Morning Brief

Last Friday, former PM Datuk Seri Najib Razak was granted a discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA) over three money laundering charges involving RM27 million linked to SRC International after prosecutors failed to provide key documents. We discuss the outcome of the case with independent business writer P. Gunasegaram and how this reflects on the Madani Government's commitment to tackle corruption.

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The retail industry has joined calls for the government to defer the upcoming expansion of the Sales and Service Tax (SST) citing rising cost and implementation hurdles. We speak to Michael Liew, Secretary-General, Malaysia Retail Chain Association to find out if their concerns are legitimate and what assistance they require from the government for a smooth implementation of the expanded SST list.

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Malaysia’s residential property market remains under pressure, with over 23,500 completed but unsold units worth around RM15 billion ringgit recorded in the first quarter of 2025. As measures like Penang’s 5% discount and the revised Sales and Service Tax (SST) come into effect, concerns persist over whether these interventions can effectively address the overhang issue. We speak to Dr. Consilz Tan, Research Fellow at the Centre for Market Education, to unpack the implications.

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Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra faces calls to resign after a leaked call led 69 MPs from Bhumjaithai to quit the coalition. Dr. Greg Raymond, Senior Lecturer, Australian National University joins us to discuss the potential outcomes from this political crisis.

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The 2025 G7 Summit, held in Canada, brought together leaders from the world’s major economies to tackle pressing global issues including economic uncertainty, security threats, and climate change. However, the summit was overshadowed by U.S. President Donald Trump’s sudden early departure to address escalating tensions in the Middle East. We discuss the key takeaways from the summit with Paul Samson, President of the Centre for International Governance Innovation.

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The government plans to make SOCSO contributions mandatory for gig workers by January 2026, starting with a 1.25% per-ride deduction. Jose Rizal, Chief Activist of the Malaysian eHailing Association (GEM), shares the reaction from drivers and riders to this change as well as what’s missing in the upcoming Gig Workers Bill.

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India’s economy expanded at a faster-than-expected annual rate of 7.4% in the quarter ending March but is the outlook dimmer for the rest of the year on the back of trade tensions and uncertain tariffs. Sanjay Mathur, Chief Economist for Southeast Asia and India, ANZ Bank gives us his perspective whilst telling us if India can be the next manufacturing powerhouse of the world.

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Malaysia has the second-highest road fatality rate in Asean with some statistics saying that a road accident occurs every 50 seconds. What makes Malaysian roads so dangerous - is it education, attitude or the lack of enforcement? Dr Law Teik Hua, Associate Professor, Universiti Putra Malaysia, highlights what the current issues are and what needs urgent reforms.

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The ASEAN Power Grid is shaping up to be a potential game changer for Southeast Asia’s energy future,

aiming to connect national electricity grids and enable renewable energy to move more freely across borders. But what are the challenges to its implementation. Dr. Renard Siew, a Climate Change & Sustainability Expert gives us his perspective.

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The Isreal-Iran conflict has caused oil prices to surge since the attacks began last week but is there more upside to prices if there is an escalation? Vandana Hari, Founder & CEO, Vanda Insights tells us her perspective whilst weighing in on the fundamental demand-supply conditions of this black gold.

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