Under this plan, the economy is projected to grow by 4.5-5.5% a year, with aspirations for Malaysia to be a high income nation by 2030 and one of the top 30 economies in the world. This plan is also supposed to have a sharper focus on domestic demand, good governance, digital transformation, and sustainable growth, Professor Tricia Yeoh, Associate Professor of Practice, University of Nottingham Malaysia's School of Politics & International Relations tells us if these goals are achievable.

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The tariff deadline for US tariffs has just passed and with many countries not having a trade deal, what impact does that have on Asia's economy? Tommy Xie, Head of Asia Macro Research, OCBC Bank gives us his perspective and what is the reason for the US dollar to appreciate of late.

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International support for Palestinian statehood has been gaining momentum with Canada and Britain lending their voices. Additionally, a group of 15 countries including Australia and New Zealand have signed a New York Call joint diplomatic appeal to revive momentum for a two-state solution. Amin Saikal, Emeritus Professor of Middle Eastern & Central Asian Studies at the Australian National University shares his views on these developments.

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Malaysia’s government debt could top the statutory ceiling of 65% debt-to-GDP ratio this year amid a moderating economy and sustained spending. Dr Cassey Lee, Senior Fellow and Coordinator, Regional Economic Studies Programme, ISEAS - Yusof Ishak Institute gives us his thoughts if this is cause for concern.

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Malaysia’s mobile service providers have come under increasing scrutiny, with the Malaysian Communications & Multimedia Commission issuing over 900 directives for non-compliance since 2022. Amin Ashaari, CEO of tech news site SoyaCincau.com talks to us about what this reveals about the quality (or lack thereof) of our wireless networks and what needs to change.

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The Dewan Rakyat on Monday passed the Offenders Compulsory Attendance (Amendment) Bill 2025, meaning courts are now empowered to sentence certain offenders to community service instead of imprisonment. Giving his thoughts on whether this alternative form of punishment works, is Dato’ Vignesh Kumar, Advocate and Solicitor and former Deputy Public Prosecutor.

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The government’s decision to run two immigration systems in parallel, the Foreign Worker Centralised Management System (FWCMS) and the upcoming National Integrated Immigration System (NIISe) has raised concerns about overlapping functions. We speak to Alex Ong, Country Representative of Migrant CARE, to unpack the implications.

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The U.S. economy remains steady, while China grapples with an overcapacity issue that’s weighing on its corporate sector. With expectations building over whether the trade truce will be extended—or if tariffs will snap back to over 100%—Beijing and Washington are once again at a critical crossroads.

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Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) will be continuing its electoral pact with Pakatan Harapan for the upcoming state election, reaffirming a partnership that began in 2023. This comes amid allegations of corruption linked to a former aide to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. James Chin, a professor in Asian Studies at the University of Tasmania, shares insights into the latest developments there.

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The Hang Seng Index has hit a four year high yet property prices are down by 30% since June 2021. We ask Patrick Wong, Head of Hong Kong & Senior Analyst, Asia Pacific Real Estate, Bloomberg Intelligence as to why this negative correlation exist. We also ask if the Chinese property market which is in the doldrums has any impact on Hong Kong.

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