on this matter. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In an interview with Reuters, Datuk Seri Najib Razak does not rule out seeking re-election despite the 1MDB scandal. Oh Ei Sun, Senior Fellow, Singapore Institute of International Affairs discusses the former Prime Minister’s popularity and its impact on Barisan Nasional’s chances in GE15. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The pandemic has revealed gaps in protecting the most vulnerable. Associate Professor Dr Saidatulakmal Mohd, Associate Professor of Economics, at Universiti Sains Malaysia discusses social protection measures that are much needed and how best we can fund a more comprehensive program. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.