Morning Brief

Sarawak's State Assembly is set to dissolve in less than a month, with Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Openg seeking an audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to discuss the subject. In tandem with that, there has been growing upset over the government's implementation of MCO3.0, culminating in #KerajaanGagal trending on Twitter over the Raya weekend. We speak to Professor James Chin, Professor of the Asian Studies at the University of Tasmania for a look at both Sarawak and the security of the Perikatan Nasional government. Image Credit: Balang Jepo | shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While the US is relaxing its measures for vaccinated persons, countries like India and Brazil are still in the midst of a shocking surge in Covid-19 infections. In addition, concerns have risen over a "black fungus" affecting recovered Covid-19 patients in India. We speak to Benjamin Cowling, Professor of Infectious Disease Epidemiology from the University of Hong Kong about this new complication, and whether India's variant is truly a cause for concern. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As we head into MCO 3.0, we speak to Tricia Yeoh, CEO of independent think tank, The Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS) on the implications of this lockdown and whether there are any fiscal headroom left. Image credit: MUHAMMAD IZZAT TERMIZIE / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UOB Economist Julia Goh unpacks the recent GDP numbers and its bright spots, Q2 perspective in view of MCO 3.0 and the potential implications of higher inflation on consumers and businesses. Image credit: Shutterstsock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aaron Tang from Luno Malaysia helps us understand the different cryptocurrencies, their respective applications as well as the potential to disrupt financial markets and how investors should approach investing in cryptocurrencies. Image Credit: lucadp |shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government is allowing the resumption of the 2011 RM9 billion project to construct littoral combat ships helmed by Boustead Naval Shipyard to protect economic livelihoods, according to Defence Minister Dato’ Seri Ismail Sabri. The project is being probed for corruption after it stalled in 2019. Why has this project been delayed for so long? We tap writer and defense blogger Marhalim Abas for insight. Image Credit: hkhtt hj / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Who would qualify as economic frontliners? When and how will they be getting their vaccination? We speak to Edwin Ho, Occupational Health Physician and Council member of the Academy of Occupational and Environmental Medicine Malaysia on this. Image credit: Daniel Schludi on Unsplash.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Who would qualify as economic frontliners? When and how will they be getting their vaccination? We speak to Edwin Ho, Occupational Health Physician and Council member of the Academy of Occupational and Environmental Medicine Malaysia on this. Image credit: Daniel Schludi on Unsplash.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Who would qualify as economic frontliners? When and how will they be getting their vaccination? We speak to Edwin Ho, Occupational Health Physician and Council member of the Academy of Occupational and Environmental Medicine Malaysia on this. Image credit: Daniel Schludi on Unsplash.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With glaring inequities in the supply and distribution of vaccines, the Biden administration has backed a plan to waive intellectual property rights for Covid-19 vaccines and treatments. We speak to Dr. Lindsay Newman, Director of Economics & Country Risk from IHS Markit on whether this could provide a solution to help end the pandemic. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pakatan Harapan's frustration at the govt's handling of the pandemic and the economy has prompted the formation of a series of shadow committees in the belief that it do a better job. Sunway University's political scientist Dr Wong Chin Huat discusses the implications. Image Credit: Jasni / ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia's key industries, including plantations, timber and manufacturing, are caught in a conundrum, as a govt freeze on foreign workers curtail their fortunes, as calls for the freeze to be lifted gain momentum. Credit: ayarx oren \ shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Datuk Wira Ameer Ali Mydin from, Malaysia Retail Association discusses why the lack of consultation and inaccurate data will hamper the good intentions set out with HIDE. Image credit: JiaChengg / ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jennifer Ong from HAPA explains the issues and logic behind why the current restaurant closures leaves a lot more to be desired and the implications this will have to the industry in terms of business and job losses. Image credit: TY Lim / ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The domestic clamour for the Tokyo Olympics to be cancelled is growing louder, as Japan extends its third state of emergency until the end of May. With the Games around 10 weeks away, can the government bring the rising case numbers under control and speed up the vaccine roll-out in order to hold the event safely? We ask Tokyo-based journalist William Pesek for his thoughts. Image Credit: Sayuri Inoue / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last year, the European Union and China finally concluded negotiations on the Comprehensive Agreement on Investment, intended to promote market access between the two. However, Sino-European ties have become more fraught of late, with concerns rising in the EU over China's treatment of its Uighur minority. Will this mean the end of this long-awaited agreement? We speak to Nick Marro, Lead Analyst on Global Trade from The Economist Intelligence Unit to find out. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Khoon Goh, Head of Asia Research at ANZ Bank discusses Bank Negara Malaysia’s decision to leave the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) unchanged, and the implications of imposing MCO 3.0 and delaying Phase 3 of the National Immunisation Programme. Image Credit: Gwoeii / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wendy Ang, Country Head of Transaction Banking at Standard Chartered Bank Malaysia shares the findings of the bank’s survey on the impact of the pandemic on SMEs, and how they are adapting digitally. Image Credit: Wright Studio | shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The opt-in AstraZeneca vaccination programme commenced yesterday in four centres in the Klang Valley. However, at the same time Khairy Jamaluddin, Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, cautioned that Phase 3 of the National Covid Immunisation Programme could be delayed due to a supply shortage. We reached out to Asst Prof Dr Farhan Rusli, Public Health Medicine Specialist from International Islamic University Malaysia to shed some light on the progress of the rollouts. Image Credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Savills Asia Pacific Investment Q1 report this year, which looked at the real estate market in the APAC region, found that transaction volumes are on the rise. Does this signal grow confidence among real estate investors in the region? We speak to Simon Smith, Asia-Pacific Regional Head of research and Consultancy from Savills to find out. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The various movement control orders have significantly dampened the tourism industry. Nigel Wong, Honorary Secretary-General of the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents discusses the potential impact of MCO 3.0 on his members, and wonders when the bottom will be. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The courtroom showdown between Epic Games and Apple began this week, with Epic Games saying they deliberately violated Apple's marketplace rules to showcase the disproportionate power that Apple wields over developers. So the question is: Does Epic Games have a case? We speak to Professor David Olson, associate professor, Boston College Law School to find out. Image credit: Camilo Concha / Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recently, it came to light that the accreditation for more than 20 courses under LimKokWing University have been revoked. Teo Nie Ching, Kulai MP and former Deputy Education Minister discusses the implications and how students can better protect themselves before enrolling into universities. Image Credit: Nirat.pix | Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Transparency International Corruption Perception Index indicates that Malaysians perceive politicians and the police to be most corrupt. Dr Muhammad Mohan, President, Transparency International-Malaysia discusses the priorities for stamping out corruption, making a case for introducing a Misconduct In Public Office Act and having a more powerful Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC). Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the midst of a massive Covid-19 surge in the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's BJP party have been defeated in state elections in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. Mass campaign rallies have been blamed for the spike in coronavirus cases, giving rise to questions over whether this is the beginning of the end of Modi's political journey. We speak to X to find out. Image Credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In March, the World Bank said that Malaysia would become a high-income economy between 2024 and 2028. Geoffrey Williams, Professor at Malaysia University of Science and Technology discusses how the pandemic sets us back, and other more pressing issues to address. Image Credit: f11photo | Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hot on social media was tweets about Better Malaysia Foundation’s affordable housing project. We discuss with Hamdan Abdul Majeed, Managing Director, Think City on the challenges of providing affordable homes in Klang Valley and possible solutions for this long-standing problem. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week, the Securities Commission of Malaysia updated the Malaysian Code on Corporate Governance, focusing on the nomination of board members and sustainability, among others. Another addition discouraged public-listed companies from appointing active politicians to their board of directors. We speak to Azmir Zain, private investment director and frequent commentator on corporate governance, for more insight. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're now seeing uneven 5G development as policymakers’ across the world have taken varying approaches on spectrum management. How does Malaysia's shared 5G infrastructure framework compare with the more typical spectrum auction method? The Morning run speaks to Janice Chong, Senior Director at Fitch Ratings, on this, as well as thoughts on Digital National Berhad, the effectiveness of spectrum auctions to raise government revenue, why South Korea and China are ahead of the curve, and more. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dato’ Ahiruddin Attan, President of the National Press Club discusses Malaysia’s large decline from 101st to 119th spot on the World Press Freedom Index, and the challenges ahead for media players. Image Credit: Afif Abd. Halim / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dato’ Ahiruddin Attan, President of the National Press Club discusses Malaysia’s large decline from 101st to 119th spot on the World Press Freedom Index, and the challenges ahead for media players. Image Credit: Afif Abd. Halim / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sharifah Zaida Nurlisha, President of the Malaysia Oil & Gas Services Council (MOGSC), discusses the country's National Oil & Gas Services and Equipment Blueprint, in the context of a sub-sector which has only half of its 4,000-strong membership still active as well as beset by a number of policy and industry woes. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Helmy Haja Mydin helps address the concerns over the Astra Zeneca vaccine and shares his perspective on the proposal to set up a dedicated vaccination centre for those who want to take it by the Malaysian Government. Image Credit: Marc Bruxelle | Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Biden marked his 100th day in office with his first formal address to Congress. Robert Shapiro, Professor of Government at Columbia University reviews his performance against campaign promises and tells us what the priorities are for the rest of this term. Image credit: EPA-EFE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With 233 Fintech companies in Malaysia, who will be the winners in this growing sector? Vincent Fong, Chief Editor of Fintech News Malaysia tells us whilst revealing whether any Malaysian companies have the potential to be a unicorn. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We speak to Tan Hai Hsin on whether the surge of e-commerce will prevail post-pandemic and gauge the current performance of the retail sector as different omnichannel strategies are adopted. Image credit: Tooykrub/Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Biden has proposed a series of tax hikes to pay for childcare and education programs. Markets were initially sold down on this news but have since recovered. Ed Clissold, Chief US Strategist at Ned Davis Research tells us if this has a significant long-term impact on markets and will this see a shift towards more passive investing. Image credit: EPA-EFE/ Stefani Reynolds / POOLSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Katrina Ell, Senior APAC Economist at Moody's Analytics, discusses higher-than-expected March CPI numbers, even as Malaysia grapples with a slow vaccine rollout and an uncertain economic outlook. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lawrence Wong has been announced as Singapore's new Finance Minister in a major cabinet reshuffle. With that, is he the new heir apparent to the Prime Minister's post? Nydia Ngiow, Bower Group Asia weighs in on this.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The recent Merdeka Center survey results showed Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s approval rating at a steady 67 percent. We speak straight to the source, Merdeka Centre’s Programme Director, Ben Suffian on what this survey result means and the demographics behind this figure. Image Credit: S.O. | Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The recent Merdeka Center survey results showed Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s approval rating at a steady 67 percent. We speak straight to the source, Merdeka Centre’s Programme Director, Ben Suffian on what this survey result means and the demographics behind this figure. Image Credit: S.O. | Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Home-based learning and teaching will be implemented for 2 weeks after the Hari Raya holidays. Previously the government decided to close schools for two days when any cases have been reported. Are these the right decisions? We speak to Harry Tan, Secretary-General, National Union Of The Teaching Profession (NUTP). Image Credit: Mejini Neskah / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Home-based learning and teaching will be implemented for 2 weeks after the Hari Raya holidays. Previously the government decided to close schools for two days when any cases have been reported. Are these the right decisions? We speak to Harry Tan, Secretary-General, National Union Of The Teaching Profession (NUTP). Image Credit: Mejini Neskah / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We discuss the significance of Malaysia being the first country to sell a dollar-denominated sustainability Sukuk with Firdaos Rosli, Head of Economic Research from Malaysian Rating Corporation Berhad (MARC). And we also discuss how close are we to the self-prescribed 60% limit of debt-to-GDP. Image credit: kudla / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sebastien Strangio from the Asian Diplomat gives us a deeper perspective of the effectiveness of the ASEAN convened special summit on Saturday in Jakarta and whether the ASEAN Special Envoy will have the clout to ensure the compliance of the Five-Point Consensus. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Merdeka's Centre Survey and Invoke Survey Results. UMNO recent Supreme Council meeting. PAS sticking with BERSATU. Oh Ei Sun helps us understand the musical chairs of political parties as well as unpack the deep dissatisfaction and uncertainty among voters. Image Credit: Amiirullah Mansor | Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do Malaysia's foreign labour policies encourage foreign direct investment and spur economic growth? Dr Niaz Asadullah, Southeast Asia Lead of the Global Labor Organisation weighs in on this debate whilst reminding us that short-term populist measures do not work in the longer term. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Economist Dr. Nungsari Radhi is cool on the government’s move to tap into the RM16 billion National Trust Fund, pointing out that such funds should only be sparingly used on rainy days. Image credit: Rangzen / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dan Ives gives us his perspective on the recent IPO of Coinbase and also provides a comprehensive roundup of expected results of major US tech players in the coming week including Tesla and in particular Apple that announced its first tech refreshes Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The past decade has seen rapid growth in sustainable or ESG investing, how does Malaysia measure up with regards to ESG investing options and standards? Anand Pathmakanthan, Head of Regional Equity Research at Maybank Kim Eng tells us whilst giving us the top ESG stock buys for Malaysia. Image Credit Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.