Morning Brief

With the support of the US, Israel is initiating annexation of up to 30% of the West Bank despite protests from Palestine and the international community. James Dorsey, Senior Fellow, S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies & the Middle East Institute in Singapore, helps us analyse the legality and complexity of the situation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The MCO has disrupted consumption patterns and advertising spend and also caused several well-known media brands to cease publications and cut jobs in Malaysia. Jon-Paul Best,Managing Director, Nielsen Media Malaysia predicts ad trends, and how media companies could survive.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Under the Prihatin Rakyat Economic Stimulus Package, Bank Negara Malaysia announced an automatic moratorium on all loan repayments by individuals and SMEs for six months. With September not too far away, questions are being asked about whether loan moratoriums should be extended. With that in mind, we speak to Carmelo about this and the potential impact on the wider financial system?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the weekend, reports emerged that Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin is seeking to replace Tan Sri Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof as Dewan Rakyat Speaker. The motion, which also includes Deputy Speaker Nga Kor Ming, is set to be tabled on July 13th, when Parliament reconvenes. For a better understanding of the constitutionality of the move, and how it will affect the no-confidence vote also expected to be tabled in this parliamentary sitting, we reached out to constitutional lawyer Lim Wei Jiet, for his thoughts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the weekend, reports emerged that Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin is seeking to replace Tan Sri Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof as Dewan Rakyat Speaker. The motion, which also includes Deputy Speaker Nga Kor Ming, is set to be tabled on July 13th, when Parliament reconvenes. For a better understanding of the constitutionality of the move, and how it will affect the no-confidence vote also expected to be tabled in this parliamentary sitting, we reached out to constitutional lawyer Lim Wei Jiet, for his thoughts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pakatan Harapan Plus has endorsed Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal as their prime ministerial candidate. James Chin, Professor of Asian Studies at the University of Tasmania weighs in on this issue and what PKR is likely to do next.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Top rubber glove companies in Malaysia have reported stellar results due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Denis Low, President, Malaysian Rubber Gloves Manufacturers Association predicts what’s in store for the industry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The coronavirus has fundamentally altered consumer behaviour around the world. It has not only affected crucial factors that determine our spending habits such as income, consumer confidence or mobility, but also altered how and where people choose to spend or save their money. We turn our eye specifically to the European region to study how far has the pandemic impacted consumption, savings as well as travel spending. In particular since Europe was second to close their borders after China.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Growth has slowed and business is suffering. Which makes the protection of ordinary Malaysians all the more important. Achim Schmillen, Senior Economist for Social Protection & Labour, World Bank Group, discusses the adequacy of Malaysia's social protection measures.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Working from home appears to be the new normal but there are obvious and some not-so-obvious ramifications for doing so. Siti Aiysyah Tumin, Research Associate, Khazanah Research Institute, discusses.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Covid -19 and the global recession, the US elections in November would seem to be an inconsequential event for US equity markets. However, history has a habit of repeating itself, so we speak to Ed Clissold, Chief US Strategist at Ned Davis Research to find out how markets might move pre and post elections which is now uncertain especially since incumbent Donald Trump may not be back in the White House in November.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The palm oil sector supply chain, what can be considered an essential service during the many phases of the movement control order was largely not impacted by Covid-19. We ask Khor Yu Leng whether demand is the real issue here and if the restriction on foreign labour will be a  problem for Malaysia’s most important agricultural export.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prof. Mohd Tajuddin Rasdi, social commentator and long time observer of Malaysian politics gives us his views on the Tun Mahathir - Datuk Seri Anwar spat. He also wades into recent attempts by DAP to relaunch itself as a multi-racial and age diversified party and whether that will be successful.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Purchasing managers’ index data for the Eurozone indicates that the region's recovery is gathering momentum. Kenneth Wattret, Chief Europe Economist at IHS Markit, discusses this theme as well as the various stimulus programs proposed to further reinvigorate the zone.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has called for early elections in a move that was not entirely a surprise as there were hints of it. So for Singapore's 13th elections since independence, the economy and the handling of the Covid-19 are likely to be main issues that will be discussed. We speak to Chong Ja Ian, Associate Professor, Department of Political Science at the National University of Singapore for his views on this matter and also ask if a PAP win is a foregone conclusion.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One suggestion for Malaysia to revive the important tourism industry is to create travel bubbles but only for international business travelers from countries which have contained the Covid-19 virus like Singapore, Australia, Hong Kong and Japan. However many questions arise as to the viability of this and also what happens if there is another virus outbreak. Nigel Wong, Honorary Secretary General, Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents attempts to answer these questions and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Minister of Human Resources Datuk Seri M. Saravanan announced that the government will freeze recruitment of new foreign workers in all sectors until the end of the year. The rationale for this move was to reduce the dependency on foreign labour and also give job priority to locals. As to whether this will achieve the objectives, we speak to Dr M.Niaz Asadullah, Southeast Asia Lead of the Global Labor Organization for his views.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For the once-autonomous city state of Hong Kong, the looming spectre of Chinese rule is looming large, as the prospect of an all-powerful security agency and new, possibly draconian laws, is said to soon pass. Carole Petersen, Professor of Law and Graduate Chair, Matsunaga Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, discusses the legal and judicial implications.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With a slew of growth-forecast downgrades, criticism over government stimulus reliefs to contain damage from the pandemic and rising border tensions with China, India's economic engine seems to be stuttering. Amintendu Palit, Senior Research Fellow, Institute of South Asian Studies, National University of Singapore, discusses the extent of the damage while also offering some much-needed perspective.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Less than two of every ten Malaysians are taxpayers, while Covid-19 has savaged corporate taxes. With a tax-collection shortfall that's been exacerbated by record-low oil prices in an energy-exporting nation, the government has a looming policy and fiscal time bomb on its hands. Veerinderjeet Singh, Chairman, Tricor Malaysia and President, Malaysian Institute of Certified Public Accountants, explores these and other related issues.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Professor Wong Chin Huat, Jeffrey Sachs Centre on Sustainable Development, Sunway University discusses options to discourage party hopping and the bigger problems about the electoral system.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Leadership issues continue over in the Pakatan Haparan camp, with PKR in disagreement with allies DAP and Amanah over Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad as their prime minister candidate if snap polls are called. PKR said it will reject any proposal to nominate Tun Mahathir for the position and continued to back Dato’ Sri Anwar Ibrahim as Prime Minister. However, Anwar appears to be struggling to gain mainstream support. So, can PH survive the latest iteration of the never-ending power struggle?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

India and China, two of the world's fastest-growing countries and also nuclear rivals, are clashing again, except that the consequences are rising, with potentially half the world's population affected and feed-through effects into rising China-US tensions. Michael Kugelman, Deputy Director of the Asia Program, Wilson Center, discusses.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A study by Professor Dr Geoffrey Williams, ELM Graduate School, HELP University reveals that 64% of the 100 universities that he researched are critically debt ridden, and 32% are bleeding cash. The MCO made things worse. We discuss with Williams the reasons universities have been doing badly, and how the industry will change when there are closures.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're 5 months away from the 2020 US elections, which will be taking place under the shadow of the worst global pandemic in over a century. As candidates once again start to hit the (physical) campaign trail, we reached out to Andrew Cohen, Professor of Journalism and US politics to talk about subjects including Donald Trump's approval ratings, and Joe Biden's presidential bid.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite the fact that Malaysia has moved into its Recovery Movement Control Order, it's still not yet smooth sailing. On Wednesday, the Employee's Provident Fund sat down with BFM at an exclusive media roundtable to talk about their expectations. So here's what CEO Tunku Alizakri Alias said about Malaysia's recovery scenario, social security, and unemployment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Start ups have also been feeling the effects of Covid-19 as funding dries up. Dr Sivapalan Vivekarajah, Co-founder and Partner at Scale-Up Malaysia and Past President of the Malaysian Business Angels Network tells us the challenges that venture capital funds are facing. He also compares the industry in Singapore and Malaysia and what are the trends.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The situation on the Korean peninsula has worsened, after North Korea blew up a joint liaison office in the border town of Kaesong, South Korea on Tuesday. The rapid deterioration in relations come only two years after a new era of bilateral ties was touted. So for a better understanding of how things got so bad, we speak to Dr. Hoo Chiew-Ping, Senior Lecturer at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a small media roundtable discussion, the CEO of the Employees Provident Fund of Malaysia, Tunku Alizakri Raja Muhammad Alias reminded that EPF remains a long term fund manager with clear objectives. He however does acknowledge that changes are needed to how investments should be considered and that the ability to pivot is key to succeeding especially during these difficult times.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a small media roundtable discussion, the CEO of the Earnings Provident Fund of Malaysia, Tunku Alizakri Raja Muhammad Alias reminded that EPF remains a long term fund manager with clear objectives. He however does acknowledge that changes are needed to how investments should be considered and that the ability to pivot is key to succeeding especially during these difficult times.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Weddings are a RM10 billion industry in Malaysia. So aside from the contribution it makes to the economy, it often is one of the most important events in a lifetime. So we speak to Leticia Hsu, President, Association of Wedding Professionals to find out the impact Covid-19 has had on the industry and how should weddings continue in the new normal.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Weddings in Malaysia are a RM10 billion industry in Malaysia. So aside from the contribution it makes to the economy, it often is one of the most important events in a lifetime. So we speak to , Leticia Hsu, President, Association of Wedding Professionals to find out the impact covid 19 has had on the industry and how should weddings continue in the new normal.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As China is the first country to emerge from a lockdown, will the consumer trends emerging from there be an indicator of what will happen in the region? Taohai Lin, Consumer & Retail Analyst at Fitch Solutions shares with us the findings of their study whilst telling us the long term trends we should see.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite a self-imposed deadline of yesterday evening, the Pakatan Harapan coalition still has not decided on its Prime Minister candidate. We reached out to Dr. Bridget Welsh, Honorary Research Associate at the University of Nottingham Asia Research Institute and frequent commentator on Malaysian politics, for her thoughts on this never-ending story.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The automotive industry has suffered since the start of the Movement Control Order - April Total Industry Volume came in at only 141 vehicles sold, compared to nearly 50,000 units a year ago. So with the government recently announcing incentives to spur the sector, how well will industry players be able to respond to the challenges posed by a global pandemic? We speak to Dato' Aishah Ahmad, President of the Malaysian Automotive Association, for some insight.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A report by the Singapore Straits Times reported that Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin is gearing up for snap elections by the end of the year, following the tabling of an 'election budget'. To talk about how likely this is, as well as the political dynamics within the Perikatan Nasional coalition, we speak to Amir Fareed, Director of Strategy at KRA Group.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A cluster of infections has emerged in Beijing over the weekend with more than 100 people infected. Questions now arise over the dreaded second wave that many health specialist warn of. We speak to Dale Fisher, Professor of Infectious Diseases at National University of Singapore to ask what precautions we can take to avoid this and is another lockdown inevitable?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many industries and businesses have been disrupted as a result of the MCO, and local governments are also feeling the pinch. Facing unexpected expenses and decreasing revenue, we reached out to Ng Sze Han, Selangor Exco for Local Government, Public Transportation and New Village Development as well as State Assemblyman for Kinrara, to talk about funding sources for local councils.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All businesses have had to evolve in the Covid-19 era and wealth management which was growing phenomenally in Asia is no exception. Gabriele Vigo, Senior Partner at McKinsey & Company tells us how wealth managers should shift their focus and the way they to do business to remain relevant and grow even as customers change their investment behaviour.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia saw over 500 people lose their lives to road accidents during the Movement Control Order - more than the total Covid-19 related deaths in the country so far. We speak to Dr, Kulanthayan KC Mani, Executive Director of Safe Kids Malaysia, to get a better understanding of the underlying causes to our road accident problem, and whether harsher penalties will make a difference.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Sabah Chief Minister Tan Sri Musa Aman has been acquitted of some 45 charges, related to kickbacks from 16 logging companies in the state. The discharge amounting to an acquittal was made on the grounds of lack of evidence, as well as upon a sworn statement from former Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail. We reached out to constitutional lawyer Surendra Ananth, for more insight into the legal process.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lockdowns have been horrendous for business and none more so than for commercial real estate. But how bad is bad? And are there rainbows on the horizon? Lim Boon Ping, President, Malaysian Institute of Estate Agents, discusses.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to Fitch Ratings, aggregate direct fiscal stimulus measures for the “Fitch 20” countries, such as the US, UK and Australia, have totalled over $5 trillion, which is 7% of those countries’ 2019 GDP. This outweighs the scale after the global financial crisis, when the advanced economies undertook a fiscal easing of only 3% to 4% of GDP. That said, is the global response enough to ward off the much feared global recession which some have said could be worse than the Great Depression of the 1930s?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Penjana stimulus plan has been praised by economists. We speak to Distinguished Professor of Economics at University Malaya, Dr Rajah Rasiah on areas that the government really needs to focus on.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has been accused by the US of favouring China and slow in responding to the Covid-19 outbreak. Lucie Gadenne, Professor of Economics, University of Warwick discusses if US’ claims are reasonable and possible funding options for WHO.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has been accused by the US of favouring China and slow in responding to the Covid-19 outbreak. Lucie Gadenne, Professor of Economics, University of Warwick discusses if US’ claims are reasonable and possible funding options for WHO.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yesterday, Malaysia entered into what’s called the recovery MCO (RMCO) which will go on until August 31st. Both the National Security Council (NSC) and Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) released new social distancing protocols which includes areas like places of worship and funerals, schools, the defence sector as well as open-air markets. That said, is it too early to further open up the economy?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia has entered a new phase of the movement control order, called the 'Recovery MCO' (RMCO), allowing, among other things, interstate travel between 10 June and August 31, with clear implications for the local hotel industry, both good and bad. Yap Lip Seng, the CEO of the Malaysian Association of Hotels, discusses.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jagdev Singh, Tax Leader, PwC Malaysia weighs in on what else could be covered by Penjana, the government’s recent economic recovery plan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Year to date, the Jakarta Composite Index has been the worst performing market in this region. We assess the Indonesian equities market and potential investment opportunities with Bharat Joshi, Investment Director at Aberdeen Standard Investments based in Jakarta.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.