Morning Brief

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:...

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 :...

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....

Oren Klachkin, Lead Economist at Oxford Economics unpacks the economic situation in the US including how key states are faring. Image source: EPA-EFE See 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-EFE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy...

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 / AFP See 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. Phot...

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 / AFP See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the recent changes in directors at GLC's , questions arise as to who makes a good director for all companies and what role should the person play? Are academic qualifications the only criteria or are there other considerations. Michele Kythe Lim, CEO, Institute of Corporate Directors Malaysia (ICDM) tells us. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Hong Kong deep in the throes of a second wave, authorities are juggling the possibility of another lockdown even as joblessness hits a 15-year high. Benjamin Cowling, Professor of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, University of Hong Kong, discusses. Source: Reuters See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Flash floods in Kuala Lumpur seem to be a frequent occurrence and aside from in the inconvenience, the economic cost cannot be downplayed. But what steps have been taken to address it and is enough being done? We speak to Dr Tanot Unjah, Researcher at the Institute for Environment and Development of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia to find out. Image Credit: Mohd Rasfan / AFP See omnystudio.com/list...

The Department of Statistics revised the poverty line from RM980 to RM2208 but also revealed that the level of poverty differs from state to state. So we ask Laurence Todd, Head of Research and Development at IDEAS as to how should the government should formulate their policies to address this inequality and what should they focus on. Image Credit : Reuters pic See omnystudio.com/listener for priv...

The world after Covid - 19 will change significantly and although the cost of human lives cannot be understated, the bad also comes with the good. Rob Subbaraman, Head of Global Research at Nomura tells us what could be the cost which include a future food crisis but also reminds us that this allow us to re look at climate change more seriously and pursue a green revolution. The world after Covid...

With a variety of applications in food packaging, delivery and in the electrical and electronics industries, Malaysia' plastics manufacturers are one of the few beneficiaries of Covid-19, despite a global war on the industry and the challenges of relying on foreign workers. Datuk Lim Kok Boon, President, of the Malaysian Plastic Manufacturers Association, discusses the whys and wherefores of Covid...

Parliament has been in session since last week but the scenes on the first day were a shock to many with the ruckus and language used. Wan Anwar Wan Ibrahim, Former Special Functions Officer, Speakers Office at Dewan Rakyat explains what the rules are whilst telling us what reforms are outstanding. Image source: AFP See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UK- China relations are now in deep freeze after the UK government banned the use of 5G technology with the Chinese warning of retaliation. Can the UK afford to antagonize China when there is USD88 billion worth of trade annually and Chinese involvement in key industries that includes UK nuclear power plants? Simon Baptist, Global Chief Economist, at The Economist Intelligence Unit attempts to ans...

Unlike some of its more vocal neighbours, Malaysia has been noticeably considered in its response to China's looming presence in the trade- and resource-rich South China Sea, prompting criticism that it could be a victim of 'Elite Capture'. Ridzwan Rahmat, Principal Defence Analyst, Jane's, sheds some light. Image source: EPA-EFE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sabah and Sarawak are one of the least developed and poorest states in Malaysia. Prime Minister candidate under Pakatan Harapan, Dato Seri Shafie Apdal, has ambitions to turn Borneo into an economic hub. Dr. Firdausi Suffian, Senior Lecturer in Public Policy, UiTM Sabah discusses the feasibility and reforms that are much needed in both states. Image source: Reuters See omnystudio.com/listener for...

Deloitte has released the results of a global survey looking at how millennials and Gen Zs are responding to the Covid-19 crisis, with results from Malaysian youths putting financial stability, climate change, and mental health at the top of the priority list. Coupled with the fact that youth voices have been in the spotlight recently, propelled by frustration in the wake of heckling received by M...

Erhan Gurses, Research Analyst, Bloomberg Intelligence discusses the implications of banning British telecommunication companies from buying 5G equipment made by Huawei. Image source: EPA-EFE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chinese stocks have been on a massive rally. The Shanghai Composite index is up over 15% on a one-month basis, while the S&P 500 is up about 3.6% in the same period, but can the rally continue? Some analysts have pointed to similarities with what happened in 2015, where the market crash after the value of Chinese stocks rose above $10 trillion for the first time. With Chinese markets are once...

Malaysia and Singapore are allowing a reciprocal green lane arrangement and periodic commuting arrangement starting from 10 August. Francis Hutchinson, Senior Fellow, ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute explains the movements that take place between both countries and how that might change over time in light of higher unemployment and political developments. Image Credit: Catherine Lai / AFP See omnystudi...