Unemployment (Part 1) - What's Not Captured in the Stats?
According to the Department of Statistics, Malaysia's unemployment rate for April is now at 5%. This is the highest it’s been in the last 30 years -- since 1990. However, some economists are warning that the worst is yet to come, especially in the second quarter numbers. As Covid-19 infection numbers drop, will this be the number to watch? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan bring you the most impo...
8m Jun 18, 2020
8m
Wet Markets (Part 2) - Job Opportunity that Locals Don't Want?
Wet markets in Asia came in for global attention when it was thought that they could be the source of the Coronavirus and the Covid-19 pandemic. But here in Malaysia concerns have centred on the presence of migrant workers and also as a possible site of job opportunities during the expected recession. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Rajiv Rishyakaran, Bukit Gasing State Assemblyperson ...
9m Jun 18, 2020
9m
Hawkers (Part 3) - Selangor Bans Foreigners from Holding Licences
Selangor recently passed legislation prohibiting foreigners from owning business licences, running temporary businesses or being employed by such businesses. The ban also applies to foreign spouses of Malaysian women and men. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Rodziah Ismail, Selangor State Exco for Entrepreneur Development and Rural, Village and Traditional Village Development on the rat...
9m Jun 18, 2020
9m
Media (Part 1) - Readers Comments, Malaysiakini Cited for Contempt
The Attorney-General has filed an application to Malaysiakini for contempt over readers' comments in an article last week. The AG claims that the comments were a "demeaning” attack on the judiciary. Together with investigations into a Tweet by former a Deputy Minister and activist Siti Kassim, the media comes into sharp relief tonight. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan bring you the most importan...
9m Jun 17, 2020
9m
Media (Part 2) - Philippines Democracy’s Death by a Thousand Cuts?
Well-known Filipino journalist, Maria Ressa, who co-founded the Rappler news site, has been convicted of cyber libel.  Maria was found guilty along with Reynaldo Santos Junior, in connection with a 2012 story on links between a senior judge and a wealthy businessman. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan ask John Nery, Chair of Asian Center for Journalism at Ateneo de Manila University, on how this c...
10m Jun 17, 2020
10m
Media (Part 3) - Libel Laws Used to Silence Critics?
The use of libel laws to silence critics of the powerful - elected officials in particular – are being used across the region, almost in a copycat fashion. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Ratna Ariyanti, Southeast Asia Coordinator, International Federation of Journalists Asia Pacific.
8m Jun 17, 2020
8m
Education (Part 1) - UNESCO On Reopening Schools Debate
Last week, the Education Ministry announced a staggered approach to the reopening of public schools from the 24th of June -- beginning with exam-year students in Form 5 and Upper Six. What are the lessons that Malaysia can learn from other countries, as schools across the world start to reopen? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Stefania Giannini, Assistant Director-General for Education ...
9m Jun 16, 2020
9m
Education (Part 2) - A Mistake to Close Schools?
What are the considerations for governments and policymakers when planning for the reopening of schools considering pre-pandemic inequalities are deepened by the current crisis. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Stefania Giannini, Assistant Director-General for Education for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
8m Jun 16, 2020
8m
Education (Part 3) - Learning Under the Covid-19 Shadow
Does this crisis provide an opportunity for policy makers to rethink education - addressing not only the digital divide but also being focus on what is central to the role of the school in society. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Stefania Giannini, Assistant Director-General for Education for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
7m Jun 16, 2020
7m
RMCO (Part 1) - Social Distancing During Rush Hour?
All public transportation services will now be allowed to operate at full capacity under RMCO. This includes public and express buses, trains and LRTs, taxis and e-hailing services, as well as ferries and flights. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan bring you the most important conversations of the day.
8m Jun 12, 2020
8m
Schools (Part 2) - Why Start with Older Students?
What’s behind the rationale for a staggered approach to opening schools beginning with older students facing major exams, when the many countries have taken the opposite strategy, bringing younger students who are more dependent on a structured learning environment back into schools first. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Chan Soon Seng, CEO, Teach For Malaysia.
12m Jun 12, 2020
12m
Schools (Part 3) - Teacher's Burdens, Managing Expectations
How damaging has the closure of schools been for students; which group of students have been THE most affected and can the 'damage' can be reversed in the coming months? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Ganakumaran Subramanian, Head of School of Education, University of Nottingham Malaysia.
7m Jun 12, 2020
7m
Black Lives Matter (Part 1) - 'King of Africa' Billboard Creates Outrage
LimKokWing University has sparked online outrage over a billboard depicting its founder as the (quote) “King of Africa”. It created a buzz on social media, spawning a petition leading to the removal of the billboard. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan bring you the most important conversations of the day.
8m Jun 11, 2020
8m
Domestic Tourism (Part 2) - Can Cuti-Cuti Malaysia Fill the Gap?
With interstate travel possible again under the RMCO, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture today launched a campaign called the Domestic Tourism Recovery Programme. However, will this be enough of a lifeline for a sector of the economy reeling from the collapse of mass tourism and international travel? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to CS Lim, Vice President of the Malaysian Associa...
8m Jun 11, 2020
8m
Domestic Tourism (Part 3) - Does Langkawi's Economy Need to Pivot?
A survey by the Malaysian Association of Hotels, found that hotels in Langkawi and Sabah are expected to be the last to recover from the impact of Covid-19 -- as these two states are highly dependent on international tourists. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Hezri Adnan, CEO of the Langkawi Development Authority, which is a government agency responsible for stimulating key sectors in L...
11m Jun 11, 2020
11m
WHO (Part 1) - Is Malaysia A Covid-19 Success Story?
As a member of the World Health Organisation, what has our relationship been over the period of the period of the pandemic?  Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Dr Lo Ying-Ru, Head of Mission and WHO representative to Malaysia, Brunei and Singapore.
8m Jun 09, 2020
8m
WHO (Part 2) - Understanding the Virus?
Three months is a long time in a pandemic. What do we know now that we didn’t know at the onset if this public health crisis? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Dr Lo Ying-Ru, Head of Mission and WHO representative to Malaysia, Brunei and Singapore.
9m Jun 09, 2020
9m
WHO (Part 3) - Role in Ensuring Equal Access to a Vaccine?
When a treatment or a vaccine is eventually developed for Covid-19, what mechanisms are available to ensure there is equitable distribution of the vaccine? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Dr Lo Ying-Ru, Head of Mission and WHO representative to Malaysia, Brunei and Singapore.
8m Jun 09, 2020
8m
Bersatu (Part 1) - Muhyiddin, Tun Dr M Make Their Move?
Bersatu (PPBM) is continuing to take centre stage with observers now waiting to see what the main contenders will do, and its impact on the current government. Will today’s developments, including the resignation of the Deputy Works Minister, change the course of the country’s politics. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan bring you the most important conversations of the day.
7m Jun 04, 2020
7m
Childcare (Part 2) - From MCO to Post-MCO
Childcare centres, or Taskas, across the country will now be allowed to resume operations but they’ll have to comply with the strict guidelines to ensure hygiene and safe distancing practices are observed. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Anne Sivanathan, Committee member, National Association of Early Childhood Care and Education Malaysia (NAECCEM).
11m Jun 04, 2020
11m
Childcare (Part 3) - MCO Burdens for Centres, Staff
Has the design of the Covid-19 SOPs - in terms of teaching, learning and childcare - taken into consideration the realities of facilities and resources of childcare centres? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Noor Syahiza Mohammed, Founder, Blooming Tots House Shah Alam.
9m Jun 04, 2020
9m
US Protests (Part 1) - Yuna, Henry Golding Call Out Ignorance
Controversy was sparked by the winner of Miss Universe Malaysia 2017, Samantha Katie James when she claimed that African Americans "chose to be born as coloured" about the ongoing protest in the USA. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan bring you the most important conversations of the day.
9m Jun 03, 2020
9m
Bersatu (Part 2) - Challenges in Securing Party's Future
Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) is seen by many observers as the source of the current Administration’s instability and challenged legitimacy. The two inter-twined battles taking place within the party are the command of the party and control of the government. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Wan Ahmad Fayshal Wan Ahmad Kamal, Deputy Youth and Sports Minister.
10m Jun 03, 2020
10m
Bersatu (Part 3) - Greatest Threat to Party's Existence?
Factionalism in Bersatu is shaping national politics in the same way UMNO’s factionalism did decades earlier, writes our guest. But how did the relatively small and new Bersatu came to have such an impact on the stability of the current government? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Bridget Welsh, Honorary Research Associate of the Asia Research Institute, at University of Nottingham Mala...
7m Jun 03, 2020
7m
Workers' Housing (Part 1) - Good Policy, Bad Timing?
Yesterday the Human Resources Ministry announced a delay enforcing the amendment to the Workers' Housing Act which would have required employers to improve housing for their workers. Is this another instance of good policy but bad timing? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan bring you the most important conversations of the day.
8m May 29, 2020
8m
Logging (Part 2) - Untangling State Concessions, Compensation Claim
The newly-minted Kedah Mentri Besar was reported saying that PH government left his administration with claims amounting to 1.5 billion ringgit from 40 logging companies. He now wants to give loggers areas to exploit in lieu. Its raised red flags. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Meenakshi Raman, President of Friends of the Earth Malaysia.
10m May 29, 2020
10m
Environment (Part 3) - Stable Policy, Shifting Politics
What challenges are there to the protection of the Ulu Muda forest reserve and its surrounding area -- home to megafauna like elephants and the primary source of water for more than 4 million people in Perlis, Kedah and Penang. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Surin Suksuwan, member of the World Commission on Protected Area.
9m May 29, 2020
9m
Drink Driving (Part 1) - Legal Disincentives, Personal Responsibility
There have been calls for stricter laws and heavier punishments against those found guilty of drinking and driving. Former transport minister Anthony Loke, and other DAP leaders, have come forward to urge the Perikatan Nasional government to speed up law amendments against drink driving. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan bring you the most important conversations of the day.
7m May 28, 2020
7m
Covid-19 (Part 2) - Are Prisons Due for a Redesign?
DG Hisham warned that it was also crucial for the Health Ministry to screen every individual currently incarcerated at other detention centres or risk a surge in new cases. Have these new high-Risk centres been ignored, in the public health response for Covid-19? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Tan Sri Zaman Khan, Former Director-General, Prisons Department.
10m May 28, 2020
10m
Covid-19 (Part 3) - Conditions at Prisons, Detention Centres
Suhakam is one for few independent monitors of the country’s prisons, immigration detention centers as well as rehab centres. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan ask Jerald Joseph, Commissioner, Suhakam (National Human Rights Commission) what conditions in these places of incarceration could contribute to the spread of infectious disease.
9m May 28, 2020
9m
Hari Raya (Part 1) - Crisis and the Quest for Meaning
In the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic, some Muslims had argued that virus was created by God to warn and punish humanity for its sins. And this meant that fighting the pandemic was futile, and Muslims should rely on God to protect the righteous. Can there be a balance between precaution and a reliance on God? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Ustaz Dr Nurul Haq Shahrir, a consulta...
8m May 27, 2020
8m
Hari Raya (Part 2) - Addressing Anxieties Over Innovation
The demands of the public health campaign mean age-old traditions and customs have been changed or put on hold. This is creating anxiety among some of the faithful. How can this unease be addressed? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Ustaz Dr Nurul Haq Shahrir, a consultant on religion for the United Nations in Malaysia.
9m May 27, 2020
9m
Hari Raya (Part 3) - Faith, Science and Prayer
The months of Ramadan and Syawal is often a time when Muslims come together at mosques and homes. But this year has been different. Perhaps this period of social distancing and isolation will allow for opportunities for Muslims to reflect on how the pandemic has tested Muslims' faith. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Ustaz Dr Nurul Haq Shahrir, a consultant on religion for the United Na...
8m May 27, 2020
8m
COVID-19 (Part 1) - Does Stigmatization Hamper Public Health Efforts?
Do the continued raids on the undocumented and a case of healthy legal migrant workers in immigration depots spotlight discriminatory practices that undermine the principles of public health.  Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan bring you the most important conversations of the day.
5m May 21, 2020
5m
Unemployment (Part 2) - What the Data Tell Us About the Economy?
What is the true scale of unemployment in Malaysia? Has the true extent of job losses been adequately understood Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to policy analyst Laurence Todd, Research Director, Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs.
11m May 21, 2020
11m
Unemployment (Part 3) - Are Short-term Measures All We Need?
European Commission President has called for a 21st century Marshall Plan for Europe’s economic recovery from the pandemic, invoking the Marshall plan. Should Malaysia also be thinking big in terms of policy measures to address economic recovery from the crisis? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Laurence Todd, Research Director, Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs.
8m May 21, 2020
8m
COVID-19 (Part 1) - Vietnam's Success Under Scrutiny
Vietnam's low infection rates and a low death in the COVID-19 pandemic have captured headlines. But with an authoritarian system that does not allow for dissent how confident can we be the numbers believable? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Huong Le Thu, Senior Analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute.
10m May 21, 2020
10m
COVID-19 (Part 2) - Vietnam's Early Lockdown Key to Success?
The SARS epidemic is said to have had a salutary effect on Vietnam's public health response. But has it pivoted on authoritarian mechanisms of surveillance rather than a high investment on health infrastructure? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Huong Le Thu, Senior Analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute.
9m May 21, 2020
9m
COVID-19 (Part 3) - Economic Fallout, Vietnam's Response
With an economy integrated both with its giant neighbour China to the north as well as with the rest of the world, how does Vietnam plan to weather the global economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Huong Le Thu, Senior Analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute.
8m May 21, 2020
8m
Parliament (Part 1) - No Turmoil During 'Shortest' Sitting
Parliament met today for 43 minutes and featured only the opening address of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. This is the first time that the House is convening since the fall of the Pakatan Harapan government. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan looks at the most important conversations of the day.
6m May 19, 2020
6m
Parliament (Part 2) - Missed Opportunity to Pass COVID-19 Specific Laws?
Today's half-day Parliamentary sitting might have satisfied the Constitution, but has political turmoil truly been avoided? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, UMNO Youth Chief.
12m May 19, 2020
12m
Parliament (Part 3) - PH Squander 'the People's Mandate'?
Is the absence of PKR at Pakatan Harapan's post-Parliament press conference evidence of the same fractious dynamics that plagued PH during its two years in government? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Liew Chin Tong, Dewan Negara Senator and Political Education Director for DAP.
9m May 19, 2020
9m
Teachers' Day (Part 1) - Sabah's Teachers Get Creative
Already disadvantaged - with hundreds of schools in disrepair or declared unfit - the Covid-19 crisis has nevertheless allowed committed teachers to work around limitations, to find ways to reach children most left behind by the closing of schools. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Jenifer Lasimbang, Assistant Minister of Education and Innovation, Sabah.
11m May 16, 2020
11m
Teachers' Day (Part 2) - Stepping Up in Desperate Times
While parents hold on to the conventional notions of school - classes, the syllabus, exams - educators are having to adapt to the limits placed on teachers under the present circumstances.  Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Cheryl Fernando, Country Director of Global School Leaders, a non-profit focused on providing leadership training for school principals from underperforming schools.
7m May 16, 2020
7m
Teachers' Day (Part 3) - Is it Time to Rethink Education?
What opportunities can be seized at this time in terms of rethinking education? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Cheryl Fernando, Country Director of Global School Leaders, a non-profit focused on providing leadership training for school principals from underperforming schools.
9m May 16, 2020
9m
COVID-19 (Part 1) - Protecting Environmental Gains?
The environmental sectors of Malaysia have been impacted by not just the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown but also from a new government that has yet to make clear its environmental policy. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Wong Siew Lyn and Law Yao Hua, co-founders and editors of Macaranga, a portal covering issues of the environment and sustainability in Malaysia.
8m May 13, 2020
8m
COVID-19 (Part 2) - Ecotourism, Zoos and Research
The downsides of the crisis both in the movement restriction, loss of economic activity as well as the diversion of funds is making its impact. What does it tell us about the work of environmental protection and the institutional arrangements it relies on?  Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Wong Siew Lyn and Law Yao Hua, co-founders, and editors of Macaranga, a portal covering issues of ...
10m May 13, 2020
10m
Consider This: COVID-19 (Part 3) - PN's Environmental Policy Direction?
Preceding the COVID-19 crisis was the political crisis which saw the fall of the Pakatan Harapan (PH) government. Unlike PH, the Perikatan Nasional government has no manifesto nor as a new direction emerged. What needs to be done? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Wong Siew Lyn and Law Yao Hua, co-founders and editors of Macaranga, a portal covering issues of the environment and sustaina...
8m May 13, 2020
8m
CMCO (Part 1) - Return of the 3D Work Debate
Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri M. Saravanan has advised Malaysians to change their mindset when it comes to jobs, and accept any work that they can get in view of rising unemployment. Along with news of yet another raid on undocumented migrant workers, against the advice of public health experts. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan take up the most important conversations of the day.
8m May 13, 2020
8m
Kedah (Part 2) - PH Fall a Reflection of National Dynamics?
Kedah is the fourth state government to change hands since Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin pulled Bersatu out of Pakatan Harapan in February. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan ask Prof Dr Mohd Azizuddin Mohd Sani, Political Analyst, Universiti Utara Malaysia how this affects the management of both the public health response as well as the economic fall-out.
9m May 13, 2020
9m