Malaysia wants to rely less on foreign workers to protect local jobs and shove its companies up the automation chain, but as with all new policy, there are teething pains. Dr M.Niaz Asadullah, Southeast Asia Lead, Global Labor Organization, analyses.





Image Credit: PUNIT PARANJPE / AFP

Malaysia wants to rely less on foreign workers to protect local jobs and shove its companies up the automation chain, but as with all new policy, there are teething pains. Dr M.Niaz Asadullah, Southeast Asia Lead, Global Labor Organization, analyses.


Image Credit: PUNIT PARANJPE / AFP

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

For Jobs Sake, Malaysia Wants Fewer Foreigners, More Locals, But How?

Indonesia’s economy grew by more than 5% in the first half of 2026, but strong headline growth has yet to convince financial markets. Capital outflows, a weakening rupiah and concerns over President Prabowo’s expansionary fiscal policies have forced Bank Indonesia into aggressive rate hikes, while higher fuel costs and the threat of El Niño add further pressure. Can Southeast Asia’s largest economy maintain its growth momentum while repairing investor confidence and keeping its fiscal ambitions in check?



Image Credit: Shutterstock

Indonesia’s economy grew by more than 5% in the first half of 2026, but strong headline growth has yet to convince financial markets. Capital outflows, a weakening rupiah and concerns over President Prabowo’s expansionary fiscal policies have forced Bank Indonesia into aggressive rate hikes, while higher fuel costs and the threat of El Niño add further pressure. Can Southeast Asia’s largest economy maintain its growth momentum while repairing investor confidence and keeping its fiscal ambitions in check?Image Credit: Shutterstock

Can Indonesia Restore Investor Confidence?

The US-Iran conflict has entered a more dangerous phase, with attacks widening across the region, oil prices surging past US$105 a barrel and uncertainty growing over the Strait of Hormuz. Inside Iran, sanctions, fuel rationing and shortages are adding to economic pressure, while the IAEA’s decision to refer Tehran to the UN Security Council raises the stakes over its nuclear programme. With President Trump suggesting the war could continue until after the US midterm elections, what is Iran’s strategy now, and is there still a path towards de-escalation?

Image Credit: Shutterstock

The US-Iran conflict has entered a more dangerous phase, with attacks widening across the region, oil prices surging past US$105 a barrel and uncertainty growing over the Strait of Hormuz. Inside Iran, sanctions, fuel rationing and shortages are adding to economic pressure, while the IAEA’s decision to refer Tehran to the UN Security Council raises the stakes over its nuclear programme. With President Trump suggesting the war could continue until after the US midterm elections, what is Iran’s strategy now, and is there still a path towards de-escalation? Image Credit: Shutterstock

For Jobs Sake, Malaysia Wants Fewer Foreigners, More Locals, But How?

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