Morning Brief

On the occasion of its 12th birthday, BFM 89.9 Founder Malek Ali discusses whether radio remains as relevant and engaging as during its halcyon days, before the Internet emerged to disrupt the global broadcasting and media industries. Image credit: Jonathan Velasquez / UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ibrahim Suffian, the Programme Director of Merdeka Centre, dissects his latest poll, which indicates that most Malaysians approve of Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and that Perikatan Nasional has been better-received than Muafakat Nasional or Barisan Nasional. Editorial credit: adam yusof / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The ethical question facing the Covid 19 pandemic is who deserves the vaccine first? How do we avoid only the rich countries getting first access at the expense of poorer nations? Dale Fisher, Professor of Infectious Diseases at the National University of Singapore tells us that the way forward is mutual cooperation while warning of the failures of vaccine nationalism. Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prof Tajuddin Mohd Rasdi, Professor Of Architecture At UCSI University And Social Commentator, discusses Malaysia's stagnant rankings in the Times Higher Education rankings, with with the nation's top institutions Universiti Malaya, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman and Universiti Kebangsaaan Malaysia falling in 300th place or worse.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The country's Entrepreneur Minister wants locals to build and shop at the Malaysian equivalent of Lazada or Shopee, prompting a hailstorm of criticism that this is yet another example of the government trespassing its administrative boundaries into the private sector. Laurence Todd, Director of Research, IDEAS, discusses the pros and cons. Image credit: K X I T H V I S U A L S on UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hong Kong is pursuing voluntary mass testing for all its residents. This initiative has been met with objections from NGOs and activists while some questions over the privacy of data collected. Benjamin Cowling, Professor of Infectious Disease Epidemiology at University of Hong Kong tell us the rationale for this and would this unfortunately lead to a false sense of security. Image credit: Yung Chi Wai Derek / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The April to June 2020 period was the worst-ever for Malaysian retailers, in its worst-ever quarterly performance thanks to a Movement Control Order (MCO) brought on by Covid-19. With spending patterns potentially changing in ways that could well be permanent in nature, how will retailers rebuild after a period that can only be described as a “bloodbath”? Tan Hai Hsin, Group Managing Director, Retail Group Malaysia, discusses. Image credit: hkhtt hj / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq has announced the formation of a new youth platform that intends to disrupt Malaysian politics with a lineup of young, multiracial and tech-savvy leaders. There will be a shift towards new innovative policies and a move away from money politics. Jahabar Sadiq, Editor of The Malaysian Insight tell us the viability of this party and will it change the political scene of the country. Image Credit: NopalSams / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

India announced the worst GDP since quarterly numbers have been available. With a decline of 23.9%, what options are available to restart the economy? Jayant Menon, Visiting Senior Fellow at ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute gives us his views and the possibility of another strict lock down since Covid 19 cases are still on the rise. Image Credit: Laurentiu Morariu on UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A mere 2.5 million ringgit fine and one day in jail, the sentence meted out to former Transmile Group Bhd CEO Gan Boon Aun for millions lost in white-collar crime committed 13 years ago, has raised necessary questions about the extent of time taken as well as the severity of punishment. Criminal lawyer Sreekant Pillai discusses. Image credit: Tingey Injury Law Firm / UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Restricted Movement Control Order (RMCO) has been extended till year end and with that our country's borders remains closed. With no foreign tourism, how has the travel industry been impacted? Nigel Wong, Honorary Secretary General of the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) gives us an outlook and tell us if domestic tourism is enough to compensate for the loss of foreign tourist receipts. Image Credit: Milkovasa / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Republican National Convention was held last week with President Donald Trump officially nominated for re-election, along with Vice-President Mike Pence. Despite the threat of COVID-19, the RNC maintained an in-person audience, with the finale taking place on the White House lawn, which was a controversial decision. Joining us to discuss this is Mark J. Rozell, Dean of the Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Japan's longest serving Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced last week that he would resign due to health reasons. With his sudden departure what does this mean for the third's largest economy? Jonathan Berkshire Miller, Senior Fellow, Japan Institute of International Affairs discusses. Image Credit: Alexandros Michailidis / ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The outcome of the Slim by-elections was no surprise although the majority attained by the Barisan Nasional(BN)candidate was. Ben Suffian, Programme Director at Merdeka Center gives us the reasons for the strong BN win and the future of the Pejuang party. We also asked whether this win will be reflected in the upcoming Sabah election.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Financial Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Aziz revealed that 101 contracts amounting to RM6.6 billion were awarded by the previous government via direct negotiations. Dr Ong Kian Ming, MP for Bangi and former Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industry (MITI) explains the bulk of these contracts were awarded by the Barisan Nasional-led government, and justifies the others under MITI. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tomorrow’s byelection at Slim will be a litmus test for Tun Mahathir Mohamad’s party Pejuang. Dr Bridget Welsh, Honorary Research Associate at University of Nottingham Asia Research Institute discusses the likely results, and the relevance of Pakatan Nasional without Umno. Image credit: AHMAD YUSNI EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US is returning to the movies as cinema outlets slowly open up after a 5-month shut down, but will the industry be able to recover? What does it mean for the $40 billion movie business? Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tharma Pillai, Co-Founder, Undi18 weighs in on the prospects of a youth-led organisation like Muar MP Syed Saddiq Abdul Rahman’s new party. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Insolvency (Amendment) Bill 2020 was passed to increase the minimum bankruptcy threshold from RM50,000 to RM100,000 for debts owed. Lua Ai Siew, a lawyer at Messrs. Soo Thien Ming & Nashrah helps us understand the impact of these amendments.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi is on a European tour. We speak with Dr Pradeep Taneja, Lecturer in Asian Studies at the University of Melbourne on Wang’s likely agenda and desired outcomes. Image Credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Finance Minister Tengku Dato’ Sri Zafrul Aziz revealed that his predecessor had approved 101 projects worth over RM6 billion through direct negotiations. Dr. Juita Mohamad, Fellow at ISIS Malaysia comments if such arrangements are inappropriate, and much needed improvements in awarding contracts. Image Credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While the rest of the world remains under some form of restriction to combat Covid-19, the situation in China appears to have reverted to pre-pandemic normal. Does China's economic bounce-back hold clues for how the rest of the world can recover? Image Credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stephen Barrett, Chief of Social Policy at Unicef Malaysia talks to us about the “Families On The Edge” study of how the Covid-19 crisis has affected low income families in Kuala Lumpur, and what more the government should do in the short-term to support vulnerable communities. Image Credit: Acip UNICEFSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Letters of support and GLC appointments are common political patronage practices. Dato’ Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, Umno Youth Chief speaks up against such practices that lead to abuses. Image Credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Earlier this month, game developer Epic sued Apple after the company removed Fortnite from the App Store. This came after Epic’s attempt to go around Apple’s payment mechanisms to avoid the 30% cut of commissions earned.  While this continues to develop, Apple also hit the $2 trillion mark last week, so with all this in mind, we take a look at the possible market implications of these developments.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Azmi Sharom, Deputy Chairman of the Election Commission explains the preparations for the upcoming Sabah state elections. Unfortunately those who live outside Sabah and in Malaysia cannot cast their votes through the post. Editorial credit: Lano Lan / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this exclusive interview with BFM, Datuk Seri Yong Teck Lee, President of Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP)and veteran politician disagrees with the court's ruling that the Sabah governor's actions are not justiciable. He also analyses Sabah politics as the state heads for nomination day on 12 September and explains why he supports Perikatan Nasional and Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin as Prime Minister. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We breakdown political headlines over the weekend with Oh Ei Sun, with a focus on Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin officially announced as the president of Bersatu, a proposal for a multicultural chapter for the party, and Datuk Azmin Ali and his allies officially joining Bersatu. Image credit: EPASee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore-based Aaron Connelly, Research Fellow at International Institute for Strategic Studies helps us understand what the US election means for Asean countries, and how we should play our cards.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sharon Yam, Managing Director of TMF Group Malaysia, a professional services firm, explains why Malaysia is the ninth most complex jurisdiction for foreign companies to do business in the world, and third most complex in Asia after Indonesia and China. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Housing and Local Government Ministry is formulating a tax that could be imposed on developers who fail to sell their properties in an effort to reduce overhang of residential units in the country. The rationale of this is so that developers become more sensible with their projects and not flood the market with particularly high-rise developments. We speak to Sarkunan Subramaniam, Managing Director, Knight Frank Malaysia whether this potential law will achieve its objective.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Housing and Local Government Ministry is formulating a tax that could be imposed on developers who fail to sell their properties in an effort to reduce overhang of residential units in the country. The rationale of this is so that developers become more sensible with their projects and not flood the market particularly high-rise developments. We speak to Sarkunan Subramaniam, Managing Director, Knight Frank Malaysia whether this potential law will achieve its objective.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has reportedly only met 9 times, compared to 60 times in the same period last year. This raises some questions, as to who is going to keep our government’s finances in check, because that is the main role of the PAC.  Wong Kah Woh, PAC Deputy Chairman and Ipoh Timur MP gives an update on the situation. Image Credit: Tengku Bahar / AFPSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has reportedly only met 9 times, compared to 60 times in the same period last year. This raises some questions, as to who is going to keep our government’s finances in check, because that is the main role of the PAC.  Wong Kah Woh, PAC Deputy Chairman and Ipoh Timur MP gives an update on the situation. Image Credit: Tengku Bahar / AFPSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The High Court will decide today whether to allow the judicial review filed by former Sabah Chief Minister Tan Sri Musa Aman and 32 Sabah assemblymen. The group is contesting the decision by the Sabah Yang Dipertua Negeri, Tun Juhar Mahiruddin to dissolve the State Legislative Assembly on 30 July. Lim Wei Jiet, a constitutional lawyer weighs in on whether this move is justiciable, and also discusses whether an anti-party hopping law should be enacted. Image Credit: Mohd Rasfan/AFPSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The High Court will decide today whether to allow the judicial review filed by former Sabah Chief Minister Tan Sri Musa Aman and 32 Sabah assemblymen. The group is contesting the decision by the Sabah Yang Dipertua Negeri, Tun Juhar Mahiruddin to dissolve the State Legislative Assembly on 30 July. Lim Wei Jiet, a constitutional lawyer weighs in on whether this move is justiciable, and also discusses whether an anti-party hopping law should be enacted. Image Credit: Tengku Bahar/AFPSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tamma Febrian, Associate Director, Fitch Ratings, notes data that shows lockdowns and physical distancing have accelerated the rise of digital banking, rewarding large, well-capitalised franchises with strong brands who made early inroads into the sector.Photo by Dylan Gillis on UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tamma Febrian, Associate Director, Fitch Ratings, notes data that shows lockdowns and physical distancing have accelerated the rise of digital banking, rewarding large, well-capitalised franchises with strong brands who made early inroads into the sector.Photo by Dylan Gillis on UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With urban poverty and economic recession looming, Hafiz Noor Shams, Visiting Fellow at REFSA gives us his view on how Malaysia should move forward and whether a new reindustrialisation policy is required. Image Credit: AFPSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Azrul Mohd Khalib, CEO, Galen Centre for Health & Social Policy gives us his view on whether the RMCO will be extended as it is due to expire at end of August. He also weighs in whether there should be better clarity on the SOPs and if Malaysians are doing their part to keep the infection rates low. Image Credit: Mohd RASFAN / AFPSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

America is headed for elections with a record 76% of the population eligible for postal voting. But critics like President Trump say the process will be slow and open to fraud. Matt Dickinson, Professor of Political Science, Middlebury College, discusses. Image credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Covid has exacerbated an already lacklustre property sector now made worse by cautious lending among banks. Datuk Paul Khong, Managing Director, Savills Malaysia offers his outlook on the Malaysian property sector, including what he thinks are potential growth sectors and where the govt might be able to step in to help.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Accepted economic theory suggests that borrowing more in times of distress is a good way forward for governments to reinvigorate the economy. But is it? And how it should be spent efficiently? Lau Zheng Zhou, Research Manager in the Economics and Business unit at the  Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs or IDEAS, discusses. Image credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Israel and the UAE putting pen to paper in a historical and potentially lucrative peace accord, lingering doubts remain over the pact, incuding simmering territorial disputes. Rodger Shanahan, a Research Fellow at the Lowy Institute, discusses. Image Credit: Jack GUEZ / AFPSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Telecommunication companies are racing to transform and meet the changing needs of both retail and enterprise customers, amidst accelerating technological trends, including 5G and digitalization. In this regard, fintech has become a space that more and more telco players are dabbling in. We speak to Jasmine Lee, U Mobile’s Chief Marketing Officer on what their newly launched platforms bring to the table, as well as the potential opportunities for digital innovation that come with the shift to 5G networks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the weekend announcement that Bersatu has agreed to join the UMNO/PAS alliance Muafakat Nasional, observers are asking what this means for Bersatu's position on the political landscape, especially with ex-PM and Bersatu founder Tun Dr Mahathir's formation of a new party named 'Pejuang'. Ibrahim Suffian, Program Director, Merdeka Center, analyses. Image credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia's economy saw its steepest ever contraction in the second quarter of 2020, due to the measures imposed under the movement control order. But is the worst behind us, as many expect? What might help or hinder our recovery trajectory? We speak to Khoon Goh for insights on the Malaysian economy and how it compares with the rest of the region. Image Credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In its closely watched Monthly Oil Market Report, OPEC projected a lower demand for 2020, compared with its July estimates. Yong-liang Por, consultant for the Institute for Energy Economics & Financial Analysis (IEEFA), discusses the global energy outlook in the medium- as well as the long-term, as climate change forces the transition to clean energy. Image Credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Covid-19 casting a pall over the global economy, it seems a foregone conclusion that Malaysia will eventually see an economic contraction. Ahead of the second quarter GDP announcement today, we reached out to Julia Goh, Senior Economist with UOB Malaysia, for her expectations. Image Credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lee Shih, dispute resolution lawyer, weighs in on the Covid-19 bill that was recently tabled in Parliament. Is it too late? The devil is in the details. Image Credit: Mohd Rasfan / AFPSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.