Morning Brief

Local university UCSI released rather alarming research recently which found that 73% of close to 1,100 Malaysians aged between 18 and 40 are in debt. The key driving factors for taking on more leverage were financial constraint (42%), inflation (22%) and luxurious lifestyle (21%). This would imply that three-quarters of Malaysian youths do not have sufficient capital for financial commitments. For insights, we speak to Associate Professor Dr. Hassanudin Mohd Thas Thaker, Head of Research and Postgraduate Studies UCSI University.

Image credit: Shutterstock

With rising inflation hitting the lower-income segments doubly hard, what can the government do to alleviate cost-of-living burdens beyond economic theory? We assess government action with economist Dr. Shankaren Nambiar, senior research fellow from the Malaysian Institute of Economic Research.

Image credit: Shutterstock

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Local university UCSI released rather alarming research recently which found that 73% of close to 1,100 Malaysians aged between 18 and 40 are in debt. The key driving factors for taking on more leverage were financial constraint (42%), inflation (22%) and luxurious lifestyle (21%). This would imply that three-quarters of Malaysian youths do not have sufficient capital for financial commitments. For insights, we speak to Associate Professor Dr. Hassanudin Mohd Thas Thaker, Head of Research and Postgraduate Studies UCSI University.

Image credit: Shutterstock

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Narendra Modi government laid out a slew of measures in the federal budget tabled this week to bolster job creation and attract investment ahead of elections due in the next 15 months. However overshadowing the budget tabling is the ongoing market rout of Adani Group, one of India’s largest conglomerates; billionaire founder Gautam Adani is known to have close ties to Modi. We discuss the implications of the budget and the Adani saga with economist Vishnu Varathan.

Image Credit: Amit.pansuriya / Shutterstock

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transparency International released its 2022 Corruption Perception Index (CPI) report on Tuesday, in which Malaysia dropped in score to 47 out of 100. This year marked the third year of decline for the country, after reaching a high of 53 in 2019. Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Anwar Ibrahim has pledged to reverse the declining trend, and said he would not compromise on any form of corruption. How closely does the government’s rhetoric match its actual actions, and what should be the primary focus in tackling corruption? Dr. Muhammad Mohan, President of TI-Malaysia assesses Malaysia's performance and what needs to be done to arrest the CPI decline.

Image credit: T. Schneider

The Prime Minister warned that the government had debts and liabilities of some RM1.5 trillion ringgit. So as we head to the tabling of Budget 2023 on 24 February, what should the economic priorities of this Unity Government be? P. Gunasegaram, independent business writer weights in whilst telling us the other priorities to be considered.

Image credit: Shutterstock

Transparency International released its 2022 Corruption Perception Index (CPI) report on Tuesday, in which Malaysia dropped in score to 47 out of 100. This year marked the third year of decline for the country, after reaching a high of 53 in 2019. Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Anwar Ibrahim has pledged to reverse the declining trend, and said he would not compromise on any form of corruption. How closely does the government’s rhetoric match its actual actions, and what should be the primary focus in tackling corruption? Dr. Muhammad Mohan, President of TI-Malaysia assesses Malaysia's performance and what needs to be done to arrest the CPI decline.

Image credit: T. Schneider

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister warned that the government had debts and liabilities of some RM1.5 trillion ringgit. So as we head to the tabling of Budget 2023 on 24 February, what should the economic priorities of this Unity Government be? P. Gunasegaram, independent business writer weights in whilst telling us the other priorities to be considered.

Image credit: Shutterstock

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trump kicked off his campaign to reclaim the White House in 2024 last weekend, visiting two early-voting states, New Hampshire and South Carolina and brushed aside criticism that his run was off to a slow start. Also, an increasing number of elected officials have expressed concerns about Trump's ability to beat Democratic President Joe Biden, if he decides to run again. Will Trump be able to mount a successful comeback in time for the presidential elections? For answers, we speak to Robert Shapiro, Professor of Government, Columbia University.

Image credit: Shutterstock

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recently, Minister for Local Government Development, Nga Khor Meng said that local council polls must take a backseat, until the government has managed to revive the economy and address the people’s problems first. We explore why governments of the day are so reluctant with Danesh Prakash Chacko, Director of Tindak Malaysia and the importance of it.

Image credit: Shutterstock

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.