Morning Brief

Parliament recently gave Suruhanjaya Hak Asasi Manusia or the Human RIghts Commission more authority to defend the rights of individuals and also its pursuit in ensuring the rights of children. We speak with Jerald Joseph, former SUHAKAM Commissioner from 2016 to 2022 on how much this decision is welcomed and how the public and the bureaucracy can work together for the common good.
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Recent price movements of cocoa caused concern among chocolate connoisseurs. The commodity price soared to the highest in 46 years as bad weather and high fertiliser prices affected crop production. How will this further impact the industry? Diana Gomes, Senior Equity Analyst covering consumer goods for Bloomberg Intelligence shares with us her insights on what is affecting this popular commodity.

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With development lagging behind that of Malaysia, will the Sabah's 2024 state election be a game changer and help the state achieve its theme of "SABAH TEGUH, RAKYAT TERBELA”? Dr. Firdausi Suffian, Political Economist, UiTM Sabah gives us his view.

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The establishment of the Gig Economy Commission Malaysia (SeGim), initially mooted by Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, has now been shelved. It was intended to ensure the welfare of gig workers across the entire economic chain. Datuk Thavalingam Thavarajah, an Employment and Industrial Relations Lawyer and an author of several publications on labour laws, analyses the argument that SeGim would have been doing roles already taken up by other bodies for the same purpose.

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Charlie Munger, Warren Buffett’s long-time business partner at Berkshire Hathaway passed away at 99. He was known for being the human capitalist behind Buffett's investment decisions, providing them with the rational compass behind the process. Rajen Devadason, CEO, RD WealthCreation, reflects on Munger's legacy.

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The UN Climate Change Conference, also known as COP28 begins today and will run for the next two weeks. What’s at stake in the global negotiations and what does Malaysia bring to the table? We discuss expectations for the event with Gary Theseira of Climate Governance Malaysia.

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The fifth edition of the Global State of Democracy report by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance reveals that democratic trends have been declining around the world over the past 5 years. We review the patterns observed in the Asia-Pacific region, including the bright spots as well as aspects of concern with Leena Rikkilä Tamang at the International IDEA.

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A local business group has called for the implementation of a 10% low-value goods tax to protect Malaysian brick and mortar businesses from being undercut by foreign vendors. Will this move influence local buyers to purchase more goods locally? We speak with Datuk William Ng, Chairman, Small and Medium Enterprises Association on why this move is much needed for the SME sector and how it will not dampen the growth of e-commerce.

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Yesterday, the Ministry of Health finally tabled the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Bill 2023 for the first reading in the Dewan Rakyat. However, the revised bill no longer incorporates the Generational Endgame or GEG element which would prohibit the sale to, purchase by or use of tobacco products for those born after 1 January 2007. We discuss the consequences of the amended bill with Azrul Mohd Khalib, CEO, Galen Centre for Health and Social Policy.

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We look at the health of the US retail sector on the back of the biggest shopping event in the calendar. Over the weekend, inflation-weary American consumers were coaxed by various discounts happening over Black Friday through to Cyber Monday. Poonam Goyal, Head and Senior E-Commerce & Athleisure Analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence shares with us what US consumers were buying and which players have been benefiting from this.

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