Oil markets have been navigating a complex mix of geopolitics, supply dynamics and demand uncertainty with prices weak in 2025. Is the outlook different in 2026 due to possible regime change in Iran and the removal of President Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela. Sim Moh Siong, Commodity Strategist, OCBC Bank gives us his views.



Image Credit: Shutterstock.com

Oil markets have been navigating a complex mix of geopolitics, supply dynamics and demand uncertainty with prices weak in 2025. Is the outlook different in 2026 due to possible regime change in Iran and the removal of President Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela. Sim Moh Siong, Commodity Strategist, OCBC Bank gives us his views.Image Credit: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://Shutterstock.com">Shutterstock.com</a>

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

Is it Time for Black Gold to Shine?

Allegations of a so-called “corporate mafia” have cast a spotlight on Malaysia’s anti-graft framework, raising questions about institutional integrity and political accountability. Ibrahim Suffian, Programme Director, Merdeka Centre, shares his take on the scrutiny that's now directed at the leadership of the MACC and the response from Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

Allegations of a so-called “corporate mafia” have cast a spotlight on Malaysia’s anti-graft framework, raising questions about institutional integrity and political accountability. Ibrahim Suffian, Programme Director, Merdeka Centre, shares his take on the scrutiny that's now directed at the leadership of the MACC and the response from Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

Madani Government and the “Corporate Mafia” Fallout

Electricity costs are shifting, even without a headline tariff hike, as rebates narrow and global fuel prices move. That raises a bigger question about how much of this is already feeding into everyday expenses. We look at what consumers are actually paying, who is feeling the strain, and what may come next with Saravanan Thambirajah, CEO of the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (FOMCA).

Electricity costs are shifting, even without a headline tariff hike, as rebates narrow and global fuel prices move. That raises a bigger question about how much of this is already feeding into everyday expenses. We look at what consumers are actually paying, who is feeling the strain, and what may come next with Saravanan Thambirajah, CEO of the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (FOMCA).

Higher Electricity Tariffs to Affect Malaysian Consumers

The government’s work-from-home directive aims to ease an energy crunch, but it may come with hidden economic costs. As fuel savings are weighed against shifting utility burdens, weaker urban footfall, and potential disruptions to productivity, is this a smart short-term fix or a policy that risks distorting markets and dampening economic activity?

The government’s work-from-home directive aims to ease an energy crunch, but it may come with hidden economic costs. As fuel savings are weighed against shifting utility burdens, weaker urban footfall, and potential disruptions to productivity, is this a smart short-term fix or a policy that risks distorting markets and dampening economic activity?

Is it Time for Black Gold to Shine?

In 1 playlist(s)

Morning Brief

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips