Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam have each announced new trade deals with the United States, signaling a significant shift in regional trade dynamics. But the agreements have also stirred concern, with several terms still vague or potentially contentious. Dr. Deborah K. Elms, Head of Trade Policy at the Hinrich Foundation, unpacks what’s really at stake.



Image Credit: Shutterstock.com

Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam have each announced new trade deals with the United States, signaling a significant shift in regional trade dynamics. But the agreements have also stirred concern, with several terms still vague or potentially contentious. Dr. Deborah K. Elms, Head of Trade Policy at the Hinrich Foundation, unpacks what’s really at stake.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com

Opinion and analysis of today’s international and local news that matter to Malaysians. Everything you need to know to start and plan your work.

Opinion and analysis of today&rsquo;s international and local news that matter to Malaysians. Everything you need to know to start and plan your work.

Morning Brief

A “Probable Nonsense Formula” At The Heart Of U.S. Tariff Strategy

Malaysia’s constitutional reform agenda faces renewed uncertainty following the resignations of two PKR MPs. Syahredzan Johan the MP for Bangi shares his view on how parliamentary numbers, political consensus and reform momentum might affect the two key reforms promised including a limit on the Prime Minister's term.



Image Credit: Shutterstock

Malaysia’s constitutional reform agenda faces renewed uncertainty following the resignations of two PKR MPs. Syahredzan Johan the MP for Bangi shares his view on how parliamentary numbers, political consensus and reform momentum might affect the two key reforms promised including a limit on the Prime Minister's term.Image Credit: Shutterstock

Promised Reforms and the Parliamentary Numbers Game

Malaysia’s automotive sector posted another strong month of growth in April, driven by new model launches and resilient consumer demand. But with targeted fuel subsidy reforms, tighter EV import rules, and rising global supply chain risks beginning to reshape the industry, how sustainable is the current momentum, and what challenges could define the outlook for the rest of 2026?


Image Credit: Shutterstock

Malaysia’s automotive sector posted another strong month of growth in April, driven by new model launches and resilient consumer demand. But with targeted fuel subsidy reforms, tighter EV import rules, and rising global supply chain risks beginning to reshape the industry, how sustainable is the current momentum, and what challenges could define the outlook for the rest of 2026? Image Credit: Shutterstock

Can Malaysia’s Auto Sales Momentum Hold Up?

Iran has submitted a revised 14-point peace proposal to the US amid ongoing threats of military escalation and rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. With Tehran offering limited nuclear concessions while demanding sanctions relief and an end to the naval blockade, how serious is this attempt at de-escalation, and what would the failure of these talks mean for global energy markets, regional stability, and economies across ASEAN?



Image Credit: Shutterstock

Iran has submitted a revised 14-point peace proposal to the US amid ongoing threats of military escalation and rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. With Tehran offering limited nuclear concessions while demanding sanctions relief and an end to the naval blockade, how serious is this attempt at de-escalation, and what would the failure of these talks mean for global energy markets, regional stability, and economies across ASEAN?Image Credit: Shutterstock

A “Probable Nonsense Formula” At The Heart Of U.S. Tariff Strategy

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