Morning Brief

With inflation increasing by 4% year-on-year and food inflation continuing to be the main driver in November, we ask Firdaos Rosli, Chief Economist, Bank Islam Malaysia on the likely response by BNM and how will this impact the lower income group and ailing businesses.

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After three long years, checkpoints at the Hong Kong China border reopened yesterday. Businesses and residents are breathing a sigh of relief as the cost of separation has been huge. Natixis SA, an Investment Bank estimates Hong Kong’s economy lost $27 billion in potential growth. We speak to their economist, Gary Ng for an outlook.

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The tragic landslide at Batang Kali last month highlighted the dearth of regulatory oversight on campsites and recreational venues in the country. With landslides becoming increasingly common especially after heavy rains, what should be included in these guidelines and how can the government better regulate outdoor activities without restricting business and leisure? 

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The tragic landslide at Batang Kali last month highlighted the dearth of regulatory oversight on campsites and recreational venues in the country. With landslides becoming increasingly common especially after heavy rains, what should be included in these guidelines and how can the government better regulate outdoor activities without restricting business and leisure? 

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Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is set to meet the Sarawak Premier and the Sabah Chief Minister in their first meeting of the MA63 Implementation Action Council. But what is the federal government’s commitment to resolve MA63 issues? Ariff Adi Putera Anwar, Research Officer, Institute for Development Studies tells us whilst reminding us what the pending issues are.

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The appointment of the Speaker of the US House of Representatives is typically a formality; the party with majority seats in the house votes for their chosen candidate with relative ease. Yet, although Republicans have a slim majority in the House, holding 222 seats vs Democrats’ 212, they have been unable to build consensus around the party’s Speaker candidate, Kevin McCarthy. Public opinion pollster John Zogby explains the impasse in the Republican party, and the implications for US politics and policymaking.

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Foreign direct investment (FDI) to Malaysia grew to a record RM861 billion at the end of 3Q23, with the US as the second largest investor contributing 12%. However with a global recession potentially on the horizon, will investors remain upbeat on Malaysia? Siobhan Das of AMCHAM weighs in on business sentiment among its members and their policy wishlist for the government.

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Foreign direct investment (FDI) to Malaysia grew to a record RM861 billion at the end of 3Q23, with the US as the second largest investor contributing 12%. However with a global recession potentially on the horizon, will investors remain upbeat on Malaysia? Siobhan Das of AMCHAM weighs in on business sentiment among its members and their policy wishlist for the government.

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There has been public outcry over the decision by the Petaling Jaya City Council to introduce a 90 sen charge for non-Malaysians who use the PJ City Bus service beginning January 15th. Adrian Pereira, Director of the North South Initiative, a social justice advocacy group tells us the wider implications of this move.

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Last year, initial hopes for a revival of the stalled nuclear deal between the West and Iran were dashed, with Tehran instead coming under further western sanctions for supplying arms to Russia. Tehran is also grappling with a protest movement that’s described as the biggest challenge to the Islamic Republic in decades. Meanwhile in Israel, a new government has been sworn in, helmed by an old hand, Benjamin Netanyahu. However the presence of far-right groups in the government that have many fearing actions that could inflame tensions with Palestine. Middle East expert Dr James Dorsey gives us an overview of what to watch on these international fronts.

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