Morning Brief

As investor interest in the environment, social and governance (ESG) priorities increase, there’s debate about whether linking executive pay to sustainability goals would encourage better outcomes. PwC recently conducted a study on this issue, and we discuss the findings with Indra Dhanu Dipak, Director of People & Organisation at PwC Malaysia. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pankaj C. Kumar, financial market columnist, fields questions on whether Malaysia's beleaguered stock market is a 'buy', in the midst of a political crisis and record-high daily Covid cases. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China has seen a sudden surge in Covid cases with the government taking a hard stance by stepping up restrictions, cutting flights and increasing testing. Professor Ben Cowling, Epidemiologist from Hong Kong University tells us if this approach will work, whilst discussing the vaccination rollout program in the country. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Malaysia a key trading hub and a critical manufacturing hub that is tightly bound by global industry value chains, government-imposed lockdowns have significant global consequences on the semiconductor industry, impacting the car industry and chipmakers. We speak to Dato Seri Wong Siew Hai, President of the Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association on the impact of current lockdowns to the semiconductor manufacturing industry. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Although recent GDP results for Eurozone economies have been mixed, the overall outlook remains positive compared to other parts of the world coping with a surge in the Delta variant of Covid-19. Economist Daniela Ordonez walks us through the factors keeping Eurozone economies afloat, as well as the potential downside risks on the horizon. Image Credit: MikeDotta / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We speak to Dr Bridget Welsh about the 4Ds, Deflection, Defiance, Denial and Disrespect, adopted by our political masters following Prime Minister Muhyiddin's assertion that he still retains a majority as he pushes the confidence vote to September. Image credit: Adam Yusof/Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sensing weakness in the Perikatan government, UMNO is split down the middle: stay in a shaky coalition or forge a new and possibly more lucrative one?  Dr Hamidin Abdul Hamid, Research Fellow from the Ilham Centre discusses with us. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sensing weakness in the Perikatan government, UMNO is split down the middle: stay in a shaky coalition or forge a new and possibly more lucrative one?  Dr Hamidin Abdul Hamid, Research Fellow from the Ilham Centre discusses with us. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We speak to Previndran Singhe CEO of Zerin Properties on the current situation of commercial properties, how landlords and developers are evolving as trends such as WFH are likely to stick. We further deep dive into the dire situation of the hotel sector as we see more properties on sale. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Short of beds and medical personnel, deaths and Covid casualties at Hospital Tengku Ampuan Rahimah in Klang is mounting, even as the political crisis rolls on. Klang MP Charles Santiago explains.  Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The start of August marked 6 months since the military coup in Myanmar, which saw the ouster of National League for Democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi and the return of a junta governing body. The junta chief, General Min Aung Hlaing has extended the timeline for elections to August 2023, and also named himself as caretaker Prime Minister. Meanwhile, ASEAN is no closer to appointing a special envoy to mediate the crisis. We discuss the implications of these developments with research fellow Aaron Connelly. Image Credit: R. Bociaga / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last Friday, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong announced that the state of emergency will be extended in Sarawak until February 2022 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. This means that the state elections will not be held until the Emergency is lifted. We discuss the political implications of the election delay, as well as how Sarawak politics figure in the tussle for power at the federal level. Dr. James Chin also cautions about the consequences of political intervention from the monarchy. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We speak to Iskandar Ismail from MYCC (Malaysia Competition Commission) on the P-hailing industry following the recent announcement that the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry is giving Foodpanda and Grab 14-days to present suggestions to improve their services. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As we're seeing a flurry of visits from the Biden administration to Asia, we ask Michael Kugelman, Deputy Director of the Wilson Centre what do these trips signify. The Morning Run also asks him Biden's current strategy against China and whether Southeast Asian nations can maintain a balance in relations between the US and China. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We speak to Bridget Welsh about the political implications from recent Parliamentary proceedings and the rebuke by the Yang Di Pertuan Agong. With the situation in flux, we ask her who will likely emerge victoriously and be the kingmaker to decide whether Perikatan Nasional can hang on to power? Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lawmakers were informed on Saturday afternoon that the special parliamentary sitting that was supposed to resume today, will be postponed for two weeks from July 29th. To help, break down the constitutional aspect of this parliamentary postponement is constitutional lawyer, New Sin Yew. Image Credit: Jaggat Rashidi | Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government has introduced a total of eight stimulus packages worth RM530 billion to combat the economic fallout of the Covid-19 pandemic, including fiscal injections of around RM83 billion. How effective has this aid actually been for businesses and households? We pose this question to Sri Murniati of the Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS) and discuss her expectations for Budget 2022 and the 12th Malaysia Plan. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Beijing continues its clampdown across multiple economic sectors, we speak to Tom Westbrook from Reuters on the longer-term implications of how tech companies plan to access global capital markets and China's forecasted 2H GDP numbers. Image credit: Poring studio / ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yesterday's parliamentary sitting was marked by shocking announcements from the Palace, as well as sudden postponements and claims of Covid-19 cases amongst parliament staff. As we try to make sense of the constitutional crisis the country is now facing, we speak to YB Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, PKR’s Organising Secretary, and Setiawangsa MP for an on-the-ground view of yesterday's proceedings in the Dewan Rakyat. Image credit: Calvin Chan / ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As companies and governments around the world begin mandating employees and contractors to be vaccinated, the Malaysian government has not yet made the vaccination mandatory, although there are discussions to do so. So questions remain whether employers can make vaccinations mandatory and what happens if employees refuse to be vaccinated? We ask Vijayan Venugopal, Employment & Administrative Lawyer at Shearn Delamore & Co to help us clear the air on this issue. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Indonesia has the highest number of Covid-19 cases in Asia, already charting 3.3 million cases and close to 89,000 deaths. The government has been under fire for not acting fast enough. Media Wahyudi Askar, Researcher at Institute for Development of Economics and Finance (INDEF) analyses. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Yang di-Pertuan Agong has said he is deeply disappointed with how the government acted. What are the political ramifications of this? The Morning Run speaks to Dr. Hamidin Abd Hamid, Research Fellow with the Ilham Centre, about this, as well as the biggest winners and losers, the growing UMNO tussle between Dato Seri Ismail Sabri and Dato Seri Zahid Hamidi, and where Dato Seri Anwar stands. Recap: Yang di-Pertuan Agong is disappointed that the Cabinet had decided to revoke the Emergency Ordinances promulgated during the state of emergency without receiving his consent, but the Prime Minister's Office says that "all actions taken were orderly and in line with the requirements of the law and the Federal Constitution". Image credit: NAUFAL ZAQUAN | Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last November, an exemption allowing foreign vessels to conduct undersea cable repairs was revoked by the Transport Ministry - a move that has stalled efforts to make Malaysia attractive to investors as a digital hub. Despite assurances that the issue would be resolved by the end of April, to date, no resolution is to be found. We speak to Dr. Rais Hussin Mohamed Ariff, Chairman, MDEC about the status of negotiations, and also ask him what the implications could be if this situation continues any longer. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Vaccine Minister, Khairy Jamaluddin said that we still have a long way to go to immunise 80% of Malaysians. Azrul Mohd Khalib, CEO of the Galen Centre for Health & Social Policy discusses the ongoing challenges especially in reaching out to niche groups like inmates and Orang Aslis, and other ways to measure the severity of the pandemic and make better decisions. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The year 2021 might be a record year for global IPOs (initial public offerings), according to a recent report by EY. But how will Beijing’s regulatory changes affect the pipeline of Chinese companies listing in the US and Hong Kong? And will investor interest in SPACs (Special Purpose Acquisition Companies) hold? What are hot IPOs to look out for in Southeast Asia? Max Loh, ASEAN IPO Leader at EY discusses his outlook including what is driving demand and supply. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Day two of Parliament saw agenda items public health and the response to Covid-19 overshadowed somewhat by the revocation of emergency ordinances revealed on Monday. However, questions still remain over the government's strategy to fight the virus. We speak to Dr. Kelvin Yii, Bandar Kuching MP for more insight. Image Credit: Abdul Aziz B Mohamed | Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From coffee to soybeans, and wheat to sugar, soft commodities around the world have seen sharp increases and that’s reflected in food prices at the market and grocery stores. The Morning Run speaks to commodities consultant Judith Ganes for reasons behind the rising prices and their implications. Image Credit: Bakhtiar Zein | Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Finance Ministry is placing Lembaga Tabung Haji, the pilgrim’s fund under the purview of Bank Negara Malaysia, saying it’s on an interim solution. Some political representatives are questioning this move. Dr. Nungsari Ahmad Radhi, Economist discusses the merits and how best to oversee LTH going forward. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Britain's call to rewrite the Northern Ireland protocol has once again brought post-Brexit talks with the EU to a standstill. The EU, meanwhile, says that Britain needs to respect its international obligations- particularly one which was such a key tenet of the original divorce from the EU. So where will post-Brexit negotiations go from here? We speak to Michael Gasiorek, Professor of Economics from Sussex University to find out. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin announced there will soon be privileges such as interstate travel for those who have been fully vaccinated. Dr Vinod Balasubramaniam, Senior Lecturer and Co-Lead of the Infection and Immunity Research Strength, at the Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine & Health Sciences, discusses if this move is premature. Image Credit: Holger Kleine | Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

De facto Law Minister Takiyuddin Hassan told the Dewan Rakyat that the Emergency Ordinances have been revoked since last week, catching many by surprise. Wong Chin Huat, Political Scientist, at Sunway University discusses the lack of transparency and the implications of the revocation, one being that the Dewan Undangan Negeri Sarawak needs to be dissolved and state elections to be held within 60 days. Image credit: S.O _ ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Parliament will convene for the first time this year for a Special Sitting, which will run until August 2nd. It's been a bumpy ride to get to this point, and expectations for the sitting are still in flux. So we speak former Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof, to help shed some light on the issue. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The $1.2 trillion bipartisan physical infrastructure plan in the US failed to find sufficient support in the Senate last Friday, leaving Joe Biden's key legislative priority in flux. Will he be able to get this, and other stimulus bills, passed? We speak to Adrian Ang, Research Fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, to find out. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tan Zhai Gen, Research Manager at Asia School of Business (ASB) discusses if the Self-Employed Social Security Scheme (SESSS) under Social Security Organisation (SOCSO) and PenjanaGig initiative are adequate to cover gig workers, and in the longer-term what actions should we consider to provide comprehensive social protection and strengthen the position of these workers. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Public Accounts Committee, or PAC for short, which scrutinizes public spending and is supposed to improve accountability will reconvene on the 26th of July. Its chairman, Wong Kah Woh joins us on the Morning Run to talk about their plans during these 7 days. Image Credit: Abdul Aziz B Mohamed | Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A group of medical professionals has drafted a Health Emergency Action Plan (H.E.A.P), which was made public this week. It outlines several key areas and proposals for action to address the pandemic without resorting to lockdowns. We speak to one of its authors, Dato’ Dr. Amar-Singh HSS, Senior Consultant Paediatrician to find out more. Image Credit: Naeblys | Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Disney Plus has tripled its user base y-o-y to 103 million in April, can Netflix still holds the lead in the streaming competition? We ask Geetha Ranganathan, Senior Media Analyst from Bloomberg Intelligence on the state of the movie industry. Image credit: Studio R3 / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Juita Mohamad, Fellow at ISIS Malaysia, discusses the rising incidences and the govt's policy response on the country's homeless, their plights considerably worsened by Covid-induced economic distress. Image Credit: Warith82 / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Cansino vaccine was given conditional approval for emergency use in Malaysia by the Drug Control Authority on June 15. We speak to Dato Mohd Nazlee Kamal, Deputy Group Managing Director of Solutions Group Berhad which entered into a deal with China’s CanSino Biologics to distribute the vaccine on their plans and the contributions to Solutions Group's bottom line.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Tokyo Olympics will begin this week against the backdrop of rising cases in Japan and around the world. Already, more than 70 people associated with the Games have tested positive for the virus. And the head of the Japanese Olympic Committee even suggested that the Games could be canceled depending on case numbers. We speak to Tokyo-based journalist William Pesek for insight into the mood in Japan ahead of the opening ceremony, and what this means for Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga’s political future. Image Credit: kovop58/Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s been 52 years since the first moon landings, but the dream of human lunar habitation has yet to come to fruition. That may change in the coming years as NASA makes plans to return to the moon by 2024, amid a flurry of private companies entering the space industry and spurring innovation. We discuss the future of space exploration and international cooperation with Garvey Macintosh, NASA Asia Representative. Image Credit: SevenStorm JUHASZIMRUS / PexelsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Covid has decimated road travel, hurting collections at more than 30 toll highway operators that include PLUS, Litrak, Ekovest, IJM, and Prolintas, prompting the possibility of renegotiating, postponing toll hikes, and even a restructuring of toll concessions. Transport planning consultant Rosli Azad Khan, discusses.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government has approved two Covid-19 self-test kits for import and distribution, which the public can purchase and use on their own. We speak to Ezuan Yaacob, CEO of MeDKAD, who are the brand owners of Salixium and distributors for one of the test kits as to how useful it will be in our fight against covid 19.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kuala Lumpur and Selangor are at the epicentre of the current outbreak and the government is ramping up the COVID-19 vaccination program with the introduction of Operation Surge Capacity, or O.S.C. for short. The O.S.C. aims to get every adult in KL and Selangor vaccinated with at least their first dose by August 1st. Bangi MP, YB Ong Kian Ming has been appointed as the coordinator on behalf of the state government to lead the ramp-up in Selangor. We speak to him on this bipartisan approach. Image Credit: Dimitris Barletis | shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As parliament is set to reconvene next week, we ask Ibrahim Suffian, Programme Director at the Merdeka Center what he expects from the parliamentary sitting. As a follow-up from the survey conducted by Merdeka Centre that showed Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s approval at 67%, we also ask him for an update on the approval rating of politicians. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As EMCO has been lifted last week for most of Klang Valley, Malaysia’s healthcare system remains strained to its limits. We ask Azrul Mohd Khalib, CEO, Galen Centre for Health & Social Policy if special privileges should be given to fully vaccinated individuals. We also discuss the decision to reopen schools in September and what strategies should the government take now. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), mean salaries and wages fell 9% in 2020 due to the economic effects of the pandemic. Is this downward trend a temporary blip, or could we see long-lasting implications for the Malaysian economy? Labour economist Dr. Niaz Asadullah helps us understand the data better. Image Credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the last week, Biden’s government implemented several measures that indicated a hardening stance against China. We speak to Richard McGregor, Senior Fellow, Lowy Institute about this tension between the two countries. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We speak to Dr. Sanjay Rampal about the most recent guidelines set by the Ministry of Human Resources on ventilation and air quality during the Covid pandemic. We also get Dr. Sanjay's perspective on the recent Klang Valley Taskforce and the recent spike in Covid cases. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amid changing SOPs, various types of movement restrictions, and opaque announcements, international chambers of commerce have been petitioning both the Federal and State governments to express their concern over the Covid-19 response. They have warned that businesses are rethinking their investment decisions here in Malaysia, as cases remain high and confidence erodes. So we reached out to Marco Winter, Executive Director of MDBC Malaysian Dutch Business Council, to understand better the concerns being brought forward by the international business community. Image Credit: AkuAlip | Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.