The Breakfast Grille

He stood against Barisan Nasional’s Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin and the PAS’ Fauzi Abu Bakar and bested the majority of his Pakatan predecessor, Nurul Izzah Anwar. Despite a majority of close to 5600 votes with just over 33,000 votes, a simple calculation of his opponent’s combined votes were which close to 33,000, we ask if his position in this KL constituency is secure. The difference between him and his opponents narrows to just 321 votes. Today, we explore both the on-ground reality of a constituency split between its 1percent and B40 denizens, as well as the national reform agenda. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Sarawak Report was one of the news portals infamously banned under the previous administration over its whistle-blowing reports. We catch up with its editor Clare Rewcastle-Brown on developments post GE14 and the portal's place in the media landscape.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Having moved from civil society into the state both our guests have a unique insight into the transformation of Malaysia. Today we explore how the electoral reform process might look like as we move towards the first Parliamentary session and the challenges of institutional reform and finally the debate around the role of civil society in a post-Barisan Nasional era. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite the warm after-glow of the recently concluded General Elections, the break from decades of Barisan Nasional-led authoritarian rule has its paradoxes, starting with the leadership of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. Today we speak to veterans of the much repressed dissenting tradition in Malaysian politics about the prospects of genuine democracy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former President of the Malaysian Bar and ex-chair of electoral reform movement Bersih gives her take on the serious challenges for the newly-minted government of Pakatan Harapan.We explore everything from contract sanctity of mega-infrastructure projects now under review, to Rafizi Ramli’s “outburst” over Cabinet positions and political will to address the corruption allegations surrounding Sarawak power-broker Taib Mahmud.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We continue news coverage and analysis post-GE14 with Karim Raslan of KRA Group.We take a look at the future of UMNO and the need to be critical of the new Pakatan Harapan government to hold them accountable to their election promises.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brigadier-General Dato' Arshad Raji, the President of the National Patriots Association, speaks of how he prays for a Malaysia free of hate, racial prejudice, lies and corruption.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Datuk Seri Jamil shares insights into the global halal business, how the Halal Development Corporation has performed under his leadership over the last 12 years and how the Malaysian halal ecosystem has evolved.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Qatar Airways is set to add 16 new destinations for 2018 and 2019 combined, despite expectations that the Gulf carrier will announce a "substantial' loss for the 12 months ending March 2018. Yet, given geopolitical tensions between Qatar and its neighbours, will that limit the airline's ambitions? And what role does Malaysia play in its global strategy?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Competition has intensified for insurers with non-traditional insurers entering the space. With the rise of FinTech companies, how does Zurich General Insurance set itself apart from the rising competition? David sheds light on this. We also talk about industry consolidation, Bank Negara's latest deadline for foreign life insurers and the future of insurance, specifically its affordability and accessibility. Listen in.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Polling Day just 10 days away, and with Nomination Day two days behind us, we take a measure of the political ground as it shifts and changes. We talk about fence-sitters, Federal versus state dynamics, surprises in Sabah and seats to watch because they are barometers of the Malay ground.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Syarikat Takaful Malaysia Berhad is the country's oldest Takaful operator and currently the only pure Takaful player listed on Bursa Malaysia. It commands 23% of the family Takaful market, making it the market leader in this segment. But how long can it maintain its lead? We ask Dato' Sri Hassan Kamil how Takaful Malaysia plans to step up its digital push.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Globetronics Technology Berhad is an investment holding company that engages manufacturing, assembly, testing and sales in the semiconductor and electronics industries. Dato Heng gives us insights into the global electrical and electronic industry and how they are competing globally.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Education is central to the Malaysian Dream; seen as the key to upward mobility. And despite allocations of RM61.6 billion in Budget 2018, questions remain about the thinking behind reforms in the education system. Today, we look at party political manifestos; what they say about education and how it can be strengthened.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When the EIS (Employment Insurance Scheme) system was first announced, it raised a number of questions. One of it was -- is the EIS system necessary? We ask Deputy CEO Datin Azlaily Rahman this. Since the implementation of the Employment Insurance System in January this year many employers, as well as employees, are still in the dark about the scheme. SOCSO estimates a total collection of RM479 million annually. Azlaily talks about what this contribution is for and explains their investment mandateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Reading is an act of civilization; it’s one of the greatest acts of civilization because it takes the free raw material of the mind and builds castles of possibilities, says author Ben Okri. Yet all over the world educationists and parents worry that children are turning away from reading, and reading books in particular, to skim, swipe and browse. Today, on UNESCO’s World Book Day, we ask what’s at stake. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Microsoft Founder Bill Gates' calls “Enlightment Now” his "favorite book of all time”. The Canadian-American cognitive psychologist, and the author of at least 9 books, including “The Better Angels of Our Nature: A History of Violence and Humanity”, speaks to the scepticism of our age with evidence and a faith in a common human predilection for personal progress, security and happiness. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Even with recent job wins, Advanceon's share prices have erased most of its gains since its February 2017 IPO. Yeo unearths the potential in the earthworks and civil engineering business, while sharing the company's outlook.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Having relaunched its brand in Malaysia in 2015, Tata Motors is hoping to gain larger market share in the domestic market. Rudrarup outlines the growth potential and strategy for India's largest automobile manufacturer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In March, Vladimir Putin won Russia's Presidential election to become the longest serving Russian leader since Joseph Stalin. We speak to Chris Miller, author of "Putinomics: Power and Money in Resurgent Russia" for insights. Chris attempts to address the success of the Russian president, going into Putin's politics, economic strategies and fiscal policy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Serba Dinamik has made a number of acquisitions in recent months, with more in the works. What kind of synergies and risks could this present to the energy solutions provider? We catch up with Group CEO Dato’ Dr Mohd Abdul Karim Abdullah on the company’s outlook.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rajeev Peshawaria, CEO of Iclif, the not-for-profit Bank Negara-funded leadership and organisational development centre, discusses his organisation’s evolving focus in the wake of recent 1MDB-related omissions in the financial services sector, Iclif's widening mandate and how leadership is changing in this era of ‘Naked’ - read: transparent — capitalism.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are manifestos still relevant in this day and age? Together with our guests, Ali Salman and Ben Suffian, we look at the economic impact of party manifestos and how it will shape the narrative of the upcoming elections.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the 29th of March, The Malaysian Insight, published an article on titled, "Mid-week Polling Date for GE14?" almost two weeks before the Election Commission confirmed the article's speculation. Today we ask what lead the portal to publish that story as well as the subsequent fallout as ordinary voters and political parties count the intended and unintended consequence of this move.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Indonesian listed Cardig Aero Services (CAS Group) is in businesses that centre around the air transportation industry, with businesses in logistics, airport handling and cargo, as well as catering and facilities management. Indonesia's aviation industry is vital for many Indonesians to travel across the nation, with its approximate 17,500 islands, and government and industry observers predict double-digit passenger growth this year, forecasting a 30% jump to 140 million in 2018. Diono talks about the potential of the aviation business in Indonesia and what are they doing to tap into this, as well as their plans to expand beyond the aviation industry. Listen in.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As an emerging economy, Malaysia is an important partner for the European Union. Malaysia is the EU's second largest trade partner in the Southeast Asian region, whilst the EU is Malaysia's third largest trading partner. How relations between the two go beyond trade. We speak to H.E. Maria Castillo Fernandez, the ambassador of Delegation of the European Union to Malaysia to explore how the EU has been working with Malaysia in areas such as higher education, human rights, environment and sustainable economic development. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Faizal Othman, CEO of the national wastewater management company Indah Water Konsortium​ discusses its financial situation and prospects, operational challenges, sustainability plans and roadmap to financial parity.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

iPay88 was “fintech” before the word “fintech” was coined and became a mainstream word. Lim shares with us the back story on how ipay88 came about in 2006. Over a decade old today, are there IPO plans in the pipeline? We ask Lim this. We also discuss the current “it” topic when it comes to electronic payments-- e-wallets. With so many people making a beeline to join the e-wallet game, will there come a time when there will be too many players in this space? Lim weighs in. Moving forward, the game plan for ipay88 is to digitalise payments.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Across the globe, governments are faced with the problem of curbing illicit trade. The implications of illegal cross-border goods goes beyond the economy. Senior Economist with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development Piotr Stryszowski talks to us about the depth of the problem, and how governments around the world are approaching it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Carved out from the Axiata group in 2012, edotco is the first regional and integrated telecommunications infrastructure services company in Asia. It has ambitious expansion plans but the company seems to have hit some turbulence with its recent expansion into Pakistan delayed. What happened? Suresh also talks about how the current operating landscape has shifted and what is the state of play today for the industry today. We also discuss the regional telecom tower industry. Meanwhile, at home, the Malaysian market has been growing consistently at a pace of between 1,000 and 2,000 towers per year but yet, edotco only has a 20% market share in its home ground. Why is that? Suresh speaks to us about this and what is edotco doing to play catch up. He also shares that the company - in which Axiata has a 62.4% stake in - will look into fibre in two to three years time.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nestlé Malaysia's revenue, net profits and share prices have been on an upward trajectory, despite consumer concerns over Milo's sugar content. Alois addresses those health concerns, and also comments on Mydin's claims that Malaysian's 'just don't have money'.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From the Golden Triangle and the death camps of Wang Kelian, to the Islamic State and the siege of Marawi City, illegal trade flows and prospers. Today we ask our guest, who was at The Economist’s Global Illicit Trade Summit 2018, what has been, what’s not being done and what the consequences are for failing to stem the tide of illicit trade in the region.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Siobhan Das, Executive Director of the American Malaysian Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM), fields questions centering on declining US investment in Malaysia and shares US business interests' pain points and areas for Malaysia to improve. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

iCar Asia positions itself as the leading cars portal network in Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia. We speak to CEO Hamish Stone about the ever-changing consumer trends and how iCar plans to stay competitive amid a crowded online automotive landscape.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite regaining second place in terms of service revenue market share, Celcom lost about 1 million subscribers in 2017. Can Axiata's largest operating company make further advances in an already saturated market?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A five-minute elevator pitch backed by five years of ground-work produced a new agency, one tasked with improving the “cultural sector of the creative economy”. It positions itself as “a connector between creators, regulating bodies, private investors or businesses, policymakers and consumers”. Today we ask if this million-Ringgit government venture will give the public bang for its buck.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gavin shares his expertise about managing due diligence and third-party risk when it comes to global operations. He also talks about how Malaysian companies and organisations can better equip themselves to deal with the challenges.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The UN High Commission for Refugees report “I am Here, I Belong”  surveys seven countries, including Thailand and Malaysia. The report asserts that “no child needs to be stateless. Whether a child has been left stateless because of discriminatory nationality laws or other reasons, childhood statelessness is entirely preventable.” The question we ask today is why haven’t we been able to solve a problem that experts say is “entirely preventable”. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The world’s largest rubber glove manufacturer, Top Glove Corporation, now plans to diversify into the condom-making business. With aspirations to become a Fortune 500 company by 2040, we ask Top Glove’s Managing Director, Dato Lee Kim Meow, what lies ahead for the company.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Donald Trump recently signed the Taiwan Travel bill, which encourages US officers to meet their Taiwanese counterparts. China reacted to the bill, saying it was "strongly dissatisfied". Amid such heightened tensions between the US and China, how does Taipei, which is seen as a "pawn" in Sino-US relations, continue pushing its New Southbound Policy? James shares his perspective, while also highlighting the potential for deeper ties between Taiwan and Malaysia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Norway is the second largest seafood exporter in the world, serving the world some 37 million meals of seafood every day. Some 99% of salmon eaten by Malaysians are from Norway. We speak to Jon Erik Steenslid, Regional Director for Southeast Asia of the Norwegian Seafood Council on the growing demand for Norwegian seafood in Asia. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Efficient E-Solutions Berhad provides integrated business process outsourcing services. Having sold its core business to Canon in 2015 it is now looking to cybersecurity to power its growth over the next 5 years. We speak to its CEO Victor Cheah to get more insights into the company's strategy moving forward.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Johan Ishak just took on the hot driving seat at Media Prima Television Networks five months ago at very challenging time for the business. The TV business just fell into the red in FY2017 registering losses to the tune of RM113 million. What happened there? And what are his plans to turnaround this business in a challenging operating landscape? Johan shares his journey so far and his plans to bring the business back to a profit position by 2019. Among his strategies include intensifying their digital efforts, diversifying further into TV shopping as well as to provide content to the "modern Malaysian". But do modern Malaysians still watch TV? We ask him this.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The European Union is looking to ban palm oil imports for biofuels. Meanwhile, local industry players are having to contend with seemingly competing sustainability certifications. The RSPO shares its current stance on these industry developments.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This year's Italian election marked the defeat of the centre-left government and the rise of the Eurosceptic centre-right coalition headed by the Lega Nord and the Five Star Movement. Appealing to very different demographics, the two leading parties are seen as unlikely coalition partners - one pushing for tax cuts and the other pushing for massive public spending. With significant levels of debt, observers note that the challenge for Italian parties is to commit to sustainable public finances - which their European partners will want - while getting voters to support them.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When we talk of conflict situations women are often spoken about primarily as victims. But what about the positive role of women in resolving conflicts? And within particular faith and ecumenical traditions we ask what women in particular bring to the table when it comes to conflict resolution.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mooted over a hundred years ago, International Women’s Day gives us pause in our busy year to take stock of where women are in terms of their lives and conditions. From global to local conversations, we speak to stalwarts of the Malaysian women’s movement, about the gains as well as challenges. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Children are often an overlooked demographic in the national discourse on rising cost of living and economic inequality. And yet, the effects of poverty on children - particularly those living in urban areas - have long-term consequences. Dr. Amjad Rabi, Deputy UNICEF Representative and Dr. Muhammad Khalid, Managing Director of local policy research firm, DM Analytics, share the findings of a recent report on the factors and implications of urban child poverty in Malaysia. You can read the report ‘Children Without: Urban Child Poverty & Deprivation in Low-Cost Flats’ here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the lead-up to International Women’s Day on March 8, we speak to a young, up-and-coming female leader in Corporate Malaysia - Mah Xian-Zhen. Xian gets honest and shares the challenges she faced, and is still facing, being a young female board member. We also talk tech and business. Omesti - a listed tech company that develops technology solutions - fell into the red in FY2015 and remains loss-making in FY2017. In its latest quarterly results losses have expanded, for the nine month period ended Dec 31, 2017, due to lower revenue and gross margins. What is the group doing to return to the black? Xian is confident of Omesti seeing black ink in FY2019. Omesti has said for some time now that it wants to shift towards a recurring revenue model with the goal of providing long term sustainability, h0wever that has yet to translate into its earnings. What’s the issue here? Listen in.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Norway was one of the first countries to introduce a gender equality law in the 1970s and the first to impose gender quotas for corporate boardrooms, which it did in 2008. We speak to the Norwegian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Her Excellency Marianne Hagen, on Norway’s experience and efforts to empower women through legislation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.