Morning Brief

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De facto Law Minister Takiyuddin Hassan told the Dewan Rakyat that the Emergency Ordinances have been revoked since last week, catching many by surprise.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.

Prof Datuk Dr. Denison Jayasooria, Co-Chair of the Malaysian CSO SDG Alliance discusses where Malaysia is strong and lacking in meeting the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, and the consequences of not meeting its commitments. For Malaysia's Voluntary National Review (VNR) 2021, click here. Image credit: United NationsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Grant Bowers, senior vice president, and portfolio manager with Franklin Templeton dissects the performance of US equities to date and his outlook on which sectors will continue to perform and outperforming for the rest of 2021. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fire season is starting up once again in parts of North America, just two weeks after a heatwave which killed hundred across the Pacific Northwest and western Canada. Some of the hottest temperatures on earth have been recorded over the weekend. So for some insight into the climate effects and what governments have to do to manage the consequences of extreme climate change, we speak to Zeke Hausfather, Director of Climate and Energy of the Berkeley Earth. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With a weakening economy and the accumulation of government debt to provide more assistance to the most in need, we speak to P Gunasegaran from the Vibes about what can be done to strike the right balance between maintaining fiscal discipline and providing more aid to the rakyat as the government contemplates to increase its GDP to debt ceiling to 65%. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After nearly 20 years, the exit of US troops from Afghanistan is underway, scheduled to be completed by the end of August. While this is a move long in the making, questions remain over whether a lack of US forces will once again allow for the Taliban to seize control of the country, and if Afghanistan's economy can survive the removal of military spending. We speak to Michael Kugelman, Deputy Director of the Wilson Centre for some insight. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week we watched videos of thousands of Covid-19 positive individuals queuing up to get assessed at Stadium Melawati and the Bandar Mahkota Cheras CACs (Covid-19 Assessment Centres). Dr Ahmad Munawwar Helmi Salim, Covid-19 Task Coordinator, at Imaret (Islamic Medical Association of Malaysia Response and Relief Team) discusses improvements to reduce the burden on CACs and the healthcare system. Image Credit: YuriAbas | Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Consumer behavior changed as Covid-19 ravaged economies across the world. Sheila Shanmugam, Managing Director of m/SIX under GroupM Malaysia discusses consumption habits, advertising spending trends and how advertisers are cutting through the noise in Malaysia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Vaccine hesitancy is an ongoing challenge for governments around the world, with no simple solution available to address it. Here in Asia, the skepticism is made worse by a slower vaccine rollout and mistrust of government institutions- so how can hesitancy be effectively addressed? We speak to Gaurav Gupta, Regional Director for Asia, Dalberg to find out. Image Credit: : FARID TAJUDDIN / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As colleges look to cut fees by as much as 20% to attract enrolment, we speak to Geoffrey Williams, Economist, Malaysia University of Science and Technology on the impact on their sustainability. We ask him if enrolment has dropped more than expected and the issues on the accreditation of colleges. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week, the Selangor government decided that only ‘truly essential’ economic services should remain open, while other economic activities in EMCO areas must remain closed until the restriction order is lifted. On the other hand, many industries are pleading with the government to reconsider its decision to close sectors in areas under the EMCO, citing their struggles to recover and meet demands. The Morning Run speaks to Malaysian Employers Federation Executive Director Datuk Shamsuddin Bardan about this, the state of SOPs, and the implications of all this on business. Image Credit: moo photograph | shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia crossed an important threshold over the weekend, with 10% of the country's population fully vaccinated against Covid-19. But as the global vaccination rollout continues to pick up speed, more questions are now arising about vaccine mixing, efficacy against new variants, and when to reopen the economy. We tackle some of those questions with Ben Cowling, Head of the Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics from the University of Hong Kong. Image credit: mohamed_hassan/pixabay See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has chosen to remain as Prime Minister despite calls from Umno for his resignation. James Chin, Professor of Asian Studies at the University of Tasmania discusses Umno’s possible move if Tun Mahathir Mohamad will return to active politics after Pejuang's registration, and how Malaysia can be saved. Image Credit: NAUFAL ZAQUAN | Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Datuk Aishah Ahmad, President of the Malaysia Automotive Association discusses the challenges faced by the automotive sector hit by the lockdowns, global chip shortage and rising raw materials, and if car prices will go up. Image Credit: Abdul Razak Latif / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The number of suicide cases involving teenagers has been rising, and the pandemic is adding more pressure on the mental health of young people. Even more worryingly, children as young as 6 have also shown an awareness of taking one’s life, in part due to the depiction of suicide in popular media. What are the warning signs we can look out for and how do we strengthen measures to help emotionally distressed children and youth? We discuss this with consultant psychologist Dr. Dhanya Pillai. Image Credit: Anurak Pongpatimet | Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Khoon Goh, Head of Asia Research at ANZ Bank, talks about why he wasn't surprised at BNM keeping rates at 1.75%, the factors behind the Ringgit's weakness and Malaysia's expected 2021 growth rates. Image Credit: Ismail Sadiron Pictures / Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Japan's decision to proceed with the Olympic Games has divided global opinion when framed against the slow pace of its vaccine rollout and continuing spikes in Covid cases. Jonathan Berkshire Miller, the Senior Fellow, Japan Institute of International Affairs, discusses. Image credit: angellodeco / ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the latest edition of the EIU’s Return to Normalcy Index, Malaysia ranks at the bottom of 50 countries after the government reimposed lockdowns across the nation. We discuss what needs to be done for Malaysia to achieve pre-pandemic normalcy sooner rather than later with Waqas Adenwala of EIU. Image credit: Hafiz Johari / ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The UAE is blocking an extension of the OPEC+ deal to gradually increase oil production until the end of 2022, arguing that its quota is unfair. As a result, oil prices have hovered at multi-year highs, but how sustainable is this trend? We discuss the outlook for oil markets and whether we’ll ever see a return to USD100 per barrel levels with Salih Yilmaz of Bloomberg Intelligence. Image credit: pixabay.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With newly appointed deputy prime minister and senior minister, and UMNO withdrawing the party's support for Perikatan Nasional. We ask Dr. Hamidin Abd Hamid, Research Fellow, Ilham Centre what does Ismail Sabri's appointment means, and will we be seeing UMNO MPs leaving. Image credit: Roy Azis Abd Aziz / ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Siobhan Das, CEO of AMCHAM gives her perspective on how significant the EMCO impact will have on Malaysia's global position in the supply chain as well as the trading and manufacturing hub. Image credit: Tom Fisk / pexels.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Members of Parliament have mixed views on the reopening of the august house on 26 July, with one of the concerns being whether 5 days is adequate to properly debate issues facing the country. We hear from Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi, Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs, and the MP for Kapit on his expectations for the parliamentary sitting. Image Credit: Jaggat Rashidi | Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Penang will transition to Phase Two of the Movement Control under the National Recovery Plan (PPN) today, we speak to Datuk Seri Lee Kah Choon, Director of InvestPenang and the special investment advisor to the Chief Minister of Penang on how has the lockdown impacted the state and what are the recovery plans. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What are the rules with regards to reconvening Parliament during an emergency? Constitutional Lawyer, Dato’ Malik Imtiaz Sarwar, tells us while weighing in on what a hybrid Parliament might look like. Image credit: Lens Hitam / ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What are the rules with regards to reconvening Parliament during an emergency? Constitutional Lawyer, Dato’ Malik Imtiaz Sarwar, tells us while weighing in on what a hybrid Parliament might look like. Image credit: Lens Hitam / ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Indonesia is facing the worst Covid-19 crisis in the region, as daily new infections climb beyond 25,000 cases. The surge in cases has placed the healthcare system under enormous pressure, with hospitals in some cities reporting a shortage of oxygen supply. Correspondent Resty Woro Yuniar describes the situation on the ground, and how the Jokowi government is responding. Image Credit: Toto Santiko Budi / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Phuket has reopened to tourists from 63 countries who meet certain conditions albeit Malaysia is excluded from that list. Is this the beginning of travel in a post-Covid-19 world? We speak to Brendan Sobie, Independent Analyst at Sobie Aviation for his views and also if digital covid certificates are a viable option. Credit: Pikoso.kz | Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government has announced that a 5-day Parliamentary sitting will be held beginning 26 July to discuss the National Recovery Plan and the state of emergency. This comes amid rumblings of an UMNO mutiny within Perikatan Nasional. How much actual debate can we expect during this sitting, and is PN on the cusp of splintering? We discuss the scenarios with political commentator Dr. Bridget Welsh. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A RM300,000 government allocation for MPs under a food basket initiative has prompted a hailstorm of comments, centring on, amongst others, sufficiency and flexibility. YB Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, Setiawangsa MP, expounds. Image credit: Twitter @nikznazmiSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia has been downgraded to Tier 3 in the US State Department’s annual Trafficking in Persons Report, indicating a failure to comply with minimum standards to combat the crime. One of the issues highlighted in the report is the lack of a victim-centric approach in the government’s response. We discuss the gaps in addressing the needs of trafficking victims with Dr. Hartini Zainuddin of Yayasan Chow Kit. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.