Morning Brief

Over the past 2 weeks, MUDA has managed to galvanize public support for its flood relief efforts, raising over RM2 million to date and involving over 10,000 volunteers. Will this translate into votes during the general elections? We speak to MUDA Information Chief Zaidel Baharuddin about their relief initiatives and measures to ensure transparency in administering funds. Image credit: MUDASee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After the recent heavy rain, landslides are happening across the country. Datuk Ezumi Harzani Ismail, President of The Malaysian Institute of Architects tells us what the building safety codes are and what the rules are with regards to maintenance. He also tells us what we as individual homeowners can do to avoid landslides. Image credit: The StarSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the latest Hong Kong Legislative Council election, pro-Beijing candidates won an overwhelming majority out of the 90 seats. However the race was stacked against the opposition following the electoral changes introduced earlier this year. What do these political developments mean for the pro-democracy movement and Hong Kong's status as an international financial hub? China expert Prof. Steve Tsang of SOAS weighs in. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

State borders have reopened and domestic travel is encouraged with even the Government offering a tax relief of up to RM1000 for this. But is this enough to help the travel industry and can it compensate for the lack of foreign tourist. Nigel Wong, Honorary Secretary-General of The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents tells us whilst giving us his outlook for 2022. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Datin Noraida Saludin from the Malaysian Institute of Planners shares her perspective on the severe flooding that happened more than a week ago has taken away lives, livelihoods and homes. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This year witnessed several changes in Middle Eastern political dynamics. As countries focus on economic recovery in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, there has been a clear shift towards de-escalating tensions within Gulf countries. This has been taking place amidst a perceived withdrawal of US influence in the region under the Biden administration. We discuss key developments and issues to watch in the coming year with Middle East expert Dr. James Dorsey. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Liyana Yahaya from NielsenIQ shares her perspective on whether the double festive momentum of Christmas and Chinese New Year will sustain the uptrend for retail activity. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week it came to light that Taman Sri Muda in Shah Alam experienced severe floods in the past, indicating that government authorities did have record of the flood vulnerabilities of the area. In light of increasingly erratic weather patterns due to climate change, what policy measures should be put in place to better cope with flooding moving forward? Water engineering expert Dr. Teo Fang Yen shares his recommendations. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Myanmar’s junta chief Min Aung Hlaing has reiterated plans to hold a fresh general election in August 2023 sticking to the military government’s timeline and defying pressure from the U.S. to hold polls earlier. Moe Thuzar from IISEAS, Yusof-Ishak Institute deep dives on this brewing crisis. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Professor Datuk Dr Shamsul Amri Baharuddin, Director, Institute of Ethnic Studies (KITA) assesses how will the recent events affect the Prime Minister’s political cachet and does this change the calculations for GE15. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With a series of studies suggesting it to be less severe, we ask Dale Fisher from the National University of Singapore on how severe the Omicron variant is and the efficacy of vaccines against this variant. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With confusion over the chain of command in addressing disaster situations, we speak to Tan Sri Dr Jemilah Mahmood, Director of the Sunway Centre for Planetary Health and also the founder of Mercy Malaysia, with also more than 20 years of experience in helping governments prepare and respond to disasters on what went wrong. We also ask her how can fellow Malaysians help the community to recover. Image credit: PDRMSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ooi Lean Hin, Chairman of the Shipping Association of Malaysia shares with us the impact the floods have had on the shipping industry as well as the extend of the damage on Port Klang, one of Malaysia key logistics gateways. Image credit: Pixabay.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apurva Sanghi, World Bank Lead Economist for Malaysia explains it economic growth projections of 5.8% by 2022 and why it urgently needs to address the widening learning gaps between students from different socioeconomic backgrounds. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to the Annual Transaction Trail Report by Duff & Phelps, A Kroll Business consultancy, global deal-making activity surged to a record USD4.4 trillion this year, with USD280 billion worth of activity taking place in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. How do the different countries compare in terms of deal-making activities, and which sectors drew the most investments? We discuss insights from the report with Managing Director Srividya Gopal. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Datuk Wira Ameer Ali Mydin tells us his side of the story as to why he forgives the looters of his store in Sri Muda. He also tells us that better coordination between individuals, corporates, NGOs and government is much needed during this crisis. Image credit: Shah Alam PoliceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government has postponed the tabling of the controversial bill to amend the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988, also known as Act 342. We speak to YB Dr. Kelvin Yii, chair of Parliamentary Select Committee on health, science and innovation to discuss concerns over the bill in its present form, and the consultation process moving forward. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The massive flooding in the Klang Valley and elsewhere this week has shone a spotlight on insurance coverage in the face of natural disasters. We speak to PIAM President Antony Lee on how insurance players are adapting to increasing climate change risk. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

he global aviation industry was buoyed by the reopening of borders earlier in the year, but the new Omicron variant has thrown a spanner into the recovery path. We speak to Shantanu Gangakhedkar of Frost & Sullivan on the outlook for travel and aviation in the coming year. Image credit: Pixabay.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With SMEs already struggling from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, we ask Chin Chee Seong from SME Association of Malaysia how are they handling this flood and what assistance do they need. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fikri Faisal from the Centre unpacks the gaps in the government's response to the floods and what lessons can we avoid in the future to avoid such disasters from occurring again. Image credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.