Morning Brief

The chronic weight management market is at an inflection point. Analysts have forecast that sales of weight-loss drugs could potentially hit 100 billion US dollars by 2030, buoyed by promising results in recent clinical trials. We speak to Michael Shah, Senior Equity Research Analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence for insights into this growing market.  

Image credit: Shutterstock.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The legal fraternity convened in Putrajaya on Monday for the opening of the Legal Year 2024, and the Attorney General Datuk Ahmad Terrirudin Mohd Salleh raised eyebrows when he asserted that he is not constitutionally bound to provide reasons for prosecutorial decisions, such as the dropping of criminal charges. We get reactions to these comments from constitutional lawyer New Sin Yew, and also discuss whether the separation of the attorney general and public prosecutor roles could make a difference.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s been some progress on the proposed Singapore-KL High Speed Rail, with news emerging that seven local and international consortiums have submitted request for information proposals for the lucrative RM100 billion ringgit contract. Which companies are in the running and will this provide a catalyst for construction equities in Malaysia? We get views from Loong Chee Wei of Affin Hwang Investment Bank.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former President Donald Trump dominated the Iowa caucus on Monday, winning more than 50% of the vote share and solidifying his lead over rivals Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley. What does Iowa portend about the rest of the Republican presidential race? We get analysis on the outcome with political scientist John S. Jackson of Southern Illinois University in Carbondale.

Image credit: EPA-EFE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Its early days yet for the FBMKLCI but its already one of the best performing markets in Asia with only Japan and Philippines doing better. We ask Simon Lim, Head of Equities at Hong Leong Asset Management if this trend will persist for the rest of the year and what sectors we should be paying attention to.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The new capital gains tax officially came into force on January 1st this year, but it was recently brought to light that the actual scope of this new tax surpasses the initial impressions conveyed during the budget presentation. Soh Lian Seng, Head of Tax at KPMG tells us what are the other surprises in the rollout of this new tax and what have been the implications so far.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Conversations about a Fixed Term Parliament Act is regaining traction in political circles especially with rumours that MPs may be orchestrating another attempt to topple the Anwar Ibrahim government. Dr Wong Chin Huat, Political Scientist with Sunway University, explains the proposal and its impact to Malaysia's democratic and constitutional processes.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

South Africa created waves on the international stage when it recently brought a case against Israel at the International Court of Justice for genocide. Why does South Africa have legal standing to do so? For a better understanding of the proceedings at the ICJ and the workings of the international justice system, we speak to Juliette McIntyre, Law Lecturer at the University of South Australia.

Image credit: EPA Images

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

William Lai Ching-te, the Democratic Progressive Party candidate secured victory in Taiwan’s presidential polls over the weekend. The result signifies a continued distancing from Beijing's influence. Chong Ja Ian, Associate Professor at the National University of Singapore weighs in on the implications of the election outcomes.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The conflict in the Middle East sees no signs of easing with the recent airstrikes against the Houthi rebels in Yemen by the US and some of its allies. Likewise, there is no concrete action pointing to a de-escalation of conflict in the Israel-Hamas war. We speak to Middle East expert Dr. James Dorsey for updates on the situation in the region.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.