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
Inside Malaysia’s Rohingya Refugee Community
A petition calling for the removal of Rohingya refugees from Malaysia has reignited public debate over one of the country’s most complex humanitarian issues. Husson Ahmad, Founder of the Rohingya Youth Support Network, shares insights into the lived reality of this very marginalised community.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Japan-Malaysia Ties Gain Strategic Importance
As geopolitical tensions and supply chain shifts reshape the global economy, Japan and Malaysia are moving to deepen cooperation in areas such as semiconductors, AI, digital technology, critical minerals, and supply chain resilience. With Japan remaining a major investor and trading partner, the latest high-level engagements highlight a growing focus on strategic industries and long-term economic
Why Aren’t (Some) Malaysian Stocks Getting Enough Attention?
The Securities Commission has flagged a growing visibility problem among listed companies on Bursa Malaysia, with some firms lacking dedicated investor relations teams and some receiving no analyst coverage at all. Business commentator Pankaj C Kumar shares his view on the new SC initiative, the MY Value Up Guidebook aimed at improving companies' visibility.Image Credit: Shutterstock See omnystudi
Healthcare Moves Beyond Recovery Phase
Malaysia’s healthcare sector delivered a steady first quarter, supported by stronger patient volumes, improving case mix, and signs of recovery in the pharmaceutical segment. While medical tourism and structural demand continue to support growth, rising costs, currency volatility, and regulatory uncertainty are creating a more challenging operating environment. As the sector shifts from post-pande
How Should Malaysia Manage the Rohingya Issue?
A petition calling for the removal of Rohingya refugees from Malaysia has reignited debate over one of the country’s most complex humanitarian and policy challenges. While public concerns over resources, security, and social integration continue to grow, the government maintains that any response must balance domestic realities with humanitarian responsibilities. As pressure mounts for a more stru
Beyond Investment: What Does Malaysia Really Gain?
Malaysia continues to attract strong investment flows into sectors such as semiconductors, AI, data centres, and digital infrastructure. But as highlighted in Khazanah Nasional’s latest annual report, the bigger challenge may no longer be attracting capital, but ensuring those investments translate into stronger local capabilities, better jobs, and long-term economic growth. As Malaysia seeks to m
Data Centres : The Next Phase of Construction Growth?
Malaysia’s construction sector continues to grow, but the drivers behind the expansion are changing as data centres emerged as the key growth engine, with billions in potential contracts expected over the next two years. Jack Go, UOB Kay Hian's senior equity analyst shares his take on this and what he sees could be listed companies to pay attention to.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/l
Malaysia's Q1 FDI Data : What the Numbers Tell Us
Malaysia’s approved investments edged slightly lower in the first quarter of 2026, slipping 0.2% year-on-year, but still point to a relatively resilient pipeline with more than 50,000 potential jobs created. Professor Dr Ong Kian Ming, Adjunct Professor at Taylor's University and the former Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade & Industry, discusses these results with us.Image Credit: Shutterst
What Is Xi Signalling in North Korea?
Chinese President Xi Jinping’s first visit to North Korea in seven years comes as regional dynamics continue to shift amid closer ties between Pyongyang and Moscow. While both sides have pledged deeper cooperation across politics, trade, and technology, many of the commitments mirror previous agreements. The visit nevertheless raises important questions about Beijing’s priorities, its influence on
PAS-Bersatu : It's Complicated
PAS has ended its cooperation with Bersatu, the party it founded Perikatan Nasional with six years ago, although Bersatu's President Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin insists on keeping the coalition intact. Dr Azmil Tayeb, a political scientist at Universiti Sains Malaysia, discusses how these developments might reshape Malaysian politics as GE16 draws nearer.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/l
Is South Korea Entering a New Growth Cycle?
South Korea’s economy has posted its strongest quarterly growth in more than four years, driven by robust semiconductor exports and growing demand linked to artificial intelligence. As the country strengthens its role in the global AI supply chain, questions are emerging over whether this marks the start of a broader phase of growth, or another technology-led upswing that remains heavily dependent
Why Are More Hikers Getting Into Trouble?
Malaysia has seen a noticeable rise in hiking-related emergencies this year, with more people getting lost, injured, or requiring rescue in forests and mountain trails across the country. While outdoor recreation has grown significantly in popularity, concerns are mounting that safety awareness, preparation, and risk management may not be keeping pace. Recent incidents have also highlighted broade
Can Airlines Still Grow Profitably?
The global aviation industry continues to benefit from strong passenger demand and record revenue, but airline executives are increasingly warning that growth is becoming harder to translate into profits. Rising fuel costs, aircraft delivery delays, engine shortages, supply chain disruptions, and uncertainty around sustainable aviation fuel are all placing pressure on an industry already known for
Malaysia Property 2026 : Margin Pressures Data Centres
Malaysia's property sector enters mid-2026 with a mixed picture as revenues rose, margin pressures building up and a shift towards data centre development. Mohd Fadzerin Arrifin, an equity analyst at BIMB Securities Research, unpacks what he sees as earnings quality divergence, margin risks, and whether the sector’s “overweight” call still holds.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listene
The Battle for Negeri Sembilan, A Madani Referendum
Negeri Sembilan has dissolved its state assembly more than two years before its term was due to end, setting the stage for an unexpected snap election. Dr Lau Zhe Wei, Assistant Professor with the Department of Political Science, International Islamic University Malaysia, talks about the implications of this latest political development.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for pri
Can Malaysia Break the Politics of Patronage?
Questions about political patronage and institutional independence have resurfaced following controversy over access to constituency development funds and continued debate over political appointments to government-linked companies and statutory bodies. While supporters argue that elected governments need flexibility to allocate resources and appoint trusted individuals, critics contend that such p
Malaysia vs Indonesia : A Palm Oil Trade War?
Indonesia's latest intervention in palm oil exports is reshaping the conversation around regional competitiveness, as Malaysia's exports face mounting pressure and Jakarta seeks greater control. Hoe Lee Leng, Head of Regional Plantations at RHB Investment Bank, discusses the current situation and shares her forecast for the industry.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy
Does Malaysia's Heritage Law Go Far Enough?
More than 20 years after the National Heritage Act 2005 came into force, questions remain over whether Malaysia's cultural and historical assets are adequately protected. Elizabeth Cardosa, a cultural heritage & conservation consultant examines the effectiveness of the law, the challenges of enforcement, and what reforms may be needed to improve it.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/
More Tariffs, More Headache for Malaysian Exporters
The United States is considering new tariffs on imports from dozens of economies, including Malaysia, under a Section 301 investigation tied to forced labour concerns. Dr Chin Chee Seong, National President of the SME Association of Malaysia, addresses what these developments mean for Malaysian SMEs.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Are Cracks Emerging in Trump’s Coalition?
President Donald Trump remains the dominant figure in Republican politics, but recent developments suggest growing tensions within his own party. A bipartisan House vote on Iran, resistance from Senate Republicans on key spending priorities, and pushback against controversial Justice Department proposals have all raised questions about the limits of Trump's influence in Congress. At the same time,
Could Negeri Sembilan Be Next?
The dissolution of the Johor state assembly has intensified political tensions beyond the state’s borders, with Negeri Sembilan now emerging as a potential flashpoint in the evolving relationship between Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan. What began as a local political dispute has increasingly become a test of coalition discipline, state-federal power dynamics, and the durability of political
Can Malaysia Stay Ahead in Medical Tourism?
Malaysia’s medical tourism industry continues to grow, attracting nearly two million healthcare travellers and generating billions in revenue, but the competitive landscape is becoming increasingly crowded. Regional rivals are expanding capacity, investing in technology, and targeting many of the same patient segments, while rising operating costs are placing pressure on healthcare providers. As h
The Shangri-La Dialogue and Asia’s New Security Order
The recent Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore brought together defence ministers and senior security officials from across the world against a backdrop of rising geopolitical tension. Associate Professor Chong Ja Ian from the National University of Singapore talks about what transpired at the meeting amid a deepening US-China rivalry and other issues.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/list
What’s Really at Stake in the Johor Election?
Johor is heading to the polls earlier than expected after the state assembly was dissolved nearly two years ahead of schedule, setting up one of Malaysia’s most closely watched political contests. With Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan both choosing to contest independently, and smaller parties expected to play a more active role, the election could provide an important test of party strength,
Is the China EV Juggernaut Unstoppable?
Despite higher EU tariffs, Chinese automakers continue to make headway in the European EV market and are outstripping international competition in batteries, semiconductors and advanced driving technologies. What's driving the global expansion of Chinese automakers and what does this mean for the competitive landscape? We discuss these trends with Akshay Prasad of Arthur D. Little.Image Credi
Can SpaceX Justify Its $1.8 Trillion Valuation?
Elon Musk’s SpaceX is expected to enter the public markets as early as this month. With what could become the largest IPO in Wall Street history, we take a closer look at what this landmark offering could mean for the company, investors, and the broader space industry with George Ferguson, Senior Aerospace, Defense and Airline Analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystu
Who Really Profits From the World Cup?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to be the biggest in the tournament’s history, spanning three countries, expanding to 48 teams, and generating forecasts of tens of billions of dollars in economic activity. Yet behind the headlines, questions are emerging about whether host cities and local businesses will actually capture the benefits being promised, especially as ticket prices surge and travel cos
Can Kuala Lumpur Sustain Its Concert Boom?
Kuala Lumpur is positioning itself as a major live entertainment destination in Asia, with a packed calendar of international concerts expected to draw hundreds of thousands of fans this year. But as demand accelerates, the industry is also running up against structural constraints, from venue shortages and ageing infrastructure to logistical bottlenecks and rising operational pressures. As compet
Are Malaysia’s Job Losses a Warning Sign of Deeper Labour Market Strain?
Malaysia’s labour market is sending increasingly mixed signals, with more than 7,000 workers reportedly losing their jobs in April even as employers continue struggling to fill vacancies across key sectors. The concentration of retrenchments in urban centres like Selangor and Kuala Lumpur is raising questions about rising business costs, workforce readiness, and whether the country is facing a tem
South Korea's Economy: How Strong Is It Really?
South Korea’s economy is on a tear, powered by surging semiconductor exports, strong AI-related demand and one of Asia’s best-performing equity markets this year. The Bank of Korea has also upgraded its 2026 growth and inflation forecasts. Ho Woei Chen, Economist & Senior Vice President at UOB Group, shares her outlook for this Asian powerhouse.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/list
The Road to GE16 is Increasingly Confusing
Malaysia’s political landscape appears to be entering another phase of fragmentation and realignment ahead of GE16, with tensions within Perikatan Nasional and the emergence of new political parties at the expense of Pakatan Harapan. Dr Wong Chin Huat, a political scientist at Sunway University analyses the current situation for us.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy
Can Malaysia’s Construction Sector Withstand Rising Cost Pressures?
Malaysia’s construction sector is coming under mounting pressure as higher diesel prices continue pushing up transport, material, and project costs across the industry. Contractors are increasingly warning that fixed-price contracts, financing pressures, and ongoing supply uncertainty are squeezing margins and slowing project activity, with some developers already signalling higher property prices
India : Between Growth and Geopolitics
India remains one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies, powered by resilient domestic demand and aggressive infrastructure spending. But as conflict in the Middle East disrupts energy markets, trade routes and currency stability, the situation is much more complicated. Sanjay Mathur, Chief Economist for Southeast Asia and India, ANZ Bank, explains.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio
Indonesia’s Economic Challenges & Prabowo's Legacy
Indonesia wants to centralise control over key commodity exports, including palm oil, coal, and nickel, through a new state agency, Danantara Sumberdaya Indonesia. Julia Lau, Principal Fellow & Coordinator of Indonesia Studies Programme at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, discusses these developments and its impact on President Prabowo Subianto's legacy.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio
Can Malaysia’s New Online Safety Rules Change Platform Behaviour?
Malaysia’s Online Safety Act is entering a major new phase with the introduction of the Child Protection Code and Risk Mitigation Code from June 1. The new rules place significantly greater responsibility on social media and messaging platforms to proactively reduce harmful content, scams, exploitation, and online risks involving children. As regulators around the world move toward tougher oversig
Singapore Economy Stays Resilient in Q12026
Yesterday, Singapore’s Ministry of Trade and Industry announced that the country’s first-quarter GDP surged by a better-than-expected 6% year-on-year, but also warned of a slower outlook for this year - what does this mean for the nation’s economy? We discuss with Barnabas Gan, Group Chief Economist and Head of Market Research, RHB Bank.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for pri
FMM: Expedite Implementation of Government Procurement Act
Although Parliament passed the Government Procurement Bill 2025 in September last year, the government has yet to gazette a commencement date for implementation. We hear from Jacob Lee, President of the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturing on why enforcement of the act is urgently needed to support supply chain resilience for the industry.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for
Are Cracks Beginning to Show in Trump’s Republican Party?
Donald Trump still dominates the Republican Party, but recent pushbacks from Senate Republicans are raising fresh questions about whether limits to that influence are beginning to emerge. Disagreements over immigration, government spending, and the direction of US foreign policy are surfacing just as Democrats continue struggling to rebuild after their 2024 defeat. With political tensions rising,
Public Housing and the Pressure of Urban Living
A new Think City report paints a troubling picture of overcrowding, persistent stress, weak social support systems, and rising safety concerns inside many PPR communities. While public housing was originally designed to provide affordable shelter and improve living conditions for lower-income families, questions are now being raised about whether the system has kept pace with the realities of urba
What's Driving Global Bond Yields Higher?
The initial 2026 playbook for fixed income premised on a steady cycle of global rate cuts under a new Federal Reserve regime has been completely upended due in large part to the energy shock centering around the Iran war. What should investors be considering then for this asset class? We ask Michael Chang, Head of Investments, Eastspring Investments.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/lis
Promised Reforms and the Parliamentary Numbers Game
Malaysia’s constitutional reform agenda faces renewed uncertainty following the resignations of two PKR MPs. Syahredzan Johan the MP for Bangi shares his view on how parliamentary numbers, political consensus and reform momentum might affect the two key reforms promised including a limit on the Prime Minister's term.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Can Malaysia’s Auto Sales Momentum Hold Up?
Malaysia’s automotive sector posted another strong month of growth in April, driven by new model launches and resilient consumer demand. But with targeted fuel subsidy reforms, tighter EV import rules, and rising global supply chain risks beginning to reshape the industry, how sustainable is the current momentum, and what challenges could define the outlook for the rest of 2026?Image Credit: Shutt
Can Iran’s New Peace Plan Prevent a Wider War?
Iran has submitted a revised 14-point peace proposal to the US amid ongoing threats of military escalation and rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. With Tehran offering limited nuclear concessions while demanding sanctions relief and an end to the naval blockade, how serious is this attempt at de-escalation, and what would the failure of these talks mean for global energy markets, regional sta
What Malaysia’s Missile Dispute Says About Defence Dependence
Malaysia is seeking more than RM1 billion in compensation after Norway revoked an export licence for a key naval missile system despite most of the contract already being paid. As defence supply chains become increasingly shaped by geopolitics and strategic alliances, what does this dispute reveal about the risks of long-term military procurement and the need for ASEAN countries to rethink defence
Assessment of Global Equity Markets' Q1 Performance
Global equity markets staged a strong rebound in April and early May, reversing earlier-year volatility as AI-driven optimism and improving risk sentiment fuel a broad rally. Todd Brighton, Senior Vice President and portfolio manager at Franklin Income Investors, unpacks whether this equity surge is sustainable in this current mixed economic environment.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com
Can the World Contain the Latest Ebola Outbreak?
The WHO has declared the latest Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda a global public health emergency, with hundreds of suspected cases linked to the rare Bundibugyo strain. As concerns grow over limited vaccine options and the speed of transmission, what does this outbreak reveal about global preparedness, and how vulnerable are countries like Malaysia to future imported
Is Malaysia Finally Moving on UEC Recognition?
The government’s latest move to open limited public university pathways for UEC graduates has reignited one of Malaysia’s longest-running education debates. While supporters see it as a step towards greater inclusivity, critics argue the policy remains restrictive and politically cautious, raising questions over whether this marks meaningful progress or another temporary compromise in the unresolv
LEAP Market 2.0: Better Access, Better Liquidity?
The Securities Commission and Bursa Malaysia have proposed allowing retail investors to participate in the LEAP Market, along with other measures to make listing more attractive for SMEs and mid-tier companies. Will these moves revitalize the LEAP Market while maintaining adequate investor protection? We discuss this with Ng Zhu Hann of Tradeview Capital.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.co
Bersama: Aiming to Become Malaysia’s Next Reformist Force
Parti Bersama Malaysia, formed by former ministers Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, is the latest addition to the Malaysian political landscape. Nik Nazmi joins us to talk about the party, its aims, who it is expected to appeal to as well as how it might be funded and expectations for its future.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why Isn’t Malaysia Creating Enough Quality Jobs?
Malaysia’s labour market may appear resilient on the surface, but a new World Bank report warns of deeper structural weaknesses, from stagnant wage growth and underemployment among graduates to firms struggling to scale globally. As policymakers push for higher wages and better living standards, what is keeping Malaysia trapped in a low-wage, low-productivity cycle, and what reforms are needed to
Is Britain Entering a New Political Realignment?
The UK political landscape is becoming increasingly fragmented after Labour’s heavy local election losses, mounting pressure on Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and rising support for parties like Reform UK and the Greens. With leadership challenges emerging and traditional strongholds weakening, is Britain moving towards a broader political realignment ahead of the next general election?Image Credit:
What Did the Trump-Xi Summit Really Achieve?
The latest Trump-Xi summit delivered carefully managed optics and promises of continued dialogue, but left major questions over trade, Taiwan, technology, and geopolitical tensions unresolved. As Washington and Beijing offer differing accounts of what was agreed, what does the meeting actually reveal about the current state of US-China relations and the direction of their long-term rivalry?Image C
Signs of Political Realignment Ahead of GE16
Malaysia’s political landscape is shifting again, with PN appointing a new Opposition Leader, Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi moving to take over Parti Bersama Malaysia, and PH and BN preparing to contest Johor independently. Are these isolated tactical moves, or early signs of a broader political realignment as parties reposition themselves ahead of GE16?Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/li
Slowdown in Malaysia's Economic Momentum
The Malaysian economy grew 5.4% in the first quarter of 2026, but cooling domestic spending and a global supply shock threaten to slow momentum for the remainder of the year. As rising geopolitical tensions push producer prices to historic monthly highs, can a surging export sector continue to shield the economy from a second-half slowdown? We discuss the Malaysian economic outlook with Julia Goh,
Are Malaysia’s Schools Safe Enough for Students?
Recent fatal accidents involving students have renewed scrutiny over school safety standards in Malaysia, prompting the Education Ministry to review existing guidelines and introduce new measures. As concerns grow over infrastructure, enforcement, and accountability, what reforms are needed to ensure schools can provide a genuinely safe environment for students across the country?Image Credit: Shu
Can Malaysia’s Tourism Boom Withstand Global Uncertainty?
Malaysia’s tourism sector continues to post strong arrival numbers supported by regional demand and a rebound in visitors from China. But with geopolitical tensions disrupting travel patterns, fuel costs pushing up airfares, and competition across Southeast Asia intensifying, how resilient is Malaysia’s tourism model in a far more unpredictable global environment?Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omny
Political Tensions Deepen in the Philippines
Political tensions in the Philippines have intensified following gunfire near the Senate amid a standoff involving Senator Ronald dela Rosa and ICC-linked investigations into the Duterte-era drug war. As the Marcos and Duterte camps drift further apart and Vice President Sara Duterte faces mounting political pressure, what does this mean for institutional stability and the country’s political futu
Jho Low’s Pardon Bid Revives Questions Over 1MDB
More than a decade after the 1MDB scandal erupted, fugitive financier Jho Low has resurfaced through a reported bid for a US presidential pardon despite never standing trial. As questions grow over his motives, whereabouts, and enduring ability to evade capture, what does this latest development reveal about the unfinished legacy of 1MDB and the pursuit of accountability?Image Credit: Shutterstock
Supply Chain Crisis: Why SMEs Must Band Together
How prepared are Malaysian SMEs for a prolonged supply chain crisis?SMEs are currently facing a dual threat of supply chain disruptions and surging operating costs triggered by the ongoing Middle East conflict. A recent Federation of Malaysian Manufacturing (FMM) survey reveals a stark reality: 72% of businesses report conditions have worsened since early April, with critical shortages now spreadi
China’s Consumer Recovery Still Looks Uneven
China’s retail sector continues to show pockets of resilience, particularly in online consumption and services, but broader domestic demand remains subdued. As companies lean into AI, competition intensifies across ecommerce and consumer brands, and policymakers weigh further support measures, what is the real outlook for China’s consumer economy heading into the rest of 2026?Image Credit: Shutter
Trump-Xi Summit: What's On the Table
Beginning today in Beijing, the meeting of the heads of the two most powerful nations comes at a delicate moment in US-China relations, with both sides balancing trade tensions, technology rivalry and growing geopolitical pressure from the Iran conflict. As Washington pushes for economic wins and Beijing prioritises Taiwan and technology, will the Summit stabilise ties or merely manage deeper stra
Markets Climb Despite Inflation and Geopolitical Risks
US inflation is running hotter again, geopolitical tensions remain elevated, and leadership at the Federal Reserve is about to change, yet markets continue pushing to record highs. As AI-driven optimism powers equities and investors weigh the outlook for rates, commodities, and global growth, are markets accurately pricing the risks ahead?Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for p
ASEAN’s Auto Industry Faces a New Competitive Era
ASEAN’s automotive sector is being reshaped by electrification, shifting consumer demand, and the rapid rise of Chinese automakers across the region. As EV incentives evolve and competition intensifies, how sustainable is the industry’s growth momentum, and what will determine which markets and manufacturers emerge strongest in the years ahead?Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener
Cheap Fuel: An Eternal Entitlement?
For decades, Malaysia’s fuel subsidy system has largely been broad based, with pump prices kept lower for everyone regardless of income level. It has become seen as an entitlement which even before the current crisis was a huge burden on the state. Girding its loins, Putrajaya has been signalling that painful changes for motorists are afoot. The government says it is finalising a proposal to revie
Myanmar: ASEAN’s Intractable Problem
At the recently concluded 48th ASEAN Summit the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as Chair, called for a more “aggressive and effective” approach to the civil war in Myanmar. While the country’s leaders have been barred from high-level meetings since the military coup in 2021, ASEAN’s roadmap for normalisation - the Five-Point Consensus - remains the bloc’s primary but largely ineffective fr
Should Caring for Parents Become a Legal Duty?
Malaysia is studying a proposed Parents Care Act that could legally require children to care for their ageing parents as the country moves towards becoming an ageing society. As policymakers look at models from countries like Singapore and China, would such a law strengthen elder welfare or place greater strain on families already facing financial and caregiving pressures?Image Credit: Shutterstoc
Piercing the Opaque Veil of Political Party Funding
The Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS) recently published a policy paper examining the costs of running a political party in Malaysia. We discuss the key findings of the report and how they strengthen the argument for a Political Financing Bill with Syazwan Zainal, Assistant Manager for Research at IDEAS.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informatio
ASEAN Weighs Bloc Options Amidst Energy Crisis
The 48th ASEAN Summit hosted by the Philippines in Cebu last week took place against the backdrop of an energy crisis squeezing the economic outlook for the region. We discuss the key takeaways from the event and assess ASEAN's crisis coordination with Thomas Daniel of ISIS Malaysia.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Fuel Supplies: ‘Stay Calm But Be Aware’
As we enter the third month of the conflicts in the Middle East, Malaysia finds itself at a complex economic crossroads, balancing the demands of a volatile global energy market with the necessity of domestic fiscal reform. Recent months have seen a significant surge in global oil prices, pushing the national fuel subsidy bill to a projected RM7 billion monthly, a nearly tenfold increase that has
Singapore-NZ Pledge Trade Access in Crisis
Singapore and New Zealand have signed The Agreement on Trade in Essential Supplies, a move aimed at keeping trade channels open even when global disruptions hit. But how far can such commitments go in practice when crises strain supply chains? We discuss the purpose and mechanism of such agreements with Aidonna Jan Ayub, Deputy Director of Research, Khazanah Research Institute.Image Credit: Shutte
Bank Negara: OPR Holds, GDP Outlook Cautious But Positive
Yesterday, Bank Negara Malaysia’s Monetary Policy Committee maintained the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) at 2.75%. According to the MPC’s statement, while global growth remains resilient, geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have introduced risks through rising energy prices and supply chain disruptions. Conversely, a strong tech expansion and pro-growth policies offer upside potential. Having s
Malaysia Tightens the Rules on Imported EVs
Malaysia’s latest EV import rules are set to reshape the market by raising entry thresholds for fully imported electric vehicles in a bid to encourage local assembly and strengthen the domestic ecosystem. But as affordability and accessibility come into focus, will these measures accelerate industry development or slow EV adoption just as consumer interest is gaining momentum?Image Credit: Shutter
AirAsia’s Big Bet on the Future of Budget Flying
AirAsia’s massive Airbus A220 order comes at a time when the global aviation industry is facing rising fuel costs, geopolitical disruption, and growing pressure on the low-cost carrier model. As airlines rethink efficiency, fleet strategy, and regional connectivity, what does this deal signal about the future of budget aviation in Asia and the resilience of the sector ahead?Image Credit: Shutterst
Are Highways Still the Backbone of Malaysia’s Growth?
Malaysia’s highways are increasingly being viewed not just as transport links, but as critical economic infrastructure supporting logistics, supply chains, and industrial growth. But with congestion persisting, concessionaires facing losses, and sustainability goals pushing for greater public transport use, how should highways fit into the country’s long-term development strategy?Image Credit: Shu
Indonesia's Growth Surprise: Can the Momentum Last?
Indonesia’s economy expanded 5.61% in the first quarter, its fastest pace in more than three years and well ahead of market expectations, boosted by government spending, household consumption and investment into downstream industries. But beneath the headline growth, cracks remain. The rupiah is still under pressure, consumers appear cautious, and concerns are growing over whether fiscal-driven mo
Can Rain Rave Become Malaysia’s Next Tourism Success Story?
The Rain Rave Water Music Festival drew huge crowds, major online attention, and claims of significant tourism revenue, but also sparked debate over culture, identity, and public spending. As Malaysia looks to build more large-scale tourism events under Visit Malaysia Year 2026, can festivals like this become a sustainable long-term draw for visitors, and what lessons need to be learned from the b
Upcoming Polls: Dynamics on the Ground
As the GE-16 approaches, scrutiny is intensifying across Johor, Melaka, and Negeri Sembilan. In Melaka and Johor, where state polls are expected by February 2027, parties are already positioning themselves. Perikatan Nasional has declared it will contest all 56 seats, but Pakatan Harapan and Barisan National are even certain if they will go into the polls solo or with an electoral pact. With multi
Will Stars Remain Aligned for the Banking Sector?
Malaysia’s banking sector shown resilience in the first quarter of this year, but rising energy costs from the Middle East conflict now threaten domestic growth. Samuel Woo, Equity Analyst from MBSB Research discusses the potential impact on the banking sector and expectations for monetary policy in the weeks ahead.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Malaysia’s Media Under Pressure
Malaysia fell seven places in the 2026 World Press Freedom Index, signalling growing concerns over censorship and legal pressure on media organisations. As journalists contend with police investigations and the rise of AI-driven disinformation, is our media landscape equipped to withstand these mounting legal and financial challenges?Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privac
AI Power, Access and the New Competitive Divide
As leading AI firms limit access to their most advanced models while scaling investment and deployment, questions are emerging over who controls the technology and who benefits from it. With growing focus on cybersecurity risks, infrastructure costs, and competitive advantage, what does this moment reveal about how AI power is being shaped and distributed?Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.c
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