Morning Brief

Rising global oil prices, driven by ongoing Middle East tensions, threaten to push Malaysia’s RON95 fuel above the current subsidised rate of RM1.99 per litre. How will this impact consumers at the pump and the operations of petrol dealers? We speak with Dato’ Khairul Annuar Abdul Aziz, President, Petroleum Dealers Association of Malaysia (PDAM) on how the industry is navigating the uncertainty.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Police questioning of an academic and a civil society leader has triggered debate about academic freedom and civic space in Malaysia. What protections exist for scholars and NGOs speaking on governance and public interest issues? We explore the legal framework with Zaid Malek, Executive Director of Lawyers for Liberty.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rising global oil prices are putting governments under renewed fiscal pressure. For Malaysia, the challenge is complex. While the country exports energy, it also spends heavily on fuel subsidies and public sector costs. As policymakers look for ways to manage spending, even measures like work from home for civil servants are being considered. How much fiscal room does the government really have? We discuss this with economist Dr Geoffrey Williams.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gold is traditionally seen as a safe-haven asset, but prices have struggled recently despite elevated geopolitical tensions. What’s driving this disconnect between the safe haven narrative and gold’s recent performance? We discuss the trends to watch for gold with Christopher Wong of OCBC.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Escalation of the War on Iran is spreading across the Gulf, threatening energy routes and regional stability. Ryan Bohl, Senior Middle East and North Africa Analyst at RANE Network, shares his insights.Image Credit: Shutterstock.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia SME sector is feeling the ripple effects of rising tensions in the Middle East through shipping delays, higher costs, and supply chain disruptions. How are these businesses preparing to navigate the challenges ahead? We’ll discuss this with Datuk William Ng, Chairman, Small and Medium Enterprises Association (SAMENTA).Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Although Malaysia is far from the conflict between the United States and Iran, the country is feeling its impact as disruptions at major Middle East transit hubs push up flight costs and travel times. How is the tourism sector coping, and what measures are being taken to maintain traveller confidence? We get industry perspectives from Nigel Wong, President of The Malaysian Association of Tour & Travel Agents (MATTA).The First Look is brought to you by HLB Priority. We know what your real priorities are.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yesterday, it was reported that the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has initiated investigations into several economies, including Malaysia, over concerns about structural excess capacity and production in certain manufacturing sectors. Why is the US making this move at this juncture, and how might economies involved be impacted? Questions we pose to Dr. Deborah K. Elms, Head of Trade Policy, Hinrich Foundation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Washington is wrestling with the fallout of the Iran conflict as Brent crude stays above $90 a barrel, threatening a 0.3% inflation spike for every $10 rise. We explore whether these strikes will unify or fracture the "America First" movement, how deep the divide truly runs between the MAGA elite and their voting base, and if emerging Democratic personalities can successfully tap into faith to flip conservative strongholds. Finally, as the primary season ends, will Republicans start a mass exodus from Donald Trump’s divisive rhetoric to save their own midterm prospects?Image credit: Shutterstock.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia aims to establish AI standards within the next year as part of its broader ambition to become an AI-driven economy by 2030. Dr Jun-E Tan, Senior Research Associate at Khazanah Research Institute, shares her insights on where the challenges may lie when building a governance framework that encourages innovation while protecting society.The First Look is brought to you by HLB Priority. We know what your real priorities are.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Spending in China has shifted from volume to value, creating a complex landscape for global investors. We explore whether Alibaba’s massive $1.4 billion bet on AI assistants successfully move the needle on consumer conversion, how record tourism numbers mask cautious per-trip spending, and if global luxury giants like LVMH can defend their territory against "affordable premium" local champions like Anta and Xiaomi. Finally, as government subsidies for appliances fade, will gold and AI gadgets become the new primary drivers of Chinese retail growth?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A recent report by the Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS) revealed that 78% of chairperson roles on federal statutory bodies lacked formal qualifications and political appointments remain widespread. Why have reforms been slow to take shape? We speak with Aira Azhari, Chief Executive Officer of IDEAS.The First Look is brought to you by HLB Priority. We know what your real priorities are.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Japan’s economy grew 0.3 percent quarter on quarter in the fourth quarter, stronger than first estimated, with domestic demand and business investment revised higher. But risks are building from weaker global trade, higher oil prices and pressure on real wages. We discuss what this means for Japan’s economy and policy with Stefan Angrick, Head of Japan and Frontier Economics at Moody’s Analytics.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With mounting speculation that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim may call early GE16 elections to coincide with state polls in Melaka and Johor, we speak to Adib Zalkapli of Viewfinder Global Affairs to unpack recent developments.He weighs in on the internal tremors within Bersatu following the strategic suspensions of Dato Sri Ronald Kiandee and Dato Mas Ermieyati, Dato Sri Hamzah Zainudin's search for a new political platform, and the strategic motivations behind Umno’s recent invitation for former members to return.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China is setting its economic course under the 15th Five-Year Plan, with a stronger push toward technology led growth, industrial upgrading and efforts to curb excess competition across manufacturing. At the same time, Beijing is targeting 4.5 to 5 percent GDP growth this year while navigating weak domestic demand and a more uncertain global backdrop. So what does this mean for China’s macro outlook? Shihao Li, A-Share Strategist at CITIC CLSA, helps us unpack the picture.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

War in the Middle East has pushed oil prices sharply higher, fuelling concerns about supply disruptions and volatility across financial markets. How might sustained energy price shocks affect Asian equities and key sectors? Ahmad Maghfur Usman, Equity Analyst at Nomura Malaysia, joins us to unpack the market implications.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Escalating tensions in the Middle East are disrupting global aviation and tourism, leaving thousands of travellers stranded and forcing airlines to reroute flights longer. What does this mean for the global aviation sector and its recovery? We examine the situation with Shukor Yusof, Founder and Primary Analyst at Endau Analytics.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nine days after the US‑Israeli strikes that killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Assembly of Experts in Iran has named his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, as its new supreme leader. Can he secure the survival of the Iranian regime amid bombardment by US and Israel forces? We’ll discuss this with Mohd Amirul Asraf Othman, Research Scholar, Centre for Arab and Islamic Studies, The Australian National University (ANU).Credit Image: Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Securities Commission's Capital Market Masterplan 2026-2030 was launched yesterday, a five-year roadmap to build a larger, more inclusive, sustainable and globally connected capital market, supporting the nation’s transition to a resilient high-income economy. Ng Zhu Hann from Tradeview Capital shares his take on what was unveiled.The First Look is brought to you by HLB Priority. We know what your real priorities are.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brent crude oil futures have surged amid escalating conflict in the Middle East, almost hitting US$110 a barrel before easing on hopes of de-escalation. Dr Afzanizam Abdul Rashid, Chief Economist at Bank Muamalat Malaysia shares his insights into the impact of oil prices on Malaysia's fiscal position and Putrajaya's ability to continue providing subsidies.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The defeat of the Prime Minister’s term-limit bill failed in Parliament last week has cast doubts on the Madani government’s commitment to pass much needed institutional reforms. What are the lessons learned from this debacle and what does this mean for other more controversial reform initiatives? We hear from Thomas Fann, co-founder of the civil society group Projek SAMA on why reform efforts must continue.The First Look is brought to you by HLB Priority. We know what your real priorities are.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All eyes were on the political elite of China as they convened for the annual Two Sessions meetings last week. The 2026 growth target was set at 4.5 to 5 percent and Beijing also underlined a renewed push into AI and strategic industries. What does this signal about the trajectory of China’s economy? We discuss the economic, political and geopolitical implications with Dr. Pradeep Taneja from the University of Melbourne.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After reaping the rewards of a “higher for longer” interest rate environment over the past few years, the banking sector is facing new headwinds as lower benchmark rates and competitive pricing squeeze lending margins. How are the big three Singapore banks navigating this new landscape? We check in with Sarah Jane Mahmud, Senior Industry Analyst with Bloomberg Intelligence for the Singapore banking sector outlook in 2026.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Philippine equities are among the stronger performers in ASEAN this year, but questions remain over whether the rebound signals a lasting recovery. Alfred Dy, Head of Philippines Research at CLSA, joins us to assess market valuations, slowing bank lending, and where investors may find opportunities and sectoral strength in the months ahead.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More than 19 million Nepalese voters went to the polls yesterday in the country’s first general election since the 2025 protests that toppled the government. How will this vote shape Nepal’s political future? We’ll discuss this with Dr. Amit Ranjan, Research Fellow at the Institute of South Asian Studies, National University of Singapore.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bank Negara Malaysia has kept the OPR unchanged at 2.75%, maintaining the level set after last year’s July rate cut as policymakers judge the current stance supportive of growth and price stability. But with fresh geopolitical risks emerging and global markets facing renewed volatility, what could this mean for Malaysia’s growth outlook, inflation and the path of interest rates? We discuss this with Woon Khai Jhek, Vice President and Senior Economist at RAM Ratings.The First Look is brought to you by HLB Priority. We know what your real priorities are.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Putrajaya has warned that the main contractor for the LRT3 Shah Alam Line could incur RM475 million in penalties for the continued delay in the operation of this line. Dato’ Professor Dr Ahmad Farhan Mohd Sadullah of Universiti Putra Malaysia explains how complex system integration and land acquisition to coordination challenges, might be behind these delays.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the Israel-Iran War intensifies, Europe is faced with big questions. University of Nottingham Malaysia's Dr. Benjamin Barton unpacks the continent's deep divide: Spain's refusal to aid US strikes, Germany's strategic silence to protect Ukraine funding, and Donald Trump's retaliatory tariff threats against the EU. Are we witnessing the limits of European strategic autonomy?The First Look is brought to you by HLB Priority. We know what your real priorities are.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government has renewed Lynas’ operating license for 10 years, allowing the Australian firm to continue producing rare earths at its Gebeng plant. Datuk Chang Lih Kang, Science, Technology & Innovation Minister, explains the rationale for this decision from the need to secure a non-Chinese supply chain to explaining to voters why this decision was taken.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran, Brent crude has surged past $80 a barrel, reigniting the geopolitical risk premium. Sim Moh Siong, a commodity strategist at OCBC explains how the protracted disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz, OPEC+’s production response, and what elevated oil prices could mean for global growth and Asian economies.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The debate for the bill to separate the AG and PP was put on hold after the government announced a Parliamentary Special Select Committee to discuss this matter after opposition from even within the government. Member of Parliament for Muar, Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman who is also a member of this PSC gives us his views.The First Look is brought to you by HLB Priority. We know what your real priorities are.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Middle East tensions are driving oil higher, lifting volatility and reviving safe haven demand. How far could this shock spill into global growth, inflation and financial markets? And what does it mean for rate cuts, the US dollar, and Asean FX? We speak with Barnabas Gan, Group Chief Economist and Head of Market Research at RHB Bank, on the risks, scenarios and policy implications.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the launch of Operations Epic Fury and Roaring Lion, the United States and Israel have moved beyond containment to a direct military campaign for regime change in Tehran - and Dr Malcolm Davis, Security Analyst, Australian Strategic Policy Institute will be joining us to discuss the military capabilities shown by the US, Israel and Iran.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2025, more than 60,000 New Zealand citizen left the country including their former Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern and her family. Sharon Zollner, Chief Economist, ANZ Bank New Zealand, tells us the economic reasons for this and what measures have been put in place to slow the tide which, if left unchecked, could lead to negative consequences for this island country.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s political reform agenda hit a setback yesterday, when the bill proposing constitutional amendments to cap the prime  minister’s tenure failed to secure enough votes for the bill to pass. What does this say about the unity of the Madani government? We discuss this and political trends in Malaysia with Dr. Oh Ei Sun of the Pacific Research Center.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The escalating war in Iran perpetrated by the US and Israel have shut down airports and airspaces in the region, impacting Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha, among the busiest in the world. Capt Mohd Radzi Mohd Alias of the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia, takes us through the passenger protection frameworks that are in place, when crises like these happen.The First Look is brought to you by HLB Priority. We know what your real priorities are.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The recent attack on Iran by the US and Israel has not only caused oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) prices to soar, but also shipping carrier rates as the Strait of Hormuz is effectively closed off. We speak to Kenneth Loh, Analyst, Bloomberg Intelligence about the outlook for the shipping sector and what it means for global trade.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Iran is confronting its most serious leadership crisis since 1979 after the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in US-Israel air strikes on Saturday. What options does Tehran have to ensure regime survival and how are neighbours in the Gulf region reacting to the crisis? We discuss this with Middle East expert Dr. James Dorsey.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is the American public onboard with President Donald Trump's military strikes on Iran? We discuss public sentiment and how the Middle East conflict could influence voter decisions in the November mid-term elections with independent pollster John Zogby.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

News that the government is setting aside RM480 million from the 2025 development budget to support loss-making Vantris Energy Bhd, ostensibly to safeguard vendors and industry capacity, has raised some questions. Independent business writer, P Gunasegaram, talks about the implications of this development.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Employees' Provident Fund has declared a 6.15% dividend for 2025 for both its shariah and conventional accounts, which some contend as being below expectations. Ng Zhu Hann, founder & CEO of Tradeview Capital shares his perspectives on the payout amid a stronger ringgit, shifting membership dynamics, and overall equities performance in 2025.The First Look is brought to you by HLB Priority. We know what your real priorities are.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia is set to revamp its pre-university admissions with a “single window, single offer” system and standardise First Class degree awards. But will these changes really level the playing field and improve our higher education system? We get insights from Prof. Zaharom Nain, Director & Adjunct Professor, Allianz Centre for Governance at Universiti Malaya.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The start of 2026 has signalled a diplomatic "thaw" as a parade of world leaders, including those from the UK, Canada, and Germany, descend on Beijing. What do these visits signal? Angeline Tan, Analyst, Institute Of Strategic & International Studies (ISIS) Malaysia, gives us her perspective whilst we also discuss the upcoming US-China meeting at the end of March.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Telekom Malaysia is switching its 5G wholesale partner from Digital Nasional Berhad, to U Mobile, a move that comes as Malaysia advances its shift from a single to a dual network model. The announcement has unsettled the market and raised fresh questions about ownership, competition and the economics of 5G. We unpack the implications with Alex Wong, Managing Editor and Co-Founder of SoyaCincau.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

DAP is pushing for a Royal Commission of Inquiry to look into allegations of a “corporate mafia” involving businessmen and senior MACC officials. Syahredzan Johan, DAP's national vice-chairman and MP for Bangi, explains why the party views the corporate mafia allegations as serious and what an RCI can realistically achieve, and how the government should respond.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The escalating bidding war for Warner Bros. Discovery is heating up as Paramount Skydance has made a "best and final" $31-per-share all-cash offer, officially pressuring the Warner Bros. board to reconsider its existing merger agreement with Netflix. Geetha Ranganathan, Senior Media Analyst, Bloomberg Intelligence, tells us who might emerge victorious and what the outlook is for the rest of the sector in 2026.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recent high-profile cases have brought domestic and sexual violence back into public focus, raising difficult questions about enforcement, transparency and institutional accountability. Gandipan Gopalan, Advocacy Manager at the Women's Aid Organisation talks about how the existing legal framework operates in practice and the barriers survivors face in seeking justice.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia has tabled a constitutional amendment to separate the Attorney General and Public Prosecutor roles, ending decades of concentrated prosecutorial power in a single office. But does it truly strengthen independence and accountability? We speak to constitutional lawyer Lim Wei Jiet to examine the safeguards, the gaps and what this reform could mean for the rule of law in Malaysia.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After 24 years without revision, the Dewan Rakyat has passed the Capitation Grant Bill 2026, updating how federal funds are distributed to states based on population and introducing a 10-year review cycle. Professor Tricia Yeoh, from the University of Nottingham Malaysia, shares her view on how this marks a meaningful step toward fairer and more transparent state funding.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The political landscape in Philippines has shifted from a fragile alliance to political rupture, between its two most powerful dynasties, the Marcos and the Dutertes, because the "UniTeam" that dominated the 2022 elections is officially dead. Erin Cook, Southeast-Asia Based Journalist gives us her views on what this means for the country's political future.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.