Morning Brief

Ed Clissold from Ned Davis Research explains whether this new army of Reddit retail investors has the potential to upend capital markets. Image Credit: Tada Images / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A recent Malaysian Insight poll found that 96% of the 2,000 respondents are upset with Perikatan Nasional, with only 4% satisfied with the way the government is handling the pandemic. Dr Hamidin Abd Hamid, Research Fellow at the Ilham Centre, dives into the possible reasons for this poll outcome and how it might affect PN's performance at the next general elections. Image Credit: xtock / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hannah Yeoh, Segambut MP, celebrates the Court of Appeal's quashing of a development order by KL City Hall to develop Taman Rimba Kiara in TTDI, but remains aware that the road ahead is a long one. Image Credit: tamanrimbakiara.netSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Muhammad Mohan, President of Transparency International (TI) Malaysia, explains why Malaysia’s ranking has slipped in TI’s Corruption Perception Index 2020, and what the government must do to restore our reputation. He also warns that Malaysia’s score may drop further this year due to the emergency declaration. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Daniel Ives, Managing Director for Equities Research at Wedbush Securities, maintains a bullish position on Big Techs like Apple and Microsoft despite heightened antitrust concerns.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a new study conducted by mental health NGO RELATE Malaysia, it was revealed that youth suicide costs the country a staggering RM350 million a year. Given the tragic nature of this issue, and the fact that mental health issues are expected to worsen the longer the pandemic drags on, how should the government address this problem? We speak to Dr Chua Sook Ning, clinical psychologist and founder of RELATE Malaysia, to find out more. Image Credit: Stanislaw Mikulski / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Sarawak government has announced its fifth special assistance package, the Bantuan Khas Sarawakku Sayang 5.0, involving some RM405 million. But is this enough to ease the burden of Sarawakians, who are facing economic difficulties and flooding, in addition to the Covid-19 pandemic? For more insight, we speak to Dr Dayang Affizzah Awang Marikan, Associate Professor at the Faculty of Economics and Business in Universiti Malaysia Sarawak. Image Credit: Pendi Bin Kamri / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US has rejoined the Paris Climate Agreement under President Biden's administration, but what does it mean for the rest of the world? For some insight, we speak with Alizan Mahadi of ISIS Malaysia. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Covid-19 cases in excess of 3,000 a day have left Malaysians discouraged in the fight against the virus. Even as we wait to be immunised, pandemic fatigue appears to be setting in, so we reached out to Dr Helmy Haja Mydin, Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur Internal Medicine Specialist, to find out what options we have to effectively fight the virus together. Image Credit: fatmawati achmad zaenuri / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Farah Shuhadah Razali, Partner at Zul Rafique & Partners, helps us understand the impact of the recent court ruling that a listed company has to be delisted when served with a winding-up order. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Vietnam is choosing the country's leadership for the next five years, including the successor to General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong. Dr Le Hong Hiep, Fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, breaks down the process and also talks about Vietnam's potential relationship with the Biden administration. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The second Movement Control Order caused much confusion among retailers, some of whom were allowed to open while others were not. But were retailers on the whole better prepared to face temporary closures this time around, or has it hit them harder than ever? For insight, we speak to Datuk Wira Ameer Ali Mydin, President of the Bumiputera Retailers Organisation and Vice President of the Malaysia Retail Association. Image Credit: kong ys / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Carmelo Ferlito, CEO at the Center for Market Education, discusses alternatives to imposing a total lockdown in Malaysia to balance economic and public health needs. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In line with International Education Day today, we tackle the ongoing issue of education amidst a pandemic. How are our children faring? Students on the cusp of major exams have gone back to school, where they will face the consequences of a year of interrupted study, while others continue to struggle with home-based learning. So for some insight into this issue, we speak to Melissa Gomes, co-founder of Edvolution Enterprise. Image Credit: TY Lim / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Biden has signed various executive orders ranging from immigration to the environment, most of which he had campaigned on. Which are the most significant, and what might have implications in the international community? The Morning Run speaks to Gorana Grgic at the United States Studies Centre based in the University of Sydney on this, as well as why Executive Orders are seen as controversial and whether Biden can bridge the hyper-partisan gap. Image Credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim claims that most MPs are against the emergency proclamation, while calls are getting stronger for Dato’ Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to step down as president of Umno. Dr. Oh Ei Sun, Senior Fellow at the Singapore Institute of International Affairs, weighs in on the political situation in Malaysia. Image Credit: YuriAbas / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Simon Baptist rates Armin Laschet's chances of succeeding German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Image Credit: vasilis asvestas / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

PIAM's Antony Lee explains the challenges in determining market price and premium for Covid medical treatment as well as how the general insurance industry is supporting the government. Image Credit: wan wei / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Selangor state government has announced its own stimulus package, valued at nearly RM74 million to mitigate the impact of MCO 2.0 on Selangor residents. Dr Juita Mohamad, Fellow at ISIS Malaysia, gives her views on whether it addresses the problems caused by the pandemic, as well as the state government's decision to procure 5 million vaccines on its own. Image Credit: ShamAn77 / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Contrary to what many had expected, Bank Negara Malaysia decided to maintain the overnight policy rate (OPR) at 1.75%. Julia Goh, Senior Economist at UOB Malaysia, weighs in on this. Image Credit: kitzcorner / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated domestic violence cases, as the lockdown has made it harder for victims to escape their abusers. To find out whether we might see a recurrence of this and what is being done to alleviate such concerns, we speak with Natasha Dandavati, Head of Campaigns at the ‎Women's Aid Organisation (WAO). If you or someone you know needs help, please reach out to WAO via the following channels: > WAO Hotline: +603 7956 3488 (24 hours) > SMS/WhatsApp TINA: +6018 988 8058 (24 hours)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark Rozell discusses priorities and strategies President Biden will take in pushing forward his agenda in an increasingly partisan Congress. Image Credit: Ron Adar / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Catherine Birch from ANZ Research helps us navigate the challenges of Australia's economy during Covid and how many sectors are successfully repivoting in these challenging times. Image Credit: xtock / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The emergency has forced Umno to postpone its general assembly and party polls, which were scheduled for the end of the month. Yet, divisions within the party are clearly forming. Adib Zalkapli, Director at Bower Group Asia, weighs in on what is happening within the party and the relationship it has with its other coalition partners. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia is taking legal action at the World Trade Organisation against the European Union and member states France and Lithuania for restricting palm oil-based biofuels as part of an EU renewable energy directive. Khor Yu Leng, Economist at Segi Enam Advisors, tells us what is at stake for the country. Image Credit: nelzajamal / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Azrul Mohd Khalib from the Galen Centre shares the perils of making the Covid-19 vaccination compulsory and how to win the hearts of anti-Vaxxers and fence-sitters. Image Credit: siam.pukkato / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China, said to be the source of Covid-19, reported Q4 GDP growth of 6.5% and a full-year expansion of 2.3%, the only one of the world’s biggest economies to not contract in 2020, following the virus' global scourge and destruction of life, limb and business. Questions abound, including what drove growth and when will China pass the US in economic bragging rights. Xiao Chun Xu, Assistant Director & Economist at Moody’s Analytics, dissects. Image Credit: zhu difeng / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Another Covid-19 aid package has been announced, this time worth RM15 billion, to help people cope with MCO 2.0. Significantly smaller than the RM250 billion aid package announced after the first MCO last year and short of details in terms of speed, delivery and direct fiscal injects, observers ask, 'is this enough'? Laurence Todd, Director of Research and Development at The Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS), addresses. Image Credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Emergency (Essential Powers) Ordinance 2021 was gazetted last Thursday. Constitutional lawyer Dato’ Malik Imtiaz Sarwar explains what impact it has on Parliament's power and whether laws will still be passed during this period. Image Credit: Jaggat Rashidi / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fitch's rating outlooks for global banks have turned ‘Negative' for most jurisdictions compared to 2020, while only APAC Emerging Markets received a 'Stable' rating. What is driving these outlooks? The Morning Run finds out from James Longsdon, Fitch's Global Head of Bank Ratings. Image Credit: Willy Barton / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fahmi Fadzil shares PKR's position and their perspective on the Proclamation of Emergency. Image Credit: Ismiza binti Ishak / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pharmaniaga has inked a deal with Chinese biotech firm Sinovac to fill and finish 14 million doses of Covid-19 for Malaysians. But with questions starting to emerge over the efficacy of the Sinovac vaccine, we speak to Emeritus Professor Dr P.T. Thomas, Executive Dean at the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, to help us understand vaccine approvals and some of the data coming out of different countries. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

James Dorsey, Senior Fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies & the Middle East Institute, helps us understand why countries in the Gulf area are restoring relations with Qatar now, and the limitations faced by incoming President Joe Biden in managing Middle Eastern affairs thanks to Trump’s actions. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following the reintroduction of the Movement Control Order (MCO) last week, the Federal Court Chief Registrar's Office released a statement saying all trials and hearings of criminal cases during this time are to be postponed. We speak to Salim Bashir, President of the Malaysian Bar, about how the MCO has affected law firms ant the industry, as well as the challenges of conducting cases over virtual platforms. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the public healthcare system at breaking point and Covid-19 cases rising in the country, calls have once again come for the private healthcare sector to take more of an active role in the coronavirus fight. After this week's announcement of a national state of emergency, in which the government could potentially nationalise private hospital assets and resources, we speak to Dr Kuljit Singh, President of the Association of Private Hospitals of Malaysia, to find out what private healthcare is already doing, and what more needs to be done. Image Credit: Nanausop / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Outgoing US President Donald Trump's term in office has been marked by an escalation in tensions between the US and China. Now that Joe Biden is poised to take over the White House next week, and with the recent surprise release of Trump's Indo-Pacific strategy, we speak to Dr Pradeep Taneja, Senior Lecturer at the University of Melbourne, for his thoughts on whether the Trump administration achieved its objectives in reducing China's influence in the Asia-Pacific region. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Geoffrey Williams, Professor at the Malaysia University of Science and Technology (MUST), discusses the reasons why Malaysia is losing out in FDI compared to Vietnam, Singapore and Indonesia. He calls on the government to refresh its attitude towards foreign investors and to drop protectionist measures. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The declaration of a state of emergency yesterday caught many Malaysians by surprise. Critics have raised concerns that there were ulterior motives to this move, so we reached out to political commentator Dr Bridget Welsh for insight into the political implications of the emergency. Image Credit: Abdul Razak Latif / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Commodity prices have staged a strong rally since the third quarter of 2020, and in particular, food components have seen strong price increases rather than energy commodities like oil or coal. Is this a cause for concern over inflation or a positive sign for ASEAN economies? The Morning Run speaks with Lee Ju Ye, Economist at Maybank Kim Eng, to find out. Other related interviews: - Sime Darby Plantation Claims Accusations Are "Absolutely False" - Palm Oil Charting New Highs In 2021?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industry and DAP lawmaker, Dr Ong Kian Ming, weighs in on how the handling of the Covid-19 pandemic could be improved, including whether it was necessary to declare an emergency and also its implications on investor sentiment. Image Credit: mokjc / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia has been put under a state of emergency until August 1st, or until such a time as the Covid-19 pandemic comes under control. Bersatu leaders have since come out to defend the decision, insisting the priority is to tackle the healthcare crisis, and not the volatile political situation. We speak to Wan Saiful Wan Jan, Information Chief of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia, to get the full story. Image Credit: YuriAbas / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Laurence Todd, Director of Research and Development at IDEAS, comments on the implications of the impending MCO and how else the government can better support businesses.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin's majority support in the Dewan Rakyat has come under pressure with the withdrawal of Machang MP Datuk Seri Ahmad Jazlan Yaakub. As UMNO is also slated to discuss breaking with Bersatu at its general assembly at the end of the month, and with the second Movement Control Order newly-declared, we speak to Dr Hamidin Abdul Hamid, Research Fellow at the Ilham Centre. Image Credit: NAUFAL ZAQUAN / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kathryn Dunn Tenpas, Senior Fellow at the Miller Center, University of Virginia, discusses moves to remove Donald Trump, why impeachment is important even if it may not be achieved by 20th January, how recent events will change the Republican Party, and the risk of escalating violence. Image Credit: vasilis asvestas / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is detaining palm oil and products from Sime Darby Plantation Berhad and its subsidiaries, following allegations of forced labour. Do these allegations hold any truth? The Morning Run speaks to Haris Arshad, Managing Director of Sime Darby Oils, Sime Darby Plantation’s downstream arm, to find out. We also ask him about reputation and earnings risk from this, as well as concerns of whether this could spread to other regions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Now that the ROS has rejected MUDA's application to become a political party, what are the movement's next steps? Do they still intend to contest in GE15? The Morning Run speaks to MUDA Co-founder and Muar MP Syed Saddiq about this, as well as his views on reaching across party lines to form a government and his thoughts on GE15. Image Credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Thursday, Japan declared a state of emergency in the wider Tokyo region, in order to bring the drastic rise in Covid-19 cases under control. But will this soft lockdown be effective in bringing down case numbers? We speak to Jonathan Berkshire Miller, Senior Fellow at the Japan Institute of International Affairs, to find out more. Image Credit: image_vulture / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister is expected to announce new MCO measures today. We speak to Datuk Shamsuddin Bardan, Executive Director of Malaysian Employers Federation, on their concerns and alternative measures to a tighter MCO. Image Credit: Abdul Razak Latif / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Record daily cases and a public healthcare system at breaking point has Malaysians once again on the back foot. Special Advisor to the Prime Minister on Public Health, Tan Sri Dr Jemilah Mahmood, discusses measures, advice to the PM, vaccinations and immunity.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With daily cases rising alarmingly in Malaysia, we speak to Azrul Mohd Khalib, CEO of Galen Centre for Health & Social Policy, on whether public healthcare is stretched and whether tighter restrictions would help bring the infection numbers down.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.