Morning Brief

China has long been known for its economic diplomacy, especially through the Belt and Road Initiative spanning 150 countries over two decades. However Beijing is also trying to build its credentials as an international mediator, as seen in its successful attempt in brokering rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Iran. spans infrastructure projects and investments across 150 countries over the past two decades. What are the implications of this shift in strategy? We discuss this with Richard McGregor of the Lowy Institute.

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Since Monday, government hospitals nationwide have been on alert after a group of government doctors announced a three-day strike beginning 3 April. Dr. Ahmad Filza Bin Ismail, chairperson of MMA's Section Concerning House Officers and Medical Officers tells us the demands of this group known as "Mogok Doktor Malaysia" and if solutions have been offered by the government.

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The Consumer Credit Oversight Board (CCOB) task force which comprises Bank Negara, Securities Commission and officials from the Ministry of Finance has been looking at ways to bring about balance on the consumer credit front. On their radar is Rule of 78 in the Higher Purchase Act and also regulation on BNPL. Hann Liew, founder and director of RinggitPlus, a financial marketplace provider gives us his views on what is required to protect the interest of the borrowers.

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The Consumer Credit Oversight Board (CCOB) task force which comprises Bank Negara, Securities Commission and officials from the Ministry of Finance has been looking at ways to bring about balance on the consumer credit front. On their radar is Rule of 78 in the Higher Purchase Act and also regulation on BNPL. Hann Liew, founder and director of RinggitPlus, a financial marketplace provider gives us his views on what is required to protect the interest of the borrowers.

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Umno is seeking a royal pardon for convicted Ex-Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak. What are the repercussions to the relationship between BN and PH? Dr Oh Ei Sun, Principal Adviser at Pacific Research Centre breaks it down for us.

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China concluded three-days of military drills in the Straits of Taiwan yesterday, a show of force in response to Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen’s meeting with US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. We discuss whether this ratchets up the likelihood of conflict particularly in ASEAN with security analyst Ridzwan Rahmat of Jane’s, a military defense portal.

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Last week the government signalled plans to amend the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971, also known by its Malay acronym AUKU, to address complaints by students of administrative restrictions and financial constraints in carrying out activities on campus. Do the AUKU amendments go far enough to empower students or should we be looking to repeal the act entirely? Dr Sharifah Munirah Alatas, Visiting Professor, Faculty of Social Sciences, Indonesian International Islamic University.

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Last week the government signalled plans to amend the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971, also known by its Malay acronym AUKU, to address complaints by students of administrative restrictions and financial constraints in carrying out activities on campus. Do the AUKU amendments go far enough to empower students or should we be looking to repeal the act entirely? Dr Sharifah Munirah Alatas, Visiting Professor, Faculty of Social Sciences, Indonesian International Islamic University.

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There has been increasing talks of upgrading or setting up new cross-border rail links as its seen as environmentally friendly. Malaysia is not the exception as there are proposals to establish rail links between Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Kunming. Dr Ahmad Farhan Mohd Sadullah, Professor of Transport Engineering at Universiti Sains Malaysia tells us if we should proceed whilst discussing the woes that KTM faces.

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Tensions are boiling between Israel and Palestine, following raids by Israeli forces on the Al-Aqsa mosque last week. This has sparked tit-for-tat attacks on civilians in Tel Aviv and the occupied West Bank. Is this the precursor for deterioration into military conflict? We discuss geopolitical developments with Middle East expert Dr. James Dorsey.

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