Morning Brief

A poll conducted by the USCI Poll Research Centre showed almost half of the respondents in the T20 income group used their i-Sinar withdrawal to invest in gold and stocks. This has raised the question of whether i-Sinar is truly effective in alleviating the effects of the pandemic on those in the lower-income bracket, who have been the hardest hit. We speak to Calvin Cheng, Analyst in the Economics Programme at ISIS Malaysia, for a look at i-Sinar and the social protection landscape in the country. Image Credit: Mohd Rodi / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A poll conducted by the USCI Poll Research Centre showed almost half of the respondents in the T20 income group used their i-Sinar withdrawal to invest in gold and stocks. This has raised the question of whether i-Sinar is truly effective in alleviating the effects of the pandemic on those in the lower-income bracket, who have been the hardest hit. We speak to Calvin Cheng, Analyst in the Economics Programme at ISIS Malaysia, for a look at i-Sinar and the social protection landscape in the country. Image Credit: Mohd Rodi / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A poll conducted by the USCI Poll Research Centre showed almost half of the respondents in the T20 income group used their i-Sinar withdrawal to invest in gold and stocks. This has raised the question of whether i-Sinar is truly effective in alleviating the effects of the pandemic on those in the lower-income bracket, who have been the hardest hit. We speak to Calvin Cheng, Analyst in the Economics Programme at ISIS Malaysia, for a look at i-Sinar and the social protection landscape in the country. Image Credit: Mohd Rodi / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A poll conducted by the USCI Poll Research Centre showed almost half of the respondents in the T20 income group used their i-Sinar withdrawal to invest in gold and stocks. This has raised the question of whether i-Sinar is truly effective in alleviating the effects of the pandemic on those in the lower-income bracket, who have been the hardest hit. We speak to Calvin Cheng, Analyst in the Economics Programme at ISIS Malaysia, for a look at i-Sinar and the social protection landscape in the country. Image Credit: Mohd Rodi / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A poll conducted by the USCI Poll Research Centre showed almost half of the respondents in the T20 income group used their i-Sinar withdrawal to invest in gold and stocks. This has raised the question of whether i-Sinar is truly effective in alleviating the effects of the pandemic on those in the lower-income bracket, who have been the hardest hit. We speak to Calvin Cheng, Analyst in the Economics Programme at ISIS Malaysia, for a look at i-Sinar and the social protection landscape in the country. Image Credit: Mohd Rodi / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Vinoop Goel, Regional Director of Airports and External Relations of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), discusses the digital vaccine certificate that travellers would require to travel abroad. It does not guarantee admission into a country as that is up to mutual agreements between governments. Image Credit: ronstik / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has outlined a national vaccination program for COVID-19 that aims to get everyone eligible vaccinated by February 2022. Is this timeline feasible or is it maybe not ambitious enough? The Morning Run speaks to public health policy specialist Dr Khor Swee Kheng on this, what Malaysia needs to learn from other countries, and the key challenges in the vaccine rollout. Image Credit: MBLifestyle/ Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Waqas Adenwala, Asia Analyst at the Economist Intelligence Unit, says that Malaysia is four spots more democratic in 2020 from a year ago, despite a change in government sans elections, answering why that is the case. Image Credit: adam yusof / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We discuss with Dr Pradeep Taneja the pandemic budget of the 'pharmacy of the world' called India and the recent agricultural protests in New Delhi. Image Credit: PradeepGaurs / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cha-Ly Koh, of property data company Urbanmetry, suggests that policymakers focus on the primary objective behind affordable housing, where perhaps there might have been too many considerations in the equation, potentially obfuscating the issue. Image Credit: Laboo Studio / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Simon Evenett from the University of St. Gallen explains the far-reaching implications of the vaccine export control measures taken by the EU and its potential impact on the global vaccination programme. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the last few months, some Malaysian companies have announced their plans to distribute vaccines, even though their current expertise is not within the healthcare field. Azrul Mohd Khalib, CEO of the Galen Centre for Health & Social Policy, gives us his view on this whilst delving into the potential of other public-private partnerships that can benefit the vaccination rollout in the country.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over 30 industry representatives have come out to voice their opposition to the extended movement control order (MCO) that was announced on Tuesday. Dato' David Gurupatham, legal advisor and spokesperson of the coalition Industries Unite gives us their wish list in terms of government support whilst telling us that clearer SOPs and recovery plans are needed. Image Credit: Afif Abd. Halim / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kuala Lumpur has over 30,000 families that earn below RM2,200 who are also in need of basic necessities. Hawati Abdul Hamid, Senior Research Associate at the Khazanah Research Institute, tells us what immediate assistance should be afforded to them with the extension of MCO 2.0 and what longer-term solutions should be considered. Image Credit: Try_my_best / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With schools practically closed since March 2020, what will the impact be for Malaysian school-going children? Dr Niaz Asadullah, Southeast Asia Lead of the Global Labor Organisation, weighs in on what solutions should be considered and how we can narrow the parental divide that has a significant role in helping overcome the challenges of school closures. Image Credit: NAUFAL ZAQUAN / Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sebastien Strangio unpacks how Myanmar's coup by the military junta will impact the country's future, as well as the geopolitical implications in the Asia Pacific region. Image Credit: Kan Sangtong / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some see the use of social media as the democratisation of financial markets, but with that comes its own risks, especially for the retail investor. Datuk Umar Swift, CEO of Bursa Malaysia Berhad, tells us what motivated a joint statement with the Securities Commission and whether we can expect to see more enforcement on this front to weed out illegal investment advisors. Image credit: Syahtuah Mohamed / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Devanesan Evanson, CEO of the Minority Shareholder's Watch Group, cautions investors to stay away from the GameStop-driven frenzy in glove stocks, reiterating the importance of investor education and not buying into short-term fads. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.