Morning Brief

Chinese lawmakers have approved new national security laws applying to Hong Kong, dealing what critics call a 'killer blow' to the city-state's autonomy. To get more insight into this, we speak to Kelvin Lam, Hong Kong southern district councillor and former HSBC Greater China Economist, about what this move will mean for Hong Kong's independence, and what Beijing may do next.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

J Solomon, Secretary-General, Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) blasts the government for postponing the implementation of the amendments to the Workers' Minimum Standards and Housing and Amenities Act 1990 from 1 June to 1 September. Migrant workers live in packed quarters and are at risk of catching diseases.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The local film industry is set to return to work with SOPs in place. Ahmad Ibrahim, President of Film Director's Association of Malaysia (FDAM) gives a sneak preview of what to expect and also discusses the challenges faced by local talent and the appointment of Zakaria Abd Hamid as the new Chairman of FINAS (National Film Development Corporation Malaysia).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tik Tok, launched in 2016, has been downloaded over 2 billion times and recently brought in Disney’s streaming guru, Mark Mayer, as their new CEO. The parent company, Bytedance, is the world’s most valuable startup and has a private valuation of between $105 billion and $110 billion, with talk that it could be worth up to $180 billion in an IPO. But with on-going privacy and censorship issues with the US rumbling in the background, is this their Facebook or Snapchat moment?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prof. Steve Tsang, Director of the China Institute at SOAS, University of London weighs in on what to expect of President Tsai Ing Wen’s government in handling relations with China and the US.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Professor Dato Dr Adeeba Kamarulzaman, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya discusses the government’s response to treating detained undocumented immigrants.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Covid-19 ravages the economy, Malaysia's populace continues to have to deal with politics in the form of the continuing battle between former PM Tun Dr Mahathir and current PM Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, with the upcoming Bersatu party elections. Dr. Oh Ei Sun, Senior Fellow, Singapore Institute of International Affairs, discusses the permutations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s no firm date on when schools will re-open. How are students coping learning online? Should schools reopen soon? Datin Azimah, PAGE Chairman (Parent Action Group for Education) talks about her concerns.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The UK’s move to restart live Premiership football has the world divided. But beyond the theatre and health implications of restoring contact sports there's much more to the discussion, including broadcast rights and their payments. Football Financial Analyst Kieran Maguire discusses.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amidst the Aidilfitri celebrations, Indonesia has deployed hundreds of thousands of army and police personnel across the vast country to enforce social and physical distancing rules following a record surge in infections in the past week.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With infection rates only second to the US, we examine the social and economic impact the virus has had on Russia. Anton Pravednikov, Researcher at Moscow State University attempts to gives us the answer whilst also sharing his insight into President Putin's political plans.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What is the new normal for the Malaysian auto industry in the Covid-19 era. How badly impacted will the sector be and how can car companies still sell their cars when physical distancing is part of the SOPs? Daniel Fernandez, founder of automotive news website dsf.my tell us his views and also weighs in on Malaysia's ability to be the automotive hub for Asean.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since the implementation of the Conditional Movement Control Order, some F&B businesses have been allowed to operate with SOPs in place. However, the impact has been harder on some parts of the sector than others. We speak to Jennifer Ong, Founder and CEO, HAPA Group, about whether F&B can survive new physical distancing rules, the future of banquets, and how businesses are having to pivot in these unusual times.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With unemployment set to rise as the country faces a recession, should the government focus on saving jobs or creating new jobs? We ask Achim Schmillen, Senior Economist for Social Protection & Labour at World Bank Group what the answer is. He also weighs in what other things the government should focus on to help job creation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Even with this Conditional Movement Control Order in place, many Malaysians are still hesitant to resume spending in physical stores. With footfall at shopping centres still far from pre-Covid numbers, we reach out to Datuk Seri Garry Chua to get a current snapshot of the retail sector, and to discuss how things may change in a post-Covid world.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Countries around the world are starting to look into ways to revive stagnant tourism industries in a way that would at the same time prevent a resurgence in Covid-19 infections. To that end, the concept of the 'travel bubble' has been introduced; allowing travel corridors between specific countries which can be slowly expanded as more countries become coronavirus green zones. To get more insight into this, we speak to Dr. Mario Hardy, about how viable this strategy would be in the Asia Pacific, and the challenge of putting together a standardised set of regulations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Countries around the world are starting to look into ways to revive stagnant tourism industries in a way that would at the same time prevent a resurgence in Covid-19 infections. To that end, the concept of the 'travel bubble' has been introduced; allowing travel corridors between specific countries which can be slowly expanded as more countries become coronavirus green zones. To get more insight into this, we speak to Dr. Mario Hardy, about how viable this strategy would be in the Asia Pacific, and the challenge of putting together a standardised set of regulations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia as a country is highly dependent on foreign labour, particularly in the area of jobs classifie as '3D', or dirty, dangerous, and difficult. Against the backdrop of Covid-19 health concerns, we examine this topic in conversation with Dr Niaz Asadullah, Professor of Economics, Universiti Malaya - who speaks about why Malaysians are so reluctant to take up these 3D jobs, and what needs to be done to incentivise employers to make the shift away from foreign labour.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Under the shadow of Covid-19, many startups are finding it hard to cope as movement restrictions curtail business and keep Malaysians at home. To that end, the Ministry of Finance has allocated a sum of RM100 million to fund the Technology Startup Funding Relief Facility (T.S.F.R.F.), formed to assist technology startups affected by the pandemic. Here to allay some concerns, including over vetting and loan recovery, is Khairy Jamaluddin, Minister of Science, Technology and Information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Covid-19 has affected every financial instrument, some negatively and others positively. However, cryptocurrencies have been a beneficiary of the pandemic, with Bitcoin appreciating on a year to date basis. We speak to T.M. Lee, co-Founder of CoinGecko to find out why. He also warns of the risks, as the track record to this new store of value is short.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yesterday's historic one-day Parliamentary sitting opened with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong warning lawmakers against throwing the country into political turmoil once again, particularly as the people are still faced with the Covid-19 pandemic. In the wake of the sitting, we speak to Dr. Bridget Welsh, Honorary Research Associate at the University of Nottingham Asia Research Institute and longtime commentator on Malaysian politics, for her take on the sitting and what it says about the state of coalition politics in Malaysia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There is more than 1 trade war happening with Australia joining in after Prime Minister Scott Morisson asked for an inquiry into the origins of Covid-19. This has led to China retaliating by raising tariffs on barley and blocking imports of beef. However, with China being a major export destination for Australian agriculture and commodities, what does this mean for their economy. Michael Shoebridge, Director of Defence, Strategy and National Security at the Australian Strategy Policy Institute weighs in on this.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Malaysia's infection and death rates from Covid-19 very low, Carmelo Ferlito, Senior Fellow at IDEAS argues that the Malaysian economy should open up with limited restrictions like Thailand. He also says that the policy communication has to be very clear because the fight to attract FDI will also be intense.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Malaysia's infection and death rates from Covid-19 very low, Carmelo Ferlito, Senior Fellow at IDEAS argues that the Malaysian economy should open up with limited restrictions like Thailand. He also says that the policy communication has to be very clear because the fight to attract FDI will also be intense.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The first parliamentary sitting of Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin's administration takes place today - and only for today. With the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's speech the only item on the agenda, questions have arisen over why the decision has been made to forgo any kind of debate, especially in this time of crisis. So to give us more insight, we speak to Dr. Hamidin Hamid, Research Fellow at the Ilham Centre, about what we can expect, divisions within Perikatan Nasional, and whether the Prime Minister the support to survive a no-confidence vote put forward by Langkawi MP and former Prime Minister, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Japan and South Korea are two countries which have seen early success in flattening the coronavirus curve. However, all eyes are on them as they also become some of the first to restart their economies and relax movement restrictions. So for more insight into Japan and South Korea's strategies to fight the coronavirus, as well as preserve their economies from lasting damage, we speak to Jonathan Berkshire Miller, Senior Fellow at the Japan Institute for International Affairs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The deal offered to Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak’s stepson Riza Abdul Aziz surprised many quarters last week. In fact, many questions remained unanswered especially since ex-AG Tan Sri Tommy Thomas has denied that he approved the deal. P. Gunasegaram, Editor in Chief of Focus Malaysia helps us break down the chain of events and what does this mean for the other 1MDB and graft cases.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With US markets pricing in negative rates, the message to investors shifts from yields and returns to capital preservation, says Joe Kalish, chief global macro strategist at Venice, Florida-based Ned Davis Research.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the deadline for the lifting of lockdown edges closer, PJ Old Town in Selangor became the eighth area in Klang Valley to be placed under enhanced Movement Control Order (MCO) following the detection of 26 positive cases. Rajiv Rishyakaran, Assemblyman for Bukit Gasing, discusses the social and political issues.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister is only permitting government media to cover Parliament proceedings on-site. Other media houses have to watch online. This decision has been criticised by several NGOS: the National Union of Journalists, Gerakan Media Merdeka, the Center for Independent Journalism, and the International Federation of Journalists. Gayathry Venkiteswaran, Assistant Professor of Media and Communications, University of Nottingham Malaysia discusses why it is important to have equal media access and what is really at play hereSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As businesses resume operations under the Conditional Movement Control Order or C.M.C.O., there’s been confusion regarding testing requirements for employees. We speak to Mohan to get his thoughts on the matter and who should pay for testing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UK has the fourth highest number of Covid-19 cases in the world, not helped by Boris Johnson’s vague campaign tagline: “Stay Alert, Control The Virus". Pollster YouGov found that only 30% of voters understand the new slogan. As such, governments in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are pursuing their own policies. Patrick Diamond, Associate Professor of Public Policy, Queen Mary University of London helps us understand what is going on in the UK.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UK has the fourth highest number of Covid-19 cases in the world, not helped by Boris Johnson’s vague campaign tagline: “Stay Alert, Control The Virus". Pollster YouGov found that only 30% of voters understand the new slogan. As such, governments in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are pursuing their own policies. Patrick Diamond, Associate Professor of Public Policy, Queen Mary University of London helps us understand what is going on in the UK.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Contrary to street expectations, Malaysia unexpectedly eked out a 0.7% expansion in the first quarter, leading to hopes of a narrower full-year contraction due the global effects of Covid-19, says Singapore-based Khoon Goh, Head of Asia Research at ANZ Bank.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is its ambitious plan to reform its economy and diversify away from its dependence on oil revenues. But the pandemic and oil price shock have thrown a wrench in the works. Will this impair Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's power in the Kingdom and the region?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Market watchers are divided on the question of whether companies should be given more time to adhere to strict corporate liability provisions under Section 17 of the MACC Act due to the fallout from Covid-19. But, Lya Rahman of the Institutional Investors Council Malaysia (IIC) says companies must begin complying now.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kedah will see a change in leadership as chief minister, Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir will have to vacate his position after two PKR state assemblymen switched their allegiance to support Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin. Professor James Chin, Director of the Asia Institute Tasmania at the University of Tasmania outlines what to expect as we get closer to 18 May when Parliament meetsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Reuniting on the second anniversary of their historic victory, Bersatu chairman, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim released a joint statement, asserting that they have again resolved their differences and are joining forces again. This came after the Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Mohamad Ariff Yusof accepted Tun Mahathir’s motion of no confidence bill on Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin in the upcoming parliament. The motion is unprecedented as it's the first time a government backbencher has done so against the Prime Minister from his own party. So what to make of this move?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Regional banks are getting hit by declining net interest margins, lower loan growth and higher non-performing loans. Harsh Wardhan Modi, Co-Head of Asia ex-Japan Banks Equity Research, JP Morgan discusses his expectations, and the ones that will weather the storm.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In March, the number of unemployed persons rose to over 600,000, which Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Dr. Uzir Mahidin said is the highest unemployment rate in a decade. Laurence Todd, Head of Research & Development at the think-tank IDEAS, discusses govt policy, youth unemployed and the potential for rehiring as lockdown ends.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The World Health Organization has come out to say that contact-tracing applications cannot replace old-fashioned interviews and surveillance, in getting ahead of the Covid-19 pandemic. With governments, including Malaysia's, beginning to encourage the public to use these apps to supplement virus mitigation efforts, we speak to Benjamin Cowling, Professor of Infectious Disease Epidemiology at the University of Hong Kong, about how effective these apps are in helping to combat Covid-19.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Attempts to reopen country economies are hindered by fears of a second wave of infection, as a vaccine for Covid-19 has yet to be found. But the World Health Organisation has said that over 120 vaccine candidates have been proposed around the world and some have entered into clinical trials. In order to get more insight, we speak to Sam Fazeli, Senior Healthcare Analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence, about how far away we are from a vaccine, as well as who the key players are in this race.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the midst of the pandemic, the wheels of politics continue to turn.We look at what is happening at Bersatu and until recently, the quiet chairman of the party - Tun Dr Mahathir.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Iqbal Ameer, CEO of Livescape Group tells us that events were the first to be cancelled but probably the last sector to recover as physical distancing is the new normal. He gives us his views on how the industry can move forward and how it has somewhat been neglected by the government despite its importance to the economy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin's announcement of a Conditional Movement Control Order, several states have opted against implementing the new phase of the MCO. To find out whether this may result in lawsuits, or if it is reflective of Perikatan Nasional's weakening hold on power, we speak to Tricia Yeoh, Fellow at the Institute of Democracy and Economic Affairs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Covid-19 dominating every headline, the US-China trade war seems like a thing of the past. Yet now, as both countries start to point fingers over the origin of the coronavirus, it seems that both these major economies may be at loggerheads once again. For more on this, we speak to Aaron Connelly, Research Fellow at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, about whether this is all a part of Donald Trump's election strategy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Morning Run Team takes a look at the front pages of the newspapers, and takes a look at other regional economies weathering the Covid-19 pandemic.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bank Negara Malaysia cut the overnight policy rate by 50bps to 2.00% as expected citing the weaker global economic conditions. To find out whether more cuts are in store and the state of the domestic economy, we speak to Julia Goh, Senior Economist at UOB Malaysia for her views on the matter. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ahead of Bank Negara’s Monetary Policy Committee meeting, we discuss the likely outcome and outlook for the Malaysian economy with OCBC economist Wellian Wiranto. Contrary to street expectations, Wellian believes BNM could hold rates for the time being, as the loans moratorium reduces the impact of an interest rate cut. He also shares his thoughts on the impact of the Conditional MCO and the potential shape of economic recovery.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

09:20 - PNB assures that the payout from its fund will remain competitive this year, despite a fall in net income resulting from Covid-19. 13:10 - Malaysia is not the only country looking to reopen its economy, others include Singapore and Hong Kong, who both stand at risk of recession.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.