Morning Brief

Eight PKR lawmakers have been very vocal over the alleged corrupt practices within the MACC and share ownership by their Chief Commissioner, Tan Sri Azam Baki. We speak to Setiawangsa MP, Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad as to why this matter is so urgent, what type of investigation is required and what should we make of the government’s silence on the issue.

Image Credit: Shutterstock.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The mass expulsion of former Bersatu Deputy President Dato' Sri Hamzah Zainuddin and 16 other members has triggered uproar and mass resignations among the party grassroots. What options are the exiled members considering to maintain political relevance? We hear from Machang MP Wan Ahmad Fahysal on the fallout and his next steps.

Image Credit: Bernama

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia’s retail sector ended 2025 on a stronger note,  with growth picking up in December. However, what is the outlook for 2026? Damien Yeo, Senior Consumer & Retail Analyst, BMI, a unit of Fitch Solutions gives us their house view and the catalysts for this sector.

Image Credit: Shutterstock.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The survival of Bersatu is in question after the expulsion of prominent leaders last week, including heir apparent Dato' Sri Hamzah Zainudin. Who then will succeed Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin as party leader? We discuss Bersatu's future with Dr. Syaza Shukri of the International Islamic University Malaysia.

Image Credit: Shutterstock.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This month’s earnings reports from Amazon, Microsoft, Google, Meta, and Apple revealed a combined staggering USD700 billion capital expenditure for 2026. This caused a massive sell down in tech space. We ask Dan Ives, Managing Director, Wedbush Securities if this is actually a buying opportunity or is the tech boom cycle over.

Image Credit: Shutterstock.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week, President Donald Trump declared that the build-up of greenhouse gas emissions would no longer be considered a public health issue. This effectively reverses the basis of US climate change regulations, which Trump says could save the government trillions of dollars. But will this come at the cost of irreversible climate change? We discuss the implications of this with Romany Web, of the Sabin Center for Climate Change.

Image Credit: Shutterstock.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

SMEs in Malaysia are facing challenges on multiple fronts this year, with increased cost pressures and compliance requirements -  Datuk William Ng, Chairman, Small and Medium Enterprises Association tells us how SMEs are faring and if the available financing is adequate.

This episode of The First Look was brought to you by Emirates. Fly better, fly Emirates.

Image Credit: Shutterstock.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite the ringgit rising 14% against the US dollar and GDP growing 5.2% this year, many Malaysians are still feeling the pinch of high prices. Will government intervention make imported goods more affordable? We’ll discuss this with Yugendran T. Kannu Sivakumaran, Economic Analyst in the Economics and Sustainability Impact Department at Bait Al Amanah.

Image Credit: Shutterstock.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Securities Commission Malaysia is finalising a new framework to clarify when cash trust schemes investing in capital market products must be licensed, amid growing concerns over investor protection and market confidence. Business commentator Pankaj C Kumar gives us some perspective about how cash trust structures actually work and the risks they carry.

This episode of The First Look was brought to you by Emirates. Fly better, fly Emirates.

Image Credit: Shutterstock.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia’s anti-corruption chief Tan Sri Azam Baki is once again under scrutiny following fresh allegations reported by Bloomberg linking MACC officers to possible collusion in corporate control matters, alongside renewed questions over his shareholdings. Independent business writer P Gunasegaram shares his thoughts on the government's response so far.

Image Credit: Shutterstock.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.