Promised Reforms and the Parliamentary Numbers Game

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 Pri…

Can Malaysia’s Auto Sales Momentum Hold Up?

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 cu…

Can Iran’s New Peace Plan Prevent a Wider War?

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 …

What Malaysia’s Missile Dispute Says About Defence Dependence

Malaysia is seeking more than RM1 billion in compensation after Norway revoked an export licence for a key naval missile system despite most of the contract already being paid. As defence supply chains become increasingly shaped by geopolitics and strategic alliances, what does this dispute reveal …

Assessment of Global Equity Markets' Q1 Performance

Global equity markets staged a strong rebound in April and early May, reversing earlier-year volatility as AI-driven optimism and improving risk sentiment fuel a broad rally. Todd Brighton, Senior Vice President and portfolio manager at Franklin Income Investors, unpacks whether this equity surge i…

Can the World Contain the Latest Ebola Outbreak?

The WHO has declared the latest Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda a global public health emergency, with hundreds of suspected cases linked to the rare Bundibugyo strain. As concerns grow over limited vaccine options and the speed of transmission, what does this outbreak…

Is Malaysia Finally Moving on UEC Recognition?

The government’s latest move to open limited public university pathways for UEC graduates has reignited one of Malaysia’s longest-running education debates. While supporters see it as a step towards greater inclusivity, critics argue the policy remains restrictive and politically cautious, raising …

LEAP Market 2.0: Better Access, Better Liquidity?

The Securities Commission and Bursa Malaysia have proposed allowing retail investors to participate in the LEAP Market, along with other measures to make listing more attractive for SMEs and mid-tier companies. Will these moves revitalize the LEAP Market while maintaining adequate investor protecti…

Bersama: Aiming to Become Malaysia’s Next Reformist Force

Parti Bersama Malaysia, formed by former ministers Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, is the latest addition to the Malaysian political landscape. Nik Nazmi joins us to talk about the party, its aims, who it is expected to appeal to as well as how it might be funded and expectations f…

Why Isn’t Malaysia Creating Enough Quality Jobs?

Malaysia’s labour market may appear resilient on the surface, but a new World Bank report warns of deeper structural weaknesses, from stagnant wage growth and underemployment among graduates to firms struggling to scale globally. As policymakers push for higher wages and better living standards, wh…