The US House has narrowly passed its version of the $1.15 trillion National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), authorising the largest military budget in US history. Is Congress simply funding today's conflicts, or is it preparing for a fundamentally different security landscape? We speak with Dr Alexey Muraviev, Adjunct Associate Professor of Strategic Studies at Edith Cowan University, about what this record defence budget reveals about Washington's strategic priorities and the implications for global security.

Image Credit: Shutterstock

The US House has narrowly passed its version of the $1.15 trillion National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), authorising the largest military budget in US history. Is Congress simply funding today's conflicts, or is it preparing for a fundamentally different security landscape? We speak with Dr Alexey Muraviev, Adjunct Associate Professor of Strategic Studies at Edith Cowan University, about what this record defence budget reveals about Washington's strategic priorities and the implications for global security. Image Credit: Shutterstock

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

America's $1.15 Trillion Military Gamble

Think tank IDEAS released its Malaysia Open Budget Index 2026, evaluating all 13 states. Ahmad Abi Shifa Mohd Hassan, Assistant Manager for Research at IDEAS, joins BFM’s Morning Brief to unpack why Terengganu led in transparency while Selangor topped legislative oversight, and how a methodology overhaul affected overall state scores despite broader improvements in document disclosure.

He discusses the practical steps taken by top-performing states to publish detailed, programmatic budget data and assembly hansards. 

Ahmad also addresses the underlying technical, administrative, and cultural hurdles preventing states from releasing complete sets of essential budget documents on time, while highlighting how public participation can foster greater accountability across local government levels.



Image Credit: Shutterstock

Think tank IDEAS released its Malaysia Open Budget Index 2026, evaluating all 13 states. Ahmad Abi Shifa Mohd Hassan, Assistant Manager for Research at IDEAS, joins BFM’s Morning Brief to unpack why Terengganu led in transparency while Selangor topped legislative oversight, and how a methodology overhaul affected overall state scores despite broader improvements in document disclosure.He discusses the practical steps taken by top-performing states to publish detailed, programmatic budget data and assembly hansards. Ahmad also addresses the underlying technical, administrative, and cultural hurdles preventing states from releasing complete sets of essential budget documents on time, while highlighting how public participation can foster greater accountability across local government levels.Image Credit: Shutterstock

Terengganu Tops Budget Transparency, Selangor Leads on Oversight

The government is reviewing the RM1,700 monthly minimum wage to determine whether it still meets workers’ needs. Dr Geoffrey Williams, an economist, founder and director of Williams Business Consulting, shares his views on this and if the latest proposal have its desired effect of raising workers’ wages without harming businesses.

Image Credit: Shutterstock

The government is reviewing the RM1,700 monthly minimum wage to determine whether it still meets workers’ needs. Dr Geoffrey Williams, an economist, founder and director of Williams Business Consulting, shares his views on this and if the latest proposal have its desired effect of raising workers’ wages without harming businesses. Image Credit: Shutterstock

Another Review of Malaysia's Minimum Wage Policy

Donald Trump’s approval rating has fallen to 33% in the latest Reuters/Ipsos poll, the lowest of his presidency, as frustration grows over the Iran war, fuel prices and the cost of living. With Democrats needing only modest gains to retake the House and signs of discontent emerging even among Republican voters, could Trump become his party’s biggest vulnerability heading into November? And if Republicans suffer heavy losses, what would that mean for Trump’s grip on his party and his administration?

Image Credit: Shutterstock

Donald Trump’s approval rating has fallen to 33% in the latest Reuters/Ipsos poll, the lowest of his presidency, as frustration grows over the Iran war, fuel prices and the cost of living. With Democrats needing only modest gains to retake the House and signs of discontent emerging even among Republican voters, could Trump become his party’s biggest vulnerability heading into November? And if Republicans suffer heavy losses, what would that mean for Trump’s grip on his party and his administration? Image Credit: Shutterstock

America's $1.15 Trillion Military Gamble

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