BFM: Can We Afford GE15 Right Now

There have been increasing chatter about GE15 in Malaysia. Many within UMNO are reportedly pressuring Prime Minister Ismail Sabri to call for a general election, with one source interviewed by the Malay Mail claiming that “the consensus of the top leadership of the party is that GE15 should be held sooner rather than next year.” Consequently, experts have began weighing the pros and cons of holding an election this year, especially given the last two years of regular pandemic-related lockdowns in Malaysia. Segi Enam Advisors Khor Yu Leng was invited to BFM to give her thoughts on the matter: Can We Afford GE15 Right Now

There have been calls from within UMNO for parliament to be dissolved and GE15 to be held as soon as possible. However, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri has said that with inflation and the rising cost of goods, this isn't the right time. We look at where we are in our economic recovery and whether initiating an election could have repercussions.

Image Source: Gwoeii, Shutterstock; produced by: Natasha Fusil; presented by: Lee Chwi Lynn, Sharmilla Ganesan

BFM: Politics Roundup—Vote of Confidence, Muhyiddin's Appointment

It has been almost three weeks since the appointment of Ismail Sabri as Prime Minister, making him Malaysia’s second premier appointed during the Covid-19 pandemic. Together with parliamentary consultant Maha Balakrishnan and Merdeka Center programme director Ben Suffian, Segi Enam Advisors principal Khor Yu Leng joined BFM’s Inside Story for a 40-minute discussion surrounding the various political upheavals—and their long-term implications—the country has recently experienced: Politics Roundup—Vote of Confidence, Muhyiddin's Appointment

We round up on political developments by looking at the the ramifications of the Attorney General saying that there’s no need for a vote of confidence in the upcoming Dewan Rakyat sitting. Then, we explore what the larger impact of former PM Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin being appointed the chairperson for the National Recovery Council will have. And finally - we talk about what this all says about Ismail Sabri’s administration.

Image Source: zmpixes, Shutterstock; produced by: Tasha Fusil, Alia Zefri, Loo Juosie; presented by: Sharmilla Ganesan, Lee Chwi Lynn

BFM: Competency Needed in New Cabinet

Following his appointment as Malaysia’s Prime Minister, Ismail Sabri promises to announce his new Cabinet this week. As speculations abound on who will make it onto the administration line-up, one thing is for certain: competency from this new Cabinet is non-negotiable. Segi Enam Advisors principle, Khor Yu Leng, was on the BFM Morning Brief yesterday to join in on the discussion, including who the new Deputy Prime Minister might be and possible investor reaction: Competency Needed in New Cabinet

Khor Yu Leng, Political Economist at Segi Enam Advisors speculates how the new cabinet would look like and its size under Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri as Prime Minister. Would it be sizeable to appease all parties? And who might become Deputy Prime Minister(s)?

Image credit: Shutterstock.com; produced by: Arleen Webber; presented by: Shazana Mokhtar, Noelle Lim, Khoo Hsu Chuang

BTS of the BFM Morning Brief! Parti Warisan Sabah President Shafie Apdal joined the call for a brief moment in preparation for the next segment, Shafie: It Comes Down to Leadership.