Despite an opposition walkout during the reading of the controversial Government Procurement Bill 2025, the bill was passed. Alissa Rode, Senior Manager for Research at the Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS), pointed to loopholes in the bill, including provisions that concentrate procurement decisions in the hands of the Finance Ministry.



Image Credit: Shutterstock.com

Despite an opposition walkout during the reading of the controversial Government Procurement Bill 2025, the bill was passed. Alissa Rode, Senior Manager for Research at the Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS), pointed to loopholes in the bill, including provisions that concentrate procurement decisions in the hands of the Finance Ministry.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

Procurement Bill Sparks Debate Over Finance Ministry’s Control

Escalation of the War on Iran is spreading across the Gulf, threatening energy routes and regional stability. Ryan Bohl, Senior Middle East and North Africa Analyst at RANE Network, shares his insights.



Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Escalation of the War on Iran is spreading across the Gulf, threatening energy routes and regional stability. Ryan Bohl, Senior Middle East and North Africa Analyst at RANE Network, shares his insights.Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Will the War on Iran Spiral Further?

Malaysia SME sector is feeling the ripple effects of rising tensions in the Middle East through shipping delays, higher costs, and supply chain disruptions. How are these businesses preparing to navigate the challenges ahead? We’ll discuss this with Datuk William Ng, Chairman, Small and Medium Enterprises Association (SAMENTA).



Image Credit: Shutterstock

Malaysia SME sector is feeling the ripple effects of rising tensions in the Middle East through shipping delays, higher costs, and supply chain disruptions. How are these businesses preparing to navigate the challenges ahead? We’ll discuss this with Datuk William Ng, Chairman, Small and Medium Enterprises Association (SAMENTA).Image Credit: Shutterstock

SMEs Stay Afloat Amid Middle East Turbulence

Although Malaysia is far from the conflict between the United States and Iran, the country is feeling its impact as disruptions at major Middle East transit hubs push up flight costs and travel times. How is the tourism sector coping, and what measures are being taken to maintain traveller confidence? We get industry perspectives from Nigel Wong, President of The Malaysian Association of Tour & Travel Agents (MATTA).



The First Look is brought to you by HLB Priority. We know what your real priorities are.



Image Credit: Shutterstock

<ul><li>Although Malaysia is far from the conflict between the United States and Iran, the country is feeling its impact as disruptions at major Middle East transit hubs push up flight costs and travel times. How is the tourism sector coping, and what measures are being taken to maintain traveller confidence? We get industry perspectives from Nigel Wong, President of The Malaysian Association of Tour &amp; Travel Agents (MATTA).</li></ul>The First Look is brought to you by HLB Priority. We know what your real priorities are.Image Credit: Shutterstock

Procurement Bill Sparks Debate Over Finance Ministry’s Control

In 1 playlist(s)

Morning Brief

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips