Morning Brief

According to a study by AMCHAM Hong Kong from 6-9 July, 76% of respondents expressed concern about the new security law, and of this, about 41% was “extremely concerned,” while 37% was “somewhat concerned. However, more than 64% of the respondents indicated that their companies have no plans to move out of Hong Kong. Michael Frank, Senior Analyst of Public Policy at the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) discusses the future of Hong Kong as a financial centre in light of US sanctions, and the possibility of China’s exclusion from dollar settlements. Image Credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Russia has announced a Covid-19 vaccine, raising questions over the drug's safety and efficacy. Few details of the research have yet been released to the public, fuelling concerns that Russia's vaccine may not have fulfilled the required safety standards. So to help us answer the question of is this really the vaccine we're waiting for, we reached out to Dr. Jean-Louis Excler, Program Director at the International Vaccine Institute, an independent international organisation based in Seoul. Image credit: AFP PHOTO / RUSSIAN DIRECT INVESTMENT FUNDSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Parliament, Kota Kinabalu MP Chan Foong Hin raised the question about the appointment of politicians to statutory bodies and GLCs. Laurence Todd, Director of Research of IDEAS discusses the merits of such appointments, the need for political donations regulations, and how GLCs should evolve to become more competitive.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Juita Mohamad, Fellow of ISIS Malaysia discusses the Supplementary Supply Bill that was passed by Parliament to allocate an additional RM7 billion for expenses incurred last year. Image Credit: KIXTHVISUALS / UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government intends to set up a Special Council instead of a Parliamentary Select Committee (that Pakatan Harapan had mooted) to review the implementation of the Malaysia Agreement or MA63. James Chin, Professor of Asian Studies, University of Tasmania weighs in on how the government is approaching discussions, and in light of the upcoming Sabah state elections, what does he make of Datuk Seri Anifah Aman’s call for senior political leaders to pave the way for younger politicians.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Donald Trump has signed several executive orders in order to provide relief to American facing economic pressure due to Covid-19. The new measures have attracted criticism over how actionable they are, as well as for bypassing Congress, which is still deadlocked on a Covid-19 bill. So this morning, we speak to Kathryn Dunn Tenpas, Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institute to get more insight on the current stalemate, as well as on Democratic Nominee Joe Biden's choice of Kamala Harris as his running mate. Image credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aidonna Jan Ayub, Deputy Director of Research, Khazanah Research Institute reviews the CPTPP (Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership) and compares it to RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership).  Find out more about trade issues in KRI's publication: Malaysia's Trade Governance at Crossroads Image Credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The blast in Lebanon has thrown the country into political and economic turmoil. James Dorsey, Senior Fellow, S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies & the Middle East Institute helps us understand what ails Lebanon and what gives its people hope. Image Credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng has claimed trial to a count each of bribery, and using his position as Chief Minister at the time for personal gratification, in relation to the Penang undersea tunnel project. Amid wide speculation over whether this trial is set to be a political ploy, or whether it is simply justice served, we ask Dr. Bridget Welsh, Honorary Research Associate at the University of Nottingham Asia Research Institute, what effect this trial will have Pakatan Harapan. Image Credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Professor Datin Paduka Fatimah Mohamed Arshad, Research Fellow at the Institute of Agricultural and Food Policy Studies, Universiti Putra Malaysia is calling for the government to review Bernas’ role as the gatekeeper for rice imports and to allow for market deregulation, in order to create more opportunities for smaller rice players and promote innovation. Together with IDEAS, she co-authored a paper on the “Effectiveness of State Trading Enterprises in Achieving Food Security”. Image Credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oh Ei Sun, Senior Fellow at the Singapore Institute of International Affairs, analyses what impact Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s new party might have, if any, and what alliances he would still need to form. Image source: VINCENT THIAN / POOL / AFPSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tun Dr Mahathir and his Bersatu breakaway group plan to set up a new party to represent Malay interests. Apparently they are receiving grassroot support from Bersatu members. We get an update from Tun’s legal advisor, Haniff Khatri Abdullah, and discuss the party’s intentions and level of support thus far. Image Credit: Mohd Rasfan/AFPSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Calls for reform have gained strength after the Thai government arrested two pro-democracy activists over the weekend, on charges of sedition and breaking coronavirus gathering rules. Thailand has seen rallies almost every day for the past few weeks, with mainly young protesters denouncing the government of former military leader and current Prime Minister, Prayut Chan-O-Cha. For more insight, we speak to Dr. James Gomez, Regional Director at the Asia Centre, about Thailand's lese majeste laws, and what's really driving these protests. Image Credit: LILLIAN SUWANRUMPHA / AFPSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Aziz is tabling a long-awaited Covid-19 bill that seeks to increase the government’s self-imposed debt ceiling to 60% of GDP. But can Malaysia afford it? And should it spend more to avoid a recession? Subang MP Wong Chen discusses. Image Credit: FUAD ABDULLAH / Malaysia's Department of Information / AFPSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Philippines is the South East Asian country with the most Covid - 19 cases despite going into an early and long lockdown. Cleve Arguelles, Department of Political and Social Change with the Australian National University tells us why the race to flatten the infection curve appears to have lost it way. He also weighs in on President Rodrigo Duterte’s approach to fighting this pandemic and what is the view on the ground of his presidency as a result. Image Credit : HANDOUT / PHILIPPINES' PRESIDENTIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS DIVISION (PPD) / AFPSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia counts some 180,000 officially documented refugees as certified by the UNHCR, though the government is reluctant to recognise this status. Should Malaysia take better care of refugees and afford them more protection and the ability to work? Elise Arya Chen, Refugee Action Programme Officer, Tenaganita, discusses.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government wants to revive JASA, its much-maligned Special Affairs Unit, but first it must convince the public that the new incarnation will not be the propaganda machine it once was. Shahril Hamdan, Deputy Umno Youth and Information Chief, speaks. Image credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hong Kong wants to delay election on coronavirus grounds but the opposition isn’t buying it, saying it’s effectively a postponement of democracy. Bunn Nagara, Consultant on Asian Security and Strategy, expands on the issue. Image credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.