Morning Brief

Finance Minister Tengku Zafrul Aziz proposes to raise the debt ceiling from 60% to 65% of GDP to have more buffer to fight the pandemic. Carmelo Ferlito, CEO, Center for Market Education discusses why borrowing more is a bad idea and the alternative including fiscal measures.

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How much control does PKR leadership exert over state governments, and how does this affect policy-making and governance? We discuss the ramifications of PKR infighting in Negeri Sembilan, as well as the uproar over the Kuala Langat North Forest Reserve degazettement with political scientist Dr. Wong Chin Huat. We also ask him for his prescription for the opposition to show that they're a viable alternative to the present ruling government.

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As approval ratings tank in the aftermath of the Tokyo Olympics and poor pandemic management, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has announced that he will not stand for re-election. This has opened up a race within the Liberal Democratic Party for the top post. We discuss the potential candidates with Jonathan Berkshire Miller, Senior Fellow at the Japan Institute of International Affairs.

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Following dissatisfaction amongst grassroots in Negeri Sembilan, and the Selangor state’s decision to degazette the KL North Forest Reserve land, Fahmi Fadzil, Communications Director, PKR discusses internal factionalism within the party and the bigger question on succession.

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How much control does PKR leadership exert over state governments, and how does this affect policy-making and governance? We discuss the ramifications of PKR infighting in Negeri Sembilan, as well as the uproar over the Kuala Langat North Forest Reserve degazettement with political scientist Dr. Wong Chin Huat. We also ask him for his prescription for the opposition to show that they're a viable alternative to the present ruling government.

Image credit: Ismiza Binti Ishak / Shutterstock.com

As approval ratings tank in the aftermath of the Tokyo Olympics and poor pandemic management, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has announced that he will not stand for re-election. This has opened up a race within the Liberal Democratic Party for the top post. We discuss the potential candidates with Jonathan Berkshire Miller, Senior Fellow at the Japan Institute of International Affairs.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com

Langkawi is expected to open for interstate tourists starting from Malaysia Day. Nasaruddin Abdul Muttalib, CEO of the Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) discusses the island’s readiness and projected number of visitors.

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All eyes will be on whether Prime Minister Dato' Sri Ismail Sabri opts to hold a confidence vote when Parliament reconvenes next week, as recommended by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. The initial indications aren't reassuring, especially as the Attorney-General has come out to say that a confidence vote is not necessary. What would be the potential implications for Ismail Sabri's government if they forego the vote? We discuss this with political analyst Dr. Azmi Hassan.

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Global automakers expect to grapple with chip shortages for another two years. How are they responding in the meantime? And if shortage normalises in 2023, what’s the likelihood of excess supply as the US, Europe and China commit billions of dollars to ramp up fabrication capacity? James Teo, Asian Equities Analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence discusses.

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Langkawi is expected to open for interstate tourists starting from Malaysia Day. Nasaruddin Abdul Muttalib, CEO of the Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) discusses the island’s readiness and projected number of visitors.

Image credit: Safiamycentrio / Pixabay.com