Morning Brief

Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin announced that the government is drafting a National Recovery Plan, to help the company out of the rut created by the Covid-19 pandemic. But what kind of measures should be in this exit plan? We speak to Tricia Yeoh, CEO of the Institute of Democracy and Economic Affairs, to find out. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Datuk Shamsuddin Bardan, Executive Director, Malaysian Employers Federation sheds some light on the implementation of PIKAS (Public-Private Partnership Covid-19 Industry Immunisation Programme) from the employers’ perspective which enables employees of key economic sectors to be prioritised for vaccination. PIKAS will start tomorrow, 16th June. Image Credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr James Dorsey, James Dorsey, Senior Fellow, S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies & the Middle East Institute discusses the implications of Benjamin Netanyahu being ousted as Prime Minister of Israel and what to expect from his successors, Naftali Bennet and Yair Lapid from Yamina and Yesh Atid parties respectively. Image Credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Business and consumer organizations have come together to call for a blanket loan moratorium, in order to help those hard-hit by successive lockdowns. Already, many businesses- particularly SMEs are struggling, so we speak to Datuk Wira Ameer Ali Mydin, Vice President of the Malaysia Retail Association to find out what more needs to be done in order for affected businesses to survive. Image credit: JiaChengg / ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Tharani Loganathan, Public Health Specialist at University Malaya discusses the conditions in which undocumented migrants are being detained in Malaysia, and in light of this, the most effective way to encourage them to come forward and be vaccinated. Image Credit: msyaraafiq / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Adrian Ang, a Research Fellow and US expert at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore discusses the outcomes of Joe Biden’s first G7 meeting, its approach and attitude toward China, and discussions with the UK regarding Northern Ireland and honouring the Good Friday agreement in which the US had facilitated. Image Credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ben Suffian, Programme Director from the Merdeka Center breaks down the political machinations in our country as the Malay Rulers convene next week following a series of audiences with His Majesty as the date for the Emergency draws to a conclusion in August. Image credit: S.O / ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We speak to Sharmini Ratnasingham, Culture Engagement Manager for Malaysia Airlines about the MH Rangers, a volunteer programme under the Malaysia Aviation Group about how they are supporting the government in rolling out the vaccination programme in Mega PPVs in the Klang Valley Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As several countries (US, UK and Singapore) have approved the use of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for teenagers aged between 12 to 15, we ask Emeritus Prof PT Thomas, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences from Taylor’s University whether this should be a strategy in Malaysia. We also ask him if vaccine hesitancy will become a major issue when it comes to vaccinating children. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia’s already elevated political risk has further ratcheted higher, following the current government's handling of the pandemic, with Fitch Solutions recently revising downward Malaysia’s Short-Term Political Risk Index score to 65.2 out of 100, from 66.7 previously. Darren Tay, Senior Country Risk Analyst with Fitch Solutions, explains. Image credit: adam yusof - Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The latest report by Oxford Economics on the economic outlook of 6 ASEAN economies (Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines) revealed that that recovery will be delayed but not derailed. We ask Sian Fenner, Lead Asia Economist from Oxford Economics which country would perform better this year and which sectors will continue to struggle. Image Credit: Puwadol Jaturawutthichai | Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the covid 19 crisis continuing, will gloves continue to see stellar growth in 2021 especially with recent restrictions on worker capacity? Dr Supramaniam Shanmugam, President of the Malaysian Rubber Glove Manufacturers Association gives us the outlook and also whether enough is being done for worker welfare. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The think tank, Centre has issued a 4 part report on the state of mental health in the country. The findings are not positive with some segments suffering more than others. Aziff Azuddin, The Centre's Policy Researcher tells us why. Image Credit: ProximaCentauri1 | Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bangi MP, Dr. Ong Kian Ming shares his perspective on the current lock down measures taking place in MCO 3.0+ following his published article '20 issues we are unsure of during the total lockdown' Image credit: Abdul Razak Latif / ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Hamidin Abd Hamid from the Ilham Centre helps us unpack the hybrid Parliament, Sarawak elections, party elections and the implications of the Agong’s meeting with the political leaders in the lead up to the special conference of rulers happening next week. Image Credit: Migel | Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

India is tentatively re-opening its economy, though the Modi administration remains under fire for what critics say has been an 'irrational' vaccine rollout program. Sanjay Mathur, Chief Economist for Southeast Asia and India, ANZ Bank, explains. Image Credit: Mr Subir Halder / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Finance Ministers of the most advanced economies agree to tackle tax avoidance and commit to a significant overhaul of the taxation regime, we speak to Simon Baptist from the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) who helps us unpack how this far-reaching deal impacts big tech players and nations, both big and small. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Finance Ministers of the most advanced economies agree to tackle tax avoidance and commit to a significant overhaul of the taxation regime, we speak to Simon Baptist from the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) who helps us unpack how this far-reaching deal impacts big tech players and nations, both big and small. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Teong Teck Lean, president of the Association of Malaysian Express Carriers discusses the impact of the pandemic on the fast-growing courier industry and shares his perspective on the effectiveness of PAKEJ, the government's latest plan to improve sustainability and service standards of operators. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In conjunction with World Ocean's Day, Dr. Loh Jiun-Yan, Assistant Professor at UCSI University describes the challenges faced by the Malaysian fishing industry, efforts taken to improve sustainability, and the short term assistance offered during the pandemic Image Credit: Image Credit: OlegD / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Joe Biden signed an executive order banning 59 Chinese companies with ties to China’s military or were in the surveillance industry. How will China retaliate and what does this mean for already fraught US-China ties? Brock Silvers, Chief Investment Officer of Kaiyuan Capital tells us. Image Credit: rawf8 | Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Abrar Anwar, Managing Director, and CEO of Standard Chartered Malaysia discusses steps to strengthen cybersecurity capabilities including the move to cloud-based banking and working with fintechs to stay nimble. This report is in collaboration with Standard Chartered Malaysia. Image Credit: vs148 | Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Nungsari Radhi, economist discusses the government’s fiscal ability and options to provide aid during this pandemic, and how to strengthen the independence of GLC boards in light of political-linked appointments. Image Credit: Kelvin Shutter / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Green bonds have been gaining traction in the past few years but just how sustainable is this growth? The Morning Run speaks to Cedric Rimaud, ASEAN Programme Manager with the Climate Bonds Initiative, about this, but also the challenges going forward, the role of green bonds in the sustainable agenda, and concerns over greenwashing. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The audit debacle between engineering firm Serba Dinamik and external auditor KPMG has turned the spotlight once again onto Malaysia's corporate governance standards. Particularly, this has raised questions over the role of independent directors in cases like these, and whether that role is changing as minority shareholders make their voices heard more than ever. We speak to David Berry, Deputy President at the Malaysian Institute of Corporate Governance to find out more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Countries around the world are scrambling to get their populations inoculated against the Covid-19 virus. But many less economically developed countries are still struggling with their rollouts, and are reliant on the Covax facility, run by the World Health Organisation. We speak to Benjamin Cowling, Professor of Infectious Disease Epidemiology from the University of Hong Kong for an update on the collective effort to vaccinate the world. Image Credit: Naeblys | Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Countries around the world are scrambling to get their populations inoculated against the Covid-19 virus. But many less economically developed countries are still struggling with their rollouts, and are reliant on the Covax facility, run by the World Health Organisation. We speak to Benjamin Cowling, Professor of Infectious Disease Epidemiology from the University of Hong Kong for an update on the collective effort to vaccinate the world. Image Credit: Naeblys | Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

RHB Bank and Boost under Axiata are forming a consortium to apply for a digital banking license. Vincent Fong, Chief Editor at Fintech News discusses the merits of this deal, and how traditional banks will survive in this new landscape. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Marhalim Abbas, defence writer discusses the government’s response to China sending 16 military aircrafts toward Malaysia, and how else could we stand up against the superpower. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Pakatan Harapan Presidential Council issued a statement yesterday saying the RM5 billion direct fiscal injection under the Pemerkasa+ aid package is inadequate. They proposed instead a RM45 billion aid package to soften the impact of a total lockdown- so we speak to Subang MP Wong Chen, about what that plan would look like. Image Credit:  Try_my_best / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China recently decided to allow families to have three children. Xing Zhaopeng, Senior China Strategist at ANZ Research discusses the challenges, possible measures, and implications if China fails to raise birth rates. Image Credit: StreetVJ | Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

About 1,000 private hospitals and GPs are expected to help the government administer the Covid-19 vaccine. This number could increase further as there are 8,000 GPs. Datuk Dr Kuljit Singh, President of the Association of Private Hospitals of Malaysia (APHM) discusses their involvement while the biggest challenge remains in securing enough vaccine supply. Image Credit: Djohan Shahrin | Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the imposition of a total lockdown for two weeks nationwide, how will members of the B40 community survive the loss of income and economic vulnerability that will result? Enter the Pemerkasa+ aid package, which is the government's attempt to ease the impact of the lockdown on the B40 group- but how effective is it? We speak to Dr. Juita Mohamad, Fellow from Institute of Strategic & International Studies (ISIS) Malaysia to find out. Image Credit: Aiman Khair / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week, SME Association of Malaysia warned that 40% of SMEs will shut down if government imposes full lockdown. The Morning Run speak to Chin Chee Seong, Vice President of the SME Association of Malaysia, on the potential damage to SMEs from the lockdown and whether Pemerkasa+ is enough to help them survive. Image Credit: Chaton Chokpatara / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Datuk Dr Musa Mohd Nordin, Consultant Paediatrician discusses the merits of the 2-week lockdown, and potential complementary measures to strengthen the government’s fight against the pandemic. Image Credit: AkuAlip | Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin yesterday night announced RM40 billion in economic package, of which RM5 billion is direct fiscal injection. Pankaj C. Kumar, financial market columnist, makes a case for increasing spending and its impact on our debt yield and ratings, and the Ringgit. Image Credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yesterday, Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong unveiled the plan to contain Covid-19 and support the economy. Selena Ling, Chief Economist at OCBC discusses the economic impact as well as how realistic the plan is to ease restrictions from 14th June, and that every adult resident could be vaccinated by 9th August, National Day. Image Credit: Hit1912 / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since the state of emergency was declared in January, the number of daily Covid-19 cases recorded in the country has almost tripled. Amid mounting public anger over the government's handling of the situation, we speak to X to find out whether Perikatan Nasional will be able to survive the pandemic with its hold on government intact. Image Credit: MUHAMMAD IZZAT TERMIZIE / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After courtroom and boardroom dramas unfolded across ExxonMobil, Chevron, and Shell Plc, there are those who question the long-term future of companies in the oil and gas industry. With growing pressure on these international oil majors to adhere to climate change agreements, we speak to Yong-Liang Por, Consultant of the Institute for Energy Economics & Financial Analysis (IEEFA) for insight into whether these companies can truly achieve their zero-emission targets. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tricia Yeoh, CEO at Institute of Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS) discusses the need for better crisis planning, and the economic impact of the full lockdown. Image Credit: Hafiz Johari / ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Chua Sook Ning, founder and Clinical Psychologist at RELATE discusses strategies to provide more care and to support mental health needs. The Malaysian government has a National Strategic Plan for Mental Health 2020-2025 but little information is available about it at this point. Image Credit: Mary Long | Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the West appears to be closer to travel normalcy, we speak to Dr. Mario Hardy, CEO of the Pacific Asia Travel Association/PATA on the Morning Brief and asked him about the future of air travel in the Asia Pacific region. Image Credit: Vitalii Matokha | Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Malaysia lurches from one crisis after another, Indira Nair helps us understand why the Government has been abysmal in managing these crises following two major incidents this week; the LRT train crash and the AstraZeneca opt-in roll-out. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Malaysia remains in MCO3.0+, many businesses are suffering whilst unemployment remains stubbornly high. Professor Mahendhiran Nair, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Research Engagement and Impact at Sunway University tells us what the priorities should be and if funding will prove to be a challenge. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 3rd phase of the Astra Zeneca vaccine registration was criticised by most quarters as many were unable to make appointments due to what appeared to system glitches. Dr Lau Cher Han, Chief Data Scientist at LEAD tells us what can be done to improve and restore confidence in the system. Image Credit: zmpixes / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Datuk Ridza Abdoh Salleh, Former CEO of Prasarana gives us his perspective behind what could have caused the recent LRT crash on the Kelana Jaya line as an ongoing investigation is being conducted. Image credit: Abdul Razak Latif / ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We speak to James Dorsey, Senior Fellow, S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies & the Middle East Institute on what is US doing to the Israel-Palestine conflict. Will this ceasefire last and what is being done to address the underlying issue plaguing both nations’ troubled relations? Image Credit: DorSteffen | Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eric Yong, Managing Director of Crest Builder Holdings, discusses the impact of the commodities boom and rising materials prices on Malaysian builders, offering some policy solutions to address the industry's woes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Raymond Teo from the Malaysian Retail Association provides us some colour as to how the recently announced SOPs will impact the retail sector and what measures should the Government implement to assist the struggling sector. Image credit: mokjc / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kiu Jia Yaw, Co-deputy Chair of the Bar Council Environment & Climate Change Committee shares with us the ramifications of the current Selangor State Government's plan to degazette the majority of the Kuala Langat North Forest Reserve.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.