Bank Negara Malaysia’s latest reports show an economy entering 2026 with solid momentum, but facing rising external risks from geopolitical tensions, higher oil prices, and trade disruptions. With growth projected at 4% to 5%, how sustainable is this outlook amid inflation pressures, subsidy burdens, and global uncertainty, and what does it mean for the ringgit and monetary policy ahead?

Bank Negara Malaysia’s latest reports show an economy entering 2026 with solid momentum, but facing rising external risks from geopolitical tensions, higher oil prices, and trade disruptions. With growth projected at 4% to 5%, how sustainable is this outlook amid inflation pressures, subsidy burdens, and global uncertainty, and what does it mean for the ringgit and monetary policy ahead?

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

Malaysia’s Economy at a Crossroads: Growth vs Global Risks

Following UMNO's recent state election momentum, what will be the key signals to watch at the upcoming General Assembly? Adib Zalkapli, Managing Director of Viewfinder Global Affairs, joins The Morning Run to analyse the key dynamics expected at the AGM, including grassroots pressure over PAS cooperation and internal calls touching on the party's role within the ruling government coalition.

Adib explores the strategic significance of extending invitations to PAS leadership, key obstacles in Malay-majority seat allocations, and potential prime ministerial candidacy deadlocks. He also assesses why Pakatan Harapan must prepare for independent election scenarios and explains why immediate party leadership transitions remain a secondary priority for UMNO.

Following UMNO's recent state election momentum, what will be the key signals to watch at the upcoming General Assembly? Adib Zalkapli, Managing Director of Viewfinder Global Affairs, joins The Morning Run to analyse the key dynamics expected at the AGM, including grassroots pressure over PAS cooperation and internal calls touching on the party's role within the ruling government coalition.Adib explores the strategic significance of extending invitations to PAS leadership, key obstacles in Malay-majority seat allocations, and potential prime ministerial candidacy deadlocks. He also assesses why Pakatan Harapan must prepare for independent election scenarios and explains why immediate party leadership transitions remain a secondary priority for UMNO.

What to Watch At UMNO’s AGM?

The US and Venezuela have struck a sweeping oil agreement that could eventually unlock greater access to some of the world’s largest crude reserves, while Caracas is reportedly considering leaving OPEC. The developments come as renewed US-Iran hostilities are once again threatening global energy supplies and pushing oil-market risks higher. Could Venezuelan production ultimately help contain prices, what would an OPEC exit mean for the producers’ group, and is Brent crude once again heading towards US$100 a barrel?

The US and Venezuela have struck a sweeping oil agreement that could eventually unlock greater access to some of the world’s largest crude reserves, while Caracas is reportedly considering leaving OPEC. The developments come as renewed US-Iran hostilities are once again threatening global energy supplies and pushing oil-market risks higher. Could Venezuelan production ultimately help contain prices, what would an OPEC exit mean for the producers’ group, and is Brent crude once again heading towards US$100 a barrel?

Is Venezuela About to Reshape Oil Markets?

Transboundary haze has returned to Sarawak, and businesses say the recurring pollution is increasingly taking an economic toll, forcing some SMEs to scale back operations while adding to health and operating costs. The SME Association of Sarawak is now calling for compensation and stronger action against those responsible for the fires behind the smoke. But how should losses be calculated, who should ultimately be held accountable, and what would it take to finally break the region’s recurring cycle of haze?



Image Credit: Shutterstock

Transboundary haze has returned to Sarawak, and businesses say the recurring pollution is increasingly taking an economic toll, forcing some SMEs to scale back operations while adding to health and operating costs. The SME Association of Sarawak is now calling for compensation and stronger action against those responsible for the fires behind the smoke. But how should losses be calculated, who should ultimately be held accountable, and what would it take to finally break the region’s recurring cycle of haze?Image Credit: Shutterstock

Malaysia’s Economy at a Crossroads: Growth vs Global Risks

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