Morning Brief
Opinion and analysis of today’s international and local news that matter to Malaysians. Everything you need to know to start and plan your work.
Episodes
Can Indonesia Restore Investor Confidence?
Indonesia’s economy grew by more than 5% in the first half of 2026, but strong headline growth has yet to convince financial markets. Capital outflows, a weakening rupiah and concerns over President Prabowo’s expansionary fiscal policies have forced Bank Indonesia into aggressive rate hikes, while higher fuel costs and the threat of El Niño add further pressure. Can Southeast Asia’s largest econom
Can the US-Iran War Be Contained?
The US-Iran conflict has entered a more dangerous phase, with attacks widening across the region, oil prices surging past US$105 a barrel and uncertainty growing over the Strait of Hormuz. Inside Iran, sanctions, fuel rationing and shortages are adding to economic pressure, while the IAEA’s decision to refer Tehran to the UN Security Council raises the stakes over its nuclear programme. With Presi
Morning Brief - Sep 11, 2026
Morning Brief - Sep 11, 2026See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Has Apple Made Smartphones Too Expensive?
Apple has unveiled its first foldable iPhone, the iPhone Duo, but its arrival comes with an eye-watering RM9,499 starting price and a broader shift upwards in iPhone pricing. With no base-model iPhone 18 and the previous generation remaining at RM4,299, Apple appears to be testing just how much consumers will pay for a premium smartphone. Has Apple delivered enough innovation to justify the higher
Why European Businesses Are Betting on ASEAN
European business confidence in ASEAN is rebounding, with 78% of surveyed companies expecting to increase trade and investment in the region. Yet expansion is becoming more selective, while non-tariff barriers, regulatory fragmentation and uncertainty over US trade policy continue to weigh on companies. With Malaysia among the preferred markets for expansion and 50 years of EU-ASEAN relations appr
Who Really Funds Malaysia’s Political Parties?
Malaysia has spent years debating political financing reform, yet there is still no dedicated law governing how political parties raise, spend and disclose their funds. With the government now consulting all 72 registered parties on proposed legislation, questions remain over donor transparency, contribution limits, enforcement and who should regulate the system. Could public funding eventually re
Is Air India Becoming A Liability For Singapore Airlines?
Air India is seeking around US$1.1 billion in fresh equity from its owners, Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines, after posting a record loss of more than US$2 billion for the 2025-26 financial year. The request has become a flashpoint in Singapore's parliament — SIA holds a 25% stake in the carrier and is itself majority-owned by Temasek, prompting opposition lawmakers to question whether state-linke
Morning Brief - Sep 9, 2026
Morning Brief - Sep 9, 2026See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aviation Disruption: Anak Krakatau’s Impact on Malaysia
Nearly 3,000 flights have been disrupted and more than 340,000 passengers affected, after volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau caused widespread disruption to Indonesia’s aviation network. Although several airports have reopened, the situation highlights the wider risks volcanic eruptions can pose to air travel across Southeast Asia.With Malaysia connected to many regional routes, could continued
AI: Malaysia Forced to Pick a Side?
Malaysia is reportedly considering Huawei’s AI chips for a RM2 billion national data initiative, despite US warnings over the use of advanced Chinese technology. The decision could test Malaysia’s long-standing strategy of balancing relations with Washington and Beijing, particularly as its booming data-centre industry remains heavily connected to American technology. Would embracing Huawei give M
Can Malaysia Fix Its Inquest System?
Malaysia is set to introduce a Coroners Bill next year as the government seeks to create a more independent and transparent system for investigating deaths. The proposed reforms could go beyond determining how someone died, giving coroners a greater role in identifying systemic failures and preventing similar deaths in future. What are the weaknesses in the current inquest process, what safeguards
Morning Brief - Sep 8, 2026
Morning Brief - Sep 8, 2026See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Morning Brief - Sep 8, 2026
Morning Brief - Sep 8, 2026See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Morning Brief - Sep 7, 2026
Morning Brief - Sep 7, 2026See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Morning Brief - Sep 7, 2026
Morning Brief - Sep 7, 2026See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Morning Brief - Sep 7, 2026
Morning Brief - Sep 7, 2026See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What to Watch At UMNO’s AGM?
Following UMNO's recent state election momentum, what will be the key signals to watch at the upcoming General Assembly? Adib Zalkapli, Managing Director of Viewfinder Global Affairs, joins The Morning Run to analyse the key dynamics expected at the AGM, including grassroots pressure over PAS cooperation and internal calls touching on the party's role within the ruling government coalition.Adib ex
Is Venezuela About to Reshape Oil Markets?
The US and Venezuela have struck a sweeping oil agreement that could eventually unlock greater access to some of the world’s largest crude reserves, while Caracas is reportedly considering leaving OPEC. The developments come as renewed US-Iran hostilities are once again threatening global energy supplies and pushing oil-market risks higher. Could Venezuelan production ultimately help contain price
Who Should Pay for Sarawak’s Haze?
Transboundary haze has returned to Sarawak, and businesses say the recurring pollution is increasingly taking an economic toll, forcing some SMEs to scale back operations while adding to health and operating costs. The SME Association of Sarawak is now calling for compensation and stronger action against those responsible for the fires behind the smoke. But how should losses be calculated, who sho
How Are Malaysia’s Wealthy Investing Differently?
Market volatility, geopolitical uncertainty and changing interest rates are reshaping how affluent Malaysians think about their money, with greater emphasis on diversification, resilience and preserving wealth rather than simply maximising returns. Younger investors are also bringing different expectations around technology, AI and sustainable wealth creation, while families face increasingly impo
Is China Rewriting the Middle East Order?
Xi Jinping’s first state visit to Egypt in a decade comes as China seeks a larger role in a Middle East transformed by the Iran war, the Gaza conflict and growing uncertainty over US influence. With Egypt controlling the strategically vital Suez Canal, deepening economic ties with Beijing and even expanding military cooperation, the relationship increasingly extends beyond trade. Is Cairo simply h
The Straits Times Index Hit All Time High, New Growth Drivers Ahead
The Straits Times Index hit an all-time high in August and is up 23 per cent year-to-date. But the second-quarter earnings season showed the market's engine has changed — the old story of domestic consumption and property has given way to wealth, regionalisation and AI-linked infrastructure. Financial services posted resilient earnings and still saw the biggest outflow of any sector, at $1.42 bill
Malaysia Finally Has A Cross-Border Insolvency Law
Malaysia's Cross-Border Insolvency Act 2026 came into force on 28 August, giving the country a dedicated framework for insolvency cases where the debtor, the assets and the creditors sit in different jurisdictions. It's based on a UN model law adopted internationally more than two decades ago — so the obvious question is what took so long. The government says it strengthens legal certainty, protec
Sarawak’s Redelineation: Who Benefits from 99 Seats?
The Election Commission has unveiled its proposed boundary maps for Sarawak, following the State Assembly’s decision to expand from 82 to 99 constituencies. While officially aimed at improving voter representation, redelineation exercises often spark debates over gerrymandering, malapportionment, and political advantage.Dr. Wong Chin Huat, Political Scientist at Sunway University and co-founder of
Merdeka Announcements: Signals for Budget 2027?
On the eve of Merdeka, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim rolled out six immediate cost-of-living and business relief measures, with promises of further support to come. But with first-half fiscal deficit numbers widening to 4.2% and oil prices hovering near $95 a barrel, questions remain over how the government will balance targeted public aid with its broader fiscal consolidation targets. D
Can India Turn Growth Into Prosperity?
India’s economy expanded a stronger-than-expected 7.8% in the April-to-June quarter, reinforcing its position among the world’s fastest-growing major economies despite higher energy costs and global trade disruption. Yet growth has moderated from the previous quarter, while investor enthusiasm for Indian equities remains surprisingly weak. What is driving the economy’s resilience, where are the vu
China’s Humanoid Robot Boom: Hype vs Reality
From Unitree’s landmark IPO to Beijing's World Humanoid Robot Games, China’s robotics industry has been a hot theme. But is commercial adoption catching up with market hype, or are investor valuations getting ahead of reality? We speak with Jianggan Li, Founder and CEO of Momentum Works, fresh off his trip to Shenzhen, to break down China’s hardware advantages, foreign chip dependencies, and what
Why Peace Remains Elusive In Southern Thailand
Southern Thailand is experiencing its worst surge in violence in more than a decade, with dozens of coordinated attacks across the predominantly Malay-Muslim provinces near Malaysia’s border. Despite peace talks dating back to 2013, negotiations between the Thai government and separatist groups have repeatedly stalled, leaving communities caught between insurgency and security operations. What is
What to Watch at PAS's 72nd Muktamar
Ahead of its 72nd Muktamar in Kota Bharu, PAS has formally invited top UMNO leaders while closing the door on long-time ally Bersatu. Following months of warming ties and joint momentum across recent state elections, the Islamist party is attempting to balance grassroots frictions, seat allocation battles, and its own image as a ready-to-government national party. Dr. Azmil Tayeb, Political Scient
Rethinking Kevin Warsh & 3 Jackson Hole Signals to Watch
Ahead of Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh’s debut Jackson Hole address, financial markets remain obsessed with categorising him as either a hawk or a dove. But framing his monetary policy through conventional labels misses a much larger structural shift underway at the Fed. Dr. Ray Choy, Chief Economist at MARC Ratings, joins BFM’s Morning Brief to explore the policy philosophy driving Warsh's de
Trump’s Approval Drop: Midterm Risks & Gridlock
With less than ten weeks to go before the US midterm elections, all 435 House seats and one-third of the Senate are on the ballot. Against a backdrop of sliding approval ratings, persistent inflation, high interest rates, and foreign policy challenges, the elections are shaping up to be a critical referendum on President Donald Trump’s second term. Ambassador Robert Blake, Senior Managing Director
Am I Entitled to Selangor’s Sukma Public Holiday
Following Selangor’s overall victory at Sukma 2026, the state government declared September 1st a special public holiday, leaving private sector employers scrambling on short notice and workers unsure of their legal rights. Victor Gan, CEO of E2 Workforce Consulting, joins BFM’s Morning Brief to clear up the legal confusion for both employers and employees.Tune in to discover:Are private sector co
What Caused Nepal's Glacial Collapse?
A glacial collapse on the Nepal-Tibet border sent flash floods tearing through villages last Wednesday — but what actually triggered it, and were there warnings that went ignored? Search teams are still working, with hundreds of bodies recovered, more than a thousand people still missing, and Wisma Putra confirming 55 Malaysians among those unaccounted for. It's at least the third glacial lake or
Did US Treasury Buybacks Spark Bitcoin's Surge?
Bitcoin has surged more than 20% over the past week, crossing back above the US$80,000 mark before settling just below it. Is this simply a reactionary rebound, or something more durable amid the so-called debasement trade?Hann Liew, Founder and CEO of Halogen Capital, joins BFM’s Morning Brief to explore how a coiled crypto market was ignited by policy headlines, Treasury intervention, and record
Beyond Nvidia: Neo-Clouds, Debt & The AI Capex Reality
Is the AI infrastructure race creating a dangerous subprime-style debt bubble? While Wall Street worries over massive CAPEX and corporate debt issuance among big tech hyperscalers, new growth engines are rapidly opening up across sovereign clouds, neo-clouds, and Southeast Asian optical hardware suppliers. Jonathan Curtis, Portfolio Manager at Franklin Equity Group, joins BFM’s Morning Brief to ex
Superpower Rivalry Moves Closer To Home
Satellite imagery reviewed by Reuters this week shows new Chinese installations on an islet near Antelope Reef in the disputed Paracels, shortly after Beijing completed the first phase of an artificial island at the reef — infrastructure analysts say could eventually support a larger military presence. Confrontations with the Philippines are growing more frequent, and Manila is responding by expan
Malaysia's Tourism Year: Growth On Paper, Strain Underneath
Malaysia welcomed over 21 million international visitors in the first half of 2026, a 2.5% rise on last year. But the headline growth masks a harder story: geopolitical tensions in West Asia forced the cancellation of more than 4,000 scheduled flights, pulling seat capacity below projections, even as arrivals from Singapore, China and North America held the numbers up. With Visit Malaysia Year now
Why Malaysia Needs a New E-Commerce Bill
The government is reportedly fast-tracking a new e-Commerce Bill to replace the Electronic Commerce Act 2006, arguing that the current legislation no longer meets the needs of today’s digital economy. Ganesh Kumar Bangah, Executive Chairman of Commerce.Asia, joins BFM’s Morning Brief to explore what a modernised regulatory framework must address and deliver.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy
FBM KLCI Expansion: What Changes for Investors?
Bursa Malaysia and FTSE Russell are expanding the FBM KLCI from 30 to 50 constituents in its biggest index overhaul in 17 years. Peter Kong, Head of Research at Kenanga Investment Bank, joins BFM’s Morning Brief to explore: Whether this expansion materially changes Malaysia's capital market appeal or if it is largely symbolic.How reducing banking sector dominance lowers overall index volatility wh
The US & Canada Play Chicken
The US and Canada have one of the world's most deeply integrated trading relationships, but tariff threats and tensions over sovereignty have pushed the two neighbours into an escalating trade war. Steven Okun, Founder & CEO of APAC Advisors, discusses how the negotiations broke down and what this means for the future of USMCA and the world.Image Credit: PexelsSee omnystudio.com/listener for p
Can Trump’s New Sanctions Cripple Iran’s Economy Further?
The US has launched a fresh wave of sanctions against Iran, warning countries they must choose between doing business with Washington or Tehran. Nader Habibi, Professor of the Economics of the Middle East at Brandeis University, talks about whether the latest campaign can really squeeze Iran's economy, and how Tehran is coping as the war drags on.Image Credit: EPA ImagesSee omnystudio.com/listener
Malaysia’s China-Taiwan Balancing Act
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s remarks that Taiwan is part of China have raised questions about Malaysia’s long-standing One China policy, and if Putrajaya is moving closer to Beijing’s position. Chong Ja Ian, Associate Professor of Political Science at the National University of Singapore shares his perspectives on this.Image Credit: EPA ImagesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy in
Shein’s IPO: Slashed Valuations, Temu, & Tariffs
Shein is expected to debut on the Hong Kong stock exchange next Tuesday (Sept 1), seeking to raise up to US$1.8 billion in its long-awaited IPO. Reports from Bloomberg point to a target valuation between US$25 billion and US$27 billion, marking a steep decline from its peak US$100 billion valuation in 2022. So why has Shein’s valuation fallen so drastically? Catherine Lim, Senior Industry Analyst
Ukraine : Celebration in the Thick of War
Today August 24 is Ukraine' Independence Day, its fifth amid its ongoing war with Russia. His Excellency Dr Hennadii Nadolenko, the Ambassador of Ukraine to Malaysia, shares with us what its like for his country to celebrate such a significant day in the thick of war. He also shares the latest developments of the conflict.Image Credit: EPA ImagesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why Equal MP Funding Needs Legislation
Calls for reforming constituency development funding are gathering pace, and the recent additional RM1 million fails to fix the underlying issues of executive discretion and unequal funding. Ngeow Chow Ying, Co-Convenor of Projek SAMA, joins BFM’s Morning Brief to discuss why legislating a fair, transparent Constituency Development Fund (CDF) framework is essential for closing local development ga
Is the US Security Commitment to South Korea Shifting?
US President Donald Trump’s directive to scale back the annual Ulchi Freedom Shield military exercises with South Korea marks a significant tactical shift in Washington's foreign policy approach. Dr. Gabriela Bernal, Korean Affairs Analyst and Non-resident Fellow at the European Centre for North Korean Studies, joins BFM’s Morning Brief to analyse this development.She addresses critical questions
Can Oil Stay Below $100?
The Strait of Hormuz remains effectively contested following the expiry of the US-Iran ceasefire agreement, while renewed Houthi activity is threatening shipping through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Despite some tankers continuing to navigate these critical waterways, Brent crude has climbed above US$91 a barrel as markets weigh the risk of deeper supply disruption. How much oil is still getting thro
RM5.6bil Malaysia's Bond Market Outflow In July
Foreign investors pulled RM5.6 billion out of Malaysia's bond market in July — a sharp reversal from the RM4.9 billion they put in just a month earlier. The selling was concentrated in longer-dated government securities, driven largely by surging US Treasury yields, even as corporate bonds kept attracting foreign money for a fifth straight month. It's a useful reminder of how tightly Malaysian yie
Can GST Features Fix SST?
The Malaysian Cabinet has tasked the Finance Ministry to study a hybrid approach to GST and SST, but what could merging these two tax frameworks actually look like in practice?Dr. Veerinderjeet Singh, Senior Advisor on Tax Policy at KPMG Malaysia, joins BFM’s Morning Brief to explore whether a hybrid tax model can fix existing SST inefficiencies and criticisms, without adding new administrative la
Can Bersama Break Through in Melaka?
Parti Bersama Malaysia is making another bid for electoral relevance, fielding 15 candidates in the Melaka state election after failing to win a seat in Johor. The party argues that voters need an alternative to Malaysia’s established political blocs, but it still faces questions over where its support will come from and whether it risks further fragmenting the opposition vote. Can Bersama turn Me
ASEAN Grew on AI in Q2
Six of ASEAN's biggest economies just reported second-quarter growth, and the split is stark. Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam and Indonesia all beat consensus on the back of the global AI supply chain — Singapore's full-year forecast was hiked from 2–4% all the way to 4.5–5.5%, and Malaysia clocked 6%. Thailand and the Philippines went the other way, caught on the frontline of the energy crisis. We s
Terengganu Tops Budget Transparency, Selangor Leads on Oversight
Think tank IDEAS released its Malaysia Open Budget Index 2026, evaluating all 13 states. Ahmad Abi Shifa Mohd Hassan, Assistant Manager for Research at IDEAS, joins BFM’s Morning Brief to unpack why Terengganu led in transparency while Selangor topped legislative oversight, and how a methodology overhaul affected overall state scores despite broader improvements in document disclosure.He discusses
Another Review of Malaysia's Minimum Wage Policy
The government is reviewing the RM1,700 monthly minimum wage to determine whether it still meets workers’ needs. Dr Geoffrey Williams, an economist, founder and director of Williams Business Consulting, shares his views on this and if the latest proposal have its desired effect of raising workers’ wages without harming businesses.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy in
Is Trump Becoming a Midterm Liability?
Donald Trump’s approval rating has fallen to 33% in the latest Reuters/Ipsos poll, the lowest of his presidency, as frustration grows over the Iran war, fuel prices and the cost of living. With Democrats needing only modest gains to retake the House and signs of discontent emerging even among Republican voters, could Trump become his party’s biggest vulnerability heading into November? And if Repu
Tian Chua on Returning to PKR & Party Unity
Prime Minister and PKR President Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim extended an open invitation to former party veterans and the otai-otai old guard to return to the fold. Tian Chua, former PKR Vice-President and former MP for Batu, joins BFM’s Morning Brief to discuss his readiness to rejoin the party. He reflects on the internal reconciliation needed to heal past fractures and addresses critical gaps in h
Charles Santiago on DAP Strategy & Key Reforms
Following DAP's National Congress vote to remain in the unity government, questions remain over how the party should leverage its position. Charles Santiago, former DAP lawmaker and former MP for Klang, joins BFM’s Morning Brief to analyse the 48% delegate turnout at the Congress and explain why the party must urgently recalibrate its relationship and agenda-setting process with the Prime Minister
Malaysia's Inflation in Check : What's Next?
July’s consumer inflation of 1.8% came in slightly below consensus expectations and despite uncertainties surrounding the war in the Middle East, the overall impact on inflation in 2026 is expected to remain under control. Julia Goh, Senior Economist at UOB Malaysia, helps us make sense of the latest consumer numbers.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The US-Iran Deal Is Dead. What Now?
The 60-day US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding has expired without a permanent agreement, leaving both sides once again confronting the possibility of a deeper conflict. Washington and Tehran remain divided over sanctions, the Strait of Hormuz and the terms for renewed negotiations, while increasingly confrontational rhetoric suggests neither side is preparing to compromise easily. With regional p
Morning Brief - Aug 17, 2026
PKR wrapped up its national congress over the weekend, during which party president and prime minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced several reforms, in the aftermath of election losses and high-profile departures. Dr Khoo Ying Hooi, Associate Professor at the Department of International & Strategic Studies, Universiti Malaya, shares her insights into what transpired at the event.Image Cr
DAP Votes to Stay: What’s Next for Reforms?
DAP delegates voted overwhelmingly at the National Congress to remain in the federal Unity government through the end of the parliamentary term. Kasthuri Patto, Central Executive Committee Member of DAP, joins BFM’s Morning Brief to discuss the mood on the ground, the internal debates between leaving and staying, and what the party must deliver to restore voter confidence.She explains why staying
Repealing AUKU Is Not Enough
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has announced the government’s decision to abolish the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971, after decades of calls for its abolition. Dr Sharifah Munirah Alatas, an independent scholar, author and researcher, shares her thoughts on this development and why it still falls short.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy inform
What’s Powering Malaysia’s 6% Growth?
Malaysia’s economy grew a stronger-than-expected 6% in the second quarter, beating forecasts as manufacturing, exports and AI-related investment provided fresh momentum. The numbers reinforce Malaysia’s growing role in the global technology supply chain, although softer household consumption and continued uncertainty from the Middle East point to vulnerabilities beneath the headline growth. With B
Your MP Quit. You Don't Get A New One.
Wong Chen has resigned as MP for Subang, and the Election Commission has confirmed there will be no by-election to replace him. That follows the resignations of Rafizi Ramli in Pandan and Nik Nazmi in Setiawangsa — three constituencies now without an elected representative, potentially until the next general election. So what actually governs a casual vacancy, and what happens to constituents left
PKR Veteran on Party Congress, GE16, & Reforms Needed
PKR's National Congress happens this weekend, following state election setbacks and high-profile leadership exits. Parti Keadilan Rakyat faces critical questions over voter dissatisfaction and its long-term strategic direction.Sivarasa Rasiah, long-time PKR member and former PKR Vice-President, joins BFM’s Morning Brief to discuss how the party can rally its base and address policy grievances amon
A Million New Homes You Still Won't Afford
Malaysia has nearly 33,000 completed homes sitting unsold — and still, ordinary households say they can't afford a place of their own. The new National Housing Policy 2026-2035 promises one million affordable homes by 2035, scrapping the flat RM300,000 affordability ceiling for region-based pricing, using big data and AI to match supply with real demand, and pushing developers from Sell-Then-Build
Can Malaysia’s Glove Giants Make a Comeback?
Malaysia dominated the global rubber glove industry during the pandemic, before collapsing demand and aggressive competition from lower-cost Chinese manufacturers brought the boom to an abrupt end. Now, Malaysian producers are clawing back market share, particularly in the United States, while improved efficiency is helping profitability recover. But with oversupply, intense competition and volati
China Consumption, Yuan Strategy & BOJ Policy
Falling car sales for ten consecutive months and JD.com's first quarterly revenue drop in over a decade underscore China's persistent household consumption slowdown, even as AI tech exports continue to drive growth. Carlos Casanova, Senior Economist at UBP, joins BFM’s Market Watch to analyse why massive consumer savings are not translating into domestic spending and what structural reforms are ne
Why Wong Chen Left PKR for Bersama
After 17 years with PKR and three terms representing Subang, Wong Chen has resigned as an MP, left the party and joined the newly formed Bersama. His departure follows those of Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, and comes after Wong Chen lost access to the MyKhas constituency funding portal and was removed as chairman of Malaysia Debt Ventures. He says Malaysia needs a stronger multiracial oppo
What Malaysian SMEs Need Most Right Now
Malaysian SMEs are being squeezed from several directions at once — higher energy costs, an expanded SST, tighter financing, e-invoicing compliance, and foreign competitors undercutting them on price. ACCCIM is calling for Budget 2027 to ease that cost burden, but there's a harder question underneath: how much of this is external pressure, and how much is a productivity problem SMEs need to fix th
Black Sea Attacks Threaten Global Trade
The Black Sea is becoming an increasingly dangerous front in the Russia-Ukraine war, as attacks on ports, warships and commercial infrastructure threaten some of the world's most important grain and energy routes. A major Ukrainian strike on Russia's Novorossiysk port has damaged grain export facilities and added pressure on Moscow to divert cargo through alternative routes, while Türkiye is propo
The Haze Problem We Never Solved
Haze is once again clouding the skies over parts of Malaysia, with unhealthy air quality recorded in Sarawak and Selangor. Dr Helena Varkkey, Associate Professor of Political Ecology at Universiti Malaya, shares her insights into why this region seems to struggle to find a lasting solution to transboundary haze, despite decades of regional efforts and policy changes.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee o
DAP: To Stay or Not To Stay?
DAP marks its 60th anniversary this weekend at a party congress that could prove far more consequential than the celebrations suggest. More than 4,000 delegates are expected to gather as the party debates whether it should remain in the federal government for the rest of the current parliamentary term. The decision comes amid questions over DAP's influence within government, its relationship with
Behind Singapore's Latest Growth Numbers
Singapore’s second quarter GDP grew 5.9%, prompting the government to raise its 2026 full-year growth forecast, driven largely by an AI-fuelled manufacturing boom. Barnabas Gan, Group Chief Economist & Head of Market Research at RHB Bank, gets granular with these data exploring how domestic-facing sectors such as retail and F&B are performing.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/li
PAS, DAP & Pondok Madani: GE16 Strategy?
A public spat has emerged in Kelantan after comments from PAS President Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang drew criticism from the relatively new Kesatuan Pondok-Pondok Kelantan (Pondok Madani). Dr. Azmil Tayeb, Political Scientist at Universiti Sains Malaysia, joins BFM’s Morning Brief to analyse the political significance of Pondok Madani’s criticism, evaluate the contradiction between PAS’s messaging on
Tabung Haji RCI: What Reforms Should Parliament Demand?
As the Dewan Rakyat convenes a special sitting to debate the 211-page Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) report into Tabung Haji, Bryan Cheah, Senior Research Officer at the C4 Center, joins BFM’s Morning Brief to analyse the key findings and outline what systemic reforms must emerge from Parliament.He breaks down the structural dangers of political appointments across statutory bodies and GLCs, ev
Is Saudi Arabia Building a New Security Order?
Saudi Arabia is expanding its security partnerships as the Middle East adjusts to the fallout from the US-Iran war and continued instability across the region. Riyadh has signed a new mutual-defence pact with Türkiye and nuclear-armed Pakistan, while also pursuing a multinational maritime coalition to protect Red Sea shipping and maintaining its longstanding security relationship with Washington.
Negeri Sembilan's New Power Dynamics
Negeri Sembilan has unveiled its new state administration, with UMNO taking eight of the 10 executive council positions alongside MCA and Perikatan Nasional representatives. Dr Oh Ei Sun, Principal Adviser, Pacific Research Centre, discusses what this new line-up means for Negeri Sembilan's political direction, and how the Malacca state election might go.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.co
Trump’s Polysilicon Tariffs, Fortress America, & Solar Risks
To counter China's silicon dominance, US President Donald Trump signed a 15% tariff and minimum price floors on polysilicon derivatives. Dr. Deborah K. Elms, Head of Trade Policy at the Hinrich Foundation, joins BFM’s Morning Brief to analyse whether this strategy can rebuild America’s domestic manufacturing supply chain and what it means for global trade dynamics. She breaks down the strategic na
Amanah’s Strategy: A Broader Coalition?
Following a difficult outing in the Negeri Sembilan and Johor state elections, where Parti Amanah Negara failed to capture seats amid a combined Barisan Nasional and Perikatan Nasional wave, the party faces crucial strategic choices.As Malay-majority identity politics continues to shape voter alignments, questions linger over how progressive Malay parties can maintain electoral appeal. Khalid Sama
Can Myanmar Rebuild International Legitimacy?
Myanmar's President Min Aung Hlaing has made his first official visit to Thailand since assuming the presidency, signalling an effort to restore diplomatic engagement despite ongoing international sanctions and a civil war at home. The visit comes alongside renewed attention on Aung San Suu Kyi following her first meeting with an International Committee of the Red Cross representative in years, as
![Pagi Di Sinar - Radio Station [BM]](https://cdn.radoxo.com/images/podcasts/46906-pagi-di-sinar-radio-station-bm.webp?v=1782712214)
