Nine days after the US‑Israeli strikes that killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Assembly of Experts in Iran has named his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, as its new supreme leader. Can he secure the survival of the Iranian regime amid bombardment by US and Israel forces? We’ll discuss this with Mohd Amirul Asraf Othman, Research Scholar, Centre for Arab and Islamic Studies, The Australian National University (ANU).



Credit Image: Shutterstock 

Nine days after the US‑Israeli strikes that killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Assembly of Experts in Iran has named his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, as its new supreme leader. Can he secure the survival of the Iranian regime amid bombardment by US and Israel forces? We’ll discuss this with Mohd Amirul Asraf Othman, Research Scholar, Centre for Arab and Islamic Studies, The Australian National University (ANU).Credit Image: Shutterstock

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

Who Is Mojtaba Khamenei, The New Iran Supreme Leader?

A recent report by the Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS) revealed that 78% of chairperson roles on federal statutory bodies lacked formal qualifications and political appointments remain widespread. Why have reforms been slow to take shape? We speak with Aira Azhari, Chief Executive Officer of IDEAS.



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Image Credit: Shutterstock

A recent report by the Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS) revealed that 78% of chairperson roles on federal statutory bodies lacked formal qualifications and political appointments remain widespread. Why have reforms been slow to take shape? We speak with Aira Azhari, Chief Executive Officer of IDEAS.The First Look is brought to you by HLB Priority. We know what your real priorities are.Image Credit: Shutterstock

How to Make Statutory Bodies More Independent

Japan’s economy grew 0.3 percent quarter on quarter in the fourth quarter, stronger than first estimated, with domestic demand and business investment revised higher. But risks are building from weaker global trade, higher oil prices and pressure on real wages. We discuss what this means for Japan’s economy and policy with Stefan Angrick, Head of Japan and Frontier Economics at Moody’s Analytics.

Japan’s economy grew 0.3 percent quarter on quarter in the fourth quarter, stronger than first estimated, with domestic demand and business investment revised higher. But risks are building from weaker global trade, higher oil prices and pressure on real wages. We discuss what this means for Japan’s economy and policy with Stefan Angrick, Head of Japan and Frontier Economics at Moody’s Analytics.

Balancing Act for Japan Economy

With mounting speculation that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim may call early GE16 elections to coincide with state polls in Melaka and Johor, we speak to Adib Zalkapli of Viewfinder Global Affairs to unpack recent developments.


He weighs in on the internal tremors within Bersatu following the strategic suspensions of Dato Sri Ronald Kiandee and Dato Mas Ermieyati, Dato Sri Hamzah Zainudin's search for a new political platform, and the strategic motivations behind Umno’s recent invitation for former members to return.

With mounting speculation that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim may call early GE16 elections to coincide with state polls in Melaka and Johor, we speak to Adib Zalkapli of Viewfinder Global Affairs to unpack recent developments. He weighs in on the internal tremors within Bersatu following the strategic suspensions of Dato Sri Ronald Kiandee and Dato Mas Ermieyati, Dato Sri Hamzah Zainudin's search for a new political platform, and the strategic motivations behind Umno’s recent invitation for former members to return.

Who Is Mojtaba Khamenei, The New Iran Supreme Leader?

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