Morning Brief

Perikatan Nasional has appointed Terengganu Chief Minister and vice-president of PAS, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar, as chairman of the coalition, replacing Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin. What does this signal about the direction of PN? We speak to Dr. Azmi Hassan, Senior Fellow at the Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research, for insights.This episode of The First Look was brought to you by Emirates. Fly better, fly Emirates.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US Supreme Court struck down President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs imposed under emergency powers. Since then Trump has moved to preserve his trade agenda by raising global tariffs by 15%. We ask Dr. Deborah K. Elms, Head of Trade Policy, Hinrich Foundation the repercussion of this and what this means for existing trade deals.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eight PKR lawmakers have been very vocal over the alleged corrupt practices within the MACC and share ownership by their Chief Commissioner, Tan Sri Azam Baki. We speak to Setiawangsa MP, Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad as to why this matter is so urgent, what type of investigation is required and what should we make of the government’s silence on the issue.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The mass expulsion of former Bersatu Deputy President Dato' Sri Hamzah Zainuddin and 16 other members has triggered uproar and mass resignations among the party grassroots. What options are the exiled members considering to maintain political relevance? We hear from Machang MP Wan Ahmad Fahysal on the fallout and his next steps.Image Credit: BernamaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia’s retail sector ended 2025 on a stronger note,  with growth picking up in December. However, what is the outlook for 2026? Damien Yeo, Senior Consumer & Retail Analyst, BMI, a unit of Fitch Solutions gives us their house view and the catalysts for this sector.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The survival of Bersatu is in question after the expulsion of prominent leaders last week, including heir apparent Dato' Sri Hamzah Zainudin. Who then will succeed Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin as party leader? We discuss Bersatu's future with Dr. Syaza Shukri of the International Islamic University Malaysia.This episode of The First Look was brought to you by Emirates. Fly better, fly Emirates.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This month’s earnings reports from Amazon, Microsoft, Google, Meta, and Apple revealed a combined staggering USD700 billion capital expenditure for 2026. This caused a massive sell down in tech space. We ask Dan Ives, Managing Director, Wedbush Securities if this is actually a buying opportunity or is the tech boom cycle over.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week, President Donald Trump declared that the build-up of greenhouse gas emissions would no longer be considered a public health issue. This effectively reverses the basis of US climate change regulations, which Trump says could save the government trillions of dollars. But will this come at the cost of irreversible climate change? We discuss the implications of this with Romany Web, of the Sabin Center for Climate Change.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

SMEs in Malaysia are facing challenges on multiple fronts this year, with increased cost pressures and compliance requirements -  Datuk William Ng, Chairman, Small and Medium Enterprises Association tells us how SMEs are faring and if the available financing is adequate.This episode of The First Look was brought to you by Emirates. Fly better, fly Emirates.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite the ringgit rising 14% against the US dollar and GDP growing 5.2% this year, many Malaysians are still feeling the pinch of high prices. Will government intervention make imported goods more affordable? We’ll discuss this with Yugendran T. Kannu Sivakumaran, Economic Analyst in the Economics and Sustainability Impact Department at Bait Al Amanah.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Securities Commission Malaysia is finalising a new framework to clarify when cash trust schemes investing in capital market products must be licensed, amid growing concerns over investor protection and market confidence. Business commentator Pankaj C Kumar gives us some perspective about how cash trust structures actually work and the risks they carry.This episode of The First Look was brought to you by Emirates. Fly better, fly Emirates.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia’s anti-corruption chief Tan Sri Azam Baki is once again under scrutiny following fresh allegations reported by Bloomberg linking MACC officers to possible collusion in corporate control matters, alongside renewed questions over his shareholdings. Independent business writer P Gunasegaram shares his thoughts on the government's response so far.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2026 sees Chinese New Year falling on the heels of Ramadan. How is Malaysia’s F&B sector gearing up for these back-to-back peak periods? We discuss what’s ahead with Jeremy Lim, Vice-President & Media Liaisons, Persatuan Pemilik Restoran & Bistro.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The infighting within Bersatu reached a head last Friday, when party President Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin expelled his deputy, Dato’ Sri Hamzah Zainuddin and other supporters in a shock move. What does this mean for the future of Bersatu? We get analysis from Ibrahim Suffian, Programme Director of the Merdeka Centre.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US markets have begun to lag parts of Asia, after outperforming on the back of mega cap tech and the AI trade in 2025.We ask Rika Naito, Senior Portfolio Manager of the Global Growth Equity Team at Nomura Asset Management Tokyo, if this is the beginning of a trend and what are the investment themes we can adopt for the year.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Up to 2.8 million vehicles are expected to hit the roads for CNY and the start of Ramadan. What regulations is the government going to enforce to ensure the safety of Malaysians on the road? We speak to Dr. Ng Choy Peng, Associate Professor at the Department of Civil Engineering, National Defence University of Malaysia, on the safety measures taken by authorities, as well as road improvements Malaysia might benefit from.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A recent Court of Appeal ruling held that a single Joint Management Body must oversee the entire developments, even mixed ones, which is a departure from previous practices. What does this mean for developers, parcel owners, and existing mixed-use projects? Questions we pose to Alliff Benjamin Suhaimi, Partner, Thomas Philip.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia has inched up three spots in the latest Corruption Perceptions Index, from 57th to 54th. It’s a modest gain against a bold pledge to crack the global top 25 by 2033. Pushpan Murugiah, Chief Executive Officer of Center to Combat Corruption & Cronyism (C4) tell us what serious reform is needed whilst we discuss share ownership linked to the MACC Chief Commissioner, Tan Sri Azam Baki.This episode of The First Look was brought to you by Emirates. Fly better, fly Emirates.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bangladeshis head to the polls today in what is widely seen as its most consequential election in nearly two decades, coming two years after Sheikh Hasina was ousted as prime minister and now lives in exile in India. Dr Amit Ranjan, from the National University of Singapore's Institute of South Asian Studies, shares his insights into what to expect.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia has reported 10 new tuberculosis clusters across seven states within the first month of 2026, with Selangor and Johor in focus. Prof Dr Rafdzah Ahmad Zaki, Professor of Epidemiology and Public Health at Universiti Malaya, discusses what the latest data reveal and what more needs to be done, because TB remains a persistent public health concern.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After a stronger-than-expected finish to 2025, the Ministry of Trade and Industry has raised Singapore’s economic growth forecast for 2026 to between 2 and 4 per cent, pointing to a global AI investment boom, resilient trade, and firm performance in sectors like manufacturing and finance. Selena Ling, Chief Economist, OCBC Bank helps us break down and the data and what we can expect from Budget 2026.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Khazanah Nasional recorded a 5.2% return in 2025 and paid out RM2 billion to the government, despite global volatility. Ng Tzu Hann, CEO of Tradeview Capital, discusses how the fund balances long-term wealth creation with supporting strategic national priorities, the risks of domestic focus versus global diversification, and what Malaysians should expect from Khazanah’s investment strategy going forward.This episode of The First Look was brought to you by Emirates. Fly better, fly Emirates.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Malaysia, there is more than one pathway to becoming a lawyer. Anishaa Sundramoorthy, Co-Chairperson of the National Young Lawyers and Pupils Committee , Malaysian Bar explains this to us whilst we also consider if we should include other reforms to raise the standards of the legal profession.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The debate over whether Kuala Lumpur should have a directly elected mayor is gaining momentum, with Perikatan Nasional cautioning that elections alone may not solve the city’s governance challenges. Dr Afif Bahardin, PN Selangor Secretary and Taman Medan Assemblyman, shares his views on why his party doesn't think it would work.This episode of The First Look was brought to you by Emirates. Fly better, fly Emirates.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Nikkei 225 hit a new high on the back of Prime Minister's Sanae Takaichi big election win. Ivailo Dikov, Head of Japan Equities, Eastspring Singapore tells us what sectors stand to benefit from her economic policies and if we can expect more in terms of corporate reform.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recent developments involving a senior figure at a listed company have brought renewed attention to the roles, responsibilities, and liabilities of executive and non-executive directors. Dr Ismet Yusoff, CEO of Minority Shareholders Watch Group, gives us some clarity on the concerns at stake and how boards should strengthen governance and oversight frameworks.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing mounting political pressure following the sudden resignations of key senior aides, renewed scrutiny over Peter Mandelson’s diplomatic appointment, and growing dissent within Labour’s ranks. Dr Benjamin Barton of the University of Nottingham Malaysia share some insights into this issue.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Japan’s political landscape has shifted as Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s Liberal Democratic Party secured a two-thirds majority. What does this mean for Japan’s future policies and its role in the region? We analyze the election outcome with Michael Cucek, Assistant Professor of Asian Studies, Temple University, Japan Campus.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the weekend, India and Malaysia signed 11 MOUs in an expansion of the India–Malaysia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Covering areas such as trade and investment, science and technology, and defence and security cooperation, what might we hope to see as the outcome? Discussing this further, we have Dr. Jayant Menon, Visiting Senior Fellow, ISEAS Yusof Ishak Institute, to delve deeper into this. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The preliminary results for Thailand’s general election point to caretaker Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s Bhumjaithai Party emerging with a commanding lead. Dr. Greg Raymond, Senior Lecturer, Australian National University (ANU) tells us if the results were expected and what would be the priorities of this administration.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recently, Malaysia has just fully banned all electronic waste imports to tackle rising e-waste dumping. But will this policy significantly reduce the country’s e-waste problem? And how will authorities ensure its enforcement? We'll be discussing this with Dr. Renard Siew, Climate Change & Sustainability Expert. This episode of The First Look was brought to you by Emirates. Fly better, fly Emirates.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Japan heads to the polls this Sunday in a high-stakes snap election for Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, the country’s first female leader. With rising tensions over Taiwan, economic uncertainty, and shifting political alliances, what could be the outcome? We discuss what’s at stake with Prof. Alexis Dudden, Visiting Professor of Japanese Studies, National University of Singapore.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Japan’s not the only country having elections this Sunday - our neighbors up north, Thailand, are as well. Against the backdrop of geopolitical tensions with Cambodia and a shaky economy, what’s the mood of Thai voters on the ground right now, and who might be the frontrunner in this race? We’ll be discussing this with Dr. Michael Montesano, Associate Senior Fellow, ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Trump has just unveiled a major shift in how the US approaches critical mineral with the launch of Project Vault and  a trade zone with partners such as Japan and the European Union. Trung Ghi, Partner and Head of the Energy & Utilities with Arthur D. Little in Asia Pacific helps us understand how significant these initiatives are and how Malaysia should navigate this with our own mineral earths policy.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia is again attempting to reform how migrant workers are recruited, amid longstanding concerns over debt bondage, misleading job promises and weak enforcement. Adrian Pereira, Executive Director of North-South Initiative, shares his views on whether proposals like direct hiring, virtual interviews and AI translation can address exploitation on the ground.This episode of The First Look was brought to you by Emirates. Fly better, fly Emirates.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hong Kong’s housing market is emerging from a deep multi-year correction, with prices bottoming out in 2025 and rents at record highs. Patrick Wong, Head of Hong Kong & Senior Analyst, Asia Pacific Real Estate, Bloomberg Intelligence, discusses how falling interest rates, a revived stock market and renewed mainland demand may shape what happens.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Peace talks appear increasingly difficult as Russia ramps up its attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, and comes at a time when temperatures fall below -20°C. Dr Sonia Mycak, a research fellow, ANU Centre for European Studies shares her views on what realistic solutions could finallwary bring an end to the war, even as peace talks continue in Abu Dhabi.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

PM Term Limits, Just the Bare MinimumThere are plans to limit the Prime Minister’s tenure to 10 years aimed at reducing the concentration of power, strengthening institutions, and responding to public calls for greater accountability. Danesh Prakash Chacko, Chairperson, Persatuan Bertindak Pilihan Raya Bebas Dan Saksama (TINDAK) tells us if this reform is sufficient and if Kuala Lumpur should have mayoral elections.This episode of The First Look was brought to you by Emirates. Fly better, fly Emirates.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US government has avoided another shutdown after President Donald Trump signed a US$1.2 trillion funding bill, but political tensions remain high. Dr Kathryn Robison, of the United States Studies Centre at University of Sydney shares her views into what Trump's falling approval ratings and other developments mean going into the 2026 midterm elections.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia’s digital banks were given five years by Bank Negara to reach profitability and one year has already gone by. Ravi Kittane, Partner at Ernst & Young Consulting, shares his views on the performance of these entities in Malaysia's landscape.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The New Incentive Framework will replace a system that’s been around since the 1980 with incentives are now time bound, tiered, and tied to national outcomes. Soh Lian Seng, Head of Tax, KPMG in Malaysia tells us what to expect from the NIF and how it will be implemented.This episode of The First Look was brought to you by Emirates. Fly better, fly EmiratesImage Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia has launched the National Food Security Policy 2030, alongside plans for a National Food Security Act to address global food systems affected by climate volatility, geopolitics and rising costs. Professor Datin Paduka Dr Fatimah Mohamed Arshad of Universiti Putra Malaysia assesses if this policy can truly strengthen resilience and safeguard Malaysia’s food security.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As tensions between the United States and Iran surge over Tehran’s nuclear programme and the brutal crackdown on domestic protests, both sides are locked in a high-stakes standoff that could reshape Middle Eastern geopolitics. Amin Saikal, Emeritus Professor of Middle Eastern and Central Asian Studies at The Australian National University, shares his views on this.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Immigration enforcement in the United States is under legal strain. In Minnesota, a month-long surge by ICE has involved armed arrests, civilian deaths, and growing court scrutiny, with challenges from state governments and international bodies. So what are the rights of immigrants, are the actions of ICE legal? For a clearer picture, we speak to Eric Sustad, Senior Attorney at Bashyam Global Immigration Law Group.This episode of The First Look was brought to you by Emirates. Fly better, fly EmiratesImage Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

India and the European Union announced that they finally concluded a major Free Trade Agreement (FTA) after nearly 20 years of stalled negotiations. We ask Sanjay Mathur, Chief Economist for Southeast Asia and India, ANZ Bank as to the structure of this FTA and which industries stand to benefit.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin stepped down as PN chair earlier this month, the question of who leads the coalition has become increasingly contested, with Bersatu and PAS offering different versions. Associate Professor Dr Syaza Shukri, Department Head of Political Science and Madani Studies, International Islamic University Malaysia will shed some light on the turmoil within the coalition, and how the situation will affect them in the coming GE.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Buy Now Pay Later use is surging in Malaysia. Transactions jumped to 243 million last year, worth more than 21 billion ringgit, with outstanding BNPL borrowing now close to 5 billion ringgit. Young people and lower income households make up a big share of users, even as overdue loans remain relatively low. Wan Amirah Wan Usamah, Research Associate, Khazanah Research Institute explains what this rapid growth really means.This episode of The First Look was brought to you by Emirates. Fly better, fly EmiratesImage Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China’s military leadership is facing fresh upheaval by the purge of two of its most senior generals including Zhang Youxia, one of President Xi Jinping’s closest commanders. The shake up could leave China’s top military body smaller, raising new questions about power loyalty and control in Beijing. We speak to Dr. Yang Zi, Research Fellow, S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Nanyang Technological University for insights.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia’s anti-corruption efforts are under renewed scrutiny following claims of billions recovered in stolen public funds. Pushpan Murugiah of the Centre to Combat Corruption and Cronyism joins us to discuss whether asset recovery is enough, the case for an Ombudsman, and the effectiveness of oversight over the MACC.This episode of The First Look was brought to you by Emirates. Fly better, fly EmiratesImage Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore’s three biggest banks have turned in a resilient but mixed performance as they closed out 2025. But with global rate cuts taking hold, what is their outlook for 2026 ? Sarah Jane Mahmud, Senior Industry Analyst, Bloomberg Intelligence gives us her perspective whilst we also ask if Maybank's ROEs targets for 2030 are achievable.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.