Morning Brief

The Residential Tenancy Act is currently being drawn up by the Ministry of Housing with the intention of protecting both landlords and tenants and also to prevent discrimination. We speak to Chris Tan, Lawyer and Managing Partner of Chur Associates to see the viability of the Act and whether implementation will be an issue.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The dollar is one of the world's-worst performing assets through July, thanks to trillions in stimulus spending to buttress virus shocks in the world's-biggest economy. Terence Wu of OCBC Bank explains. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Malaysian government has recently banned foreign labour except for 3 sectors. Will this resolve the unemployment issue that Malaysia will increasingly face with the economic scar tissue brought upon by Covid 19? Dr M.Niaz Asadullah, Southeast Asia Lead, of Global Labor Organization gives us his views whilst telling us what policies should be adopted to raise the income of Malaysians.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia wants to rely less on foreign workers to protect local jobs and shove its companies up the automation chain, but as with all new policy, there are teething pains. Dr M.Niaz Asadullah, Southeast Asia Lead, Global Labor Organization, analyses. Image Credit: PUNIT PARANJPE / AFPSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Haze is almost an annual event affecting Malaysia and the Transboundary Haze Act was to be enacted to address the issue. But this act has been shelved after taking into consideration Singapore's lack of success with a similar piece of legislation. Dr. Helena Varkkey, Senior Lecturer at University of Malaya tells us the reasons why the PN government has decided to do so and what other options does Malaysia have to combat this environment and health problem. Image Credit: SADIQ ASYRAF / AFPSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Centre recently conducted a study recently on transit deserts, which are areas with little to no access to public transport. While the study was focused on Shah Alam, it gives us some interesting insight on how data about transport networks and income levels may inform cityplanners' decisions about improving connectivity.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Centre recently conducted a study recently on transit deserts, which are areas with little to no access to public transport. While the study was focused on Shah Alam, it gives us some interesting insight on how data about transport networks and income levels may inform cityplanners' decisions about improving connectivity.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All sectors have been impacted by Covid-19, with lockdowns across the globe. Yet there is still a need for goods to be transported, as economies become more interdependent due to globalisation. Has the shipping industry been able to navigate these challenging times? We speak to Ooi Lean Hin, Chairman of the Shipping Association Malaysia (SAM) for his views, including on the recent conflict between different stakeholders in the shipping industry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All sectors have been impacted by Covid-19, with lockdowns across the globe. Yet there is still a need for goods to be transported, as economies become more interdependent due to globalisation. Has the shipping industry been able to navigate these challenging times? We speak to Ooi Lean Hin, President of the Shipping Association Malaysia (SAM) for his views, including on the recent conflict between different stakeholders in the shipping industry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite weeks of lockdown, the state of Victoria is Australia's most-afflicted by Covid-19, thanks to a raft of reasons, human-caused or otherwise.Catherine Birch, Senior Economist, ANZ Research , discusses the economic implications. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Almost too swiftly, Sabah’s state assembly was dissolved over the weekend, prompting fresh questions over the Warisan/PH vs BN/UMNO imbroglio, not to mention East Malaysa’s role as kingmakers in a looming national election. Political analyst Arnold Puyok discusses.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US Congress held a grueling six-hour hearing with the CEOs of Facebook, Amazon, Apple and Google where they were interrogated about whether big tech had gotten too big. But is this a lot of noise that leads to no action? Chris Sagers, Professor of Law at Cleveland State University gives us his view as to whether we might actually see any action and does the outcome of the Presidential elections in November change the narrative. Image Credit:EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Datuk Seri Zahid's statement that UMNO will not officially join the informal Perikatan Nasional coalition that controls the federal government, what does this mean for the future of this umbrella coalition? Dr Hamidin Abdul Hamid, Research Fellow at Ilham Center weighs in on this and also the future of Bersatu when the political ideologies are similar. Image Credit: MOHD RASFAN / AFPSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sam Fazeli, Senior Healthcare Analyst, Bloomberg Intelligence helps us understand the progress and challenges of developing vaccines for Covid-19. Photo source: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yesterday Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin announced that the loan moratorium will be extended by three-months for those who have lost their jobs this year and have yet to find employment. Is this targeted approach a good balance? We speak with Carmelo to find out. Image source: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Hamidin Abd Hamid, Research Fellow, Ilham Centre expects that Warisan will lose Sabah today following assertions by Tan Sri Musa Hasan that he has enough backing from state assembly members to form a new government in Sabah. Image Credit: Fazry Ismail / European Pressphoto AgencySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Covid-19's arrival saw oil demand evaporate almost overnight, as planes were grounded and countries closed their borders. So, as we hopefully head into a period of economic recovery, we reached out to Sharifah Zaida Nurlishah, President of the Malaysian Oil & Gas Services Council, for an industry view of how the oil and gas sector is doing post-pandemic, and what kind of support they have seen from the government. Image Credit: Mohd RASFAN / AFPSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yesterday’s landmark verdict found former Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak guilty of all charges relating to SRC International. Dr. Bridget Welsh, Honorary Research Associate, University of Nottingham Asia Research Institute discusses UMNO’s dilemma, and if Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin should rejoin the party and call for a snap election. Image Credit: Mohd RASFAN / AFPSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yesterday’s landmark verdict found former Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak guilty of all charges relating to SRC International. Dr. Bridget Welsh, Honorary Research Associate, University of Nottingham Asia Research Institute discusses UMNO’s dilemma, and if Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin should rejoin the party and call for a snap election. Image Credit: Mohd RASFAN / AFPSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong was asked if Heng Swee Keat is his designated successor, Lee deflected the question. Dr Mustafa Izzuddin, Senior International Affairs Analyst at Solaris Strategies discusses Singapore’s 4th Generation (4G) succession plan, is it a given that Heng will be Prime Minister, and if the new cabinet meets the immediate and long-term needs of the republic. Photo source: EPA-EFE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After Covid-19 cratered global travel demand, airlines around the world went into crisis mode. But even once lockdown restrictions eased and countries rolled back travel bans, flight volumes are only a fraction of what they used to be. The question on everyone's minds is, how long will it take for the aviation industry to return to pre-Covid norms? For more insight, we speak to James Teo, Transport Analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence, about how long the industry will need to stabilise.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the US, politicians across the aisle are at odds over a new stimulus package. Republicans have introduced a $1 trillion package, which is smaller than the $3 trillion plan Democrats put forth earlier. A key contention is the amount of unemployment benefits. We speak to Ed Clissold of Ned Davis Research for a view on how this might play out, as well as its impact on the US economy. Photo source: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All eyes will be on the KL High Court this morning, as Datuk Seri Najib Razak stands poised to hear the verdict of the first of the trials linked to the 1MDB Scandal. As we await the result of the trial, involving RM42 million misappropriated from 1MDB subsidiary SRC International, we speak to Raevathi Supramaniam, producer at the Malaysian Insight, for a recap of the trial so far. Image credit : Mohd RASFAN / AFPSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rumours are circulating that the Sabah state government may not be as stable as it appears, especially with former Chief Minister Tan Sri Musa Aman back in the political picture. Amid talk of party-hopping and fragile majorities, we speak to James Chin, Professor of Asian Studies at the University of Tasmania, to help us parrse the political machinations happening in East Malaysia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oren Klachkin, Lead Economist at Oxford Economics unpacks the economic situation in the US including how key states are faring. Image source: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia’s exposure to the 1MDB scandal is about US$9.6 bn while the settlement with Goldman Sachs is $3.9 bn ($2.5 bn in cash, minimum $1.4 bn in guarantee). P Gunasegaram, veteran journalist and author of the book, 1MDB: The Scandal That Brought Down the Government explains why Malaysia could have negotiated for a higher amount. Image Credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The records keep tumbling for Microsoft, but as US tech continues to chart ever-higher zeniths, is there more upside? And what of Apple, which also reports in a week. Daniel Ives, Managing Director for Equities Research, Wedbush Securities, expounds.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shorn of income and spooked by a slowing economy, Malaysia's household incomes are shrinking, and fast. Meanwhile, new human capital policies need to be introduced, to stopper the slide, as country risk premium grows. Darren Tay, Country Risk Analyst, Fitch Solutions, elaborates.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the rise of Covid - 19 cases again in Malaysia to low double digits, we speak to Dr Siti Khayriyyah Mohamed Hanafiah, Lecturer at Universiti Sains Malaysia about the feasibility of the standard operating procedures and the importance of communicating it clearly to the public. Image Credit: GOH Chai Hin / AFPSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The electrical and electronic (E&E) sector accounts for 5% of Malaysia's GDP but it accounts for more than one third of our country's exports. So we speak to Siew Choon Thye, President, The Electrical and Electronics Association of Malaysia (TEEAM) to find out how the sector managed during the many phases of the MCO and also if they are ready for the new normal in the post Covid - 19 era. Photo source: MANJUNATH KIRAN / AFPSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the US-China war escalates on a near-daily basis, the headcount and cost from having to take sides ratchets ever higher. In Japan's case, that number is estimated at around $2.2 billion. Tokyo, Japan-based Nikkei Asian Review columnist William Pesek discusses.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After a series of Malaysia-caused delays, the 4km JB-Singapore RTS link is finally on, with plans to commence operations by the end of 2026, though at an inflated cost of RM3.75 billion. Dr. Law Teik Hua, Associate Professor, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), discusses details. Photo source: Catherine Lai / AFPSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the recent changes in directors at GLC's , questions arise as to who makes a good director for all companies and what role should the person play? Are academic qualifications the only criteria or are there other considerations. Michele Kythe Lim, CEO, Institute of Corporate Directors Malaysia (ICDM) tells us.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Hong Kong deep in the throes of a second wave, authorities are juggling the possibility of another lockdown even as joblessness hits a 15-year high. Benjamin Cowling, Professor of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, University of Hong Kong, discusses. Source: ReutersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Flash floods in Kuala Lumpur seem to be a frequent occurrence and aside from in the inconvenience, the economic cost cannot be downplayed. But what steps have been taken to address it and is enough being done? We speak to Dr Tanot Unjah, Researcher at the Institute for Environment and Development of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia to find out. Image Credit: Mohd Rasfan / AFPSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Department of Statistics revised the poverty line from RM980 to RM2208 but also revealed that the level of poverty differs from state to state. So we ask Laurence Todd, Head of Research and Development at IDEAS as to how should the government should formulate their policies to address this inequality and what should they focus on. Image Credit : Reuters picSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The world after Covid - 19 will change significantly and although the cost of human lives cannot be understated, the bad also comes with the good. Rob Subbaraman, Head of Global Research at Nomura tells us what could be the cost which include a future food crisis but also reminds us that this allow us to re look at climate change more seriously and pursue a green revolution.The world after Covid - 19 will change significantly and although the cost of human lives cannot be understated, the bad also comes with the good. Rob Subbaraman, Head of Global Research at Nomura tells us what could be the cost which include a future food crisis but also reminds us that this allow us to re look at climate change more seriously and pursue a green revolution.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With a variety of applications in food packaging, delivery and in the electrical and electronics industries, Malaysia' plastics manufacturers are one of the few beneficiaries of Covid-19, despite a global war on the industry and the challenges of relying on foreign workers. Datuk Lim Kok Boon, President, of the Malaysian Plastic Manufacturers Association, discusses the whys and wherefores of Covid-19 on the local plastics industry. Image source: OLIVIER MORIN / AFPSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Parliament has been in session since last week but the scenes on the first day were a shock to many with the ruckus and language used. Wan Anwar Wan Ibrahim, Former Special Functions Officer, Speakers Office at Dewan Rakyat explains what the rules are whilst telling us what reforms are outstanding. Image source: AFPSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UK- China relations are now in deep freeze after the UK government banned the use of 5G technology with the Chinese warning of retaliation. Can the UK afford to antagonize China when there is USD88 billion worth of trade annually and Chinese involvement in key industries that includes UK nuclear power plants? Simon Baptist, Global Chief Economist, at The Economist Intelligence Unit attempts to answer those questions and more. Image source: ReutersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Unlike some of its more vocal neighbours, Malaysia has been noticeably considered in its response to China's looming presence in the trade- and resource-rich South China Sea, prompting criticism that it could be a victim of 'Elite Capture'. Ridzwan Rahmat, Principal Defence Analyst, Jane's, sheds some light. Image source: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sabah and Sarawak are one of the least developed and poorest states in Malaysia. Prime Minister candidate under Pakatan Harapan, Dato Seri Shafie Apdal, has ambitions to turn Borneo into an economic hub. Dr. Firdausi Suffian, Senior Lecturer in Public Policy, UiTM Sabah discusses the feasibility and reforms that are much needed in both states. Image source: ReutersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Deloitte has released the results of a global survey looking at how millennials and Gen Zs are responding to the Covid-19 crisis, with results from Malaysian youths putting financial stability, climate change, and mental health at the top of the priority list. Coupled with the fact that youth voices have been in the spotlight recently, propelled by frustration in the wake of heckling received by Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman during the Dewan Rakyat sitting on Monday, we speak to Izana Azuddin, founder of independent educational reform outfit MYER Movement, for her thoughts on the issues challenging our younger generation today. Image source : ReutersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Erhan Gurses, Research Analyst, Bloomberg Intelligence discusses the implications of banning British telecommunication companies from buying 5G equipment made by Huawei. Image source: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chinese stocks have been on a massive rally. The Shanghai Composite index is up over 15% on a one-month basis, while the S&P 500 is up about 3.6% in the same period, but can the rally continue? Some analysts have pointed to similarities with what happened in 2015, where the market crash after the value of Chinese stocks rose above $10 trillion for the first time. With Chinese markets are once again reaching those levels once again, will history repeat itself? Image source: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia and Singapore are allowing a reciprocal green lane arrangement and periodic commuting arrangement starting from 10 August. Francis Hutchinson, Senior Fellow, ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute explains the movements that take place between both countries and how that might change over time in light of higher unemployment and political developments. Image Credit: Catherine Lai / AFPSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Technical and vocational training and education (TVET) tend to be overlooked despite growing demand for such skills. We catch up with P Sailanathan, President, Federation of JPK Accredited Centers Malaysia on how TVET institutions are coping with the MCO and fundamental problems that hamper their growth.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hani Raihan Ikhwan, Vice President of Public Relationship, Remisiers' Association of Malaysia discusses the profile of individual investors who have started trading heavily since the MCO started, and what they need to be aware of about the markets. Image Source: www.distel.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With a new Covid-19 outbreak in the Hong Kong, Hong Kong Disneyland has had to close again after a month as social distancing measures return. On the flip side, Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom reopened in Florida despite the state reporting more than 15,000 cases last Saturday. Keeping in mind that the crisis has already cost Walt Disney $1.4 billion in lost profits in the last quarter, how will Disney weather the Covid-19 pandemic? We also get into Disney's competition with Netflix, and whether Disney+ will be enough to offset the damage done by Covid-19.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shahrul Nizar Ahmad, Committee Member, Malaysian Association of Amusement Theme Parks and Family Attractions (MAATFA) describes how bad the situation has been for theme parks during the MCO, and developments including SOPs going forward. Image Credit: Mohd Rasfan / AFPSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.