SRC Trial (Part 1) - Pakatan or Perikatan Victory?
Earlier today former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak was found guilty of all seven charges of misappropriating 42 million ringgit of SRC International funds and sentenced to 12 years in jail and a RM210 million fine. While Najib has successfully obtained a stay of execution for his sentence, the verdict will no doubt have an impact on the political landscape. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kutt...
10m Jul 29, 2020
10m
Consider This: SRC Trial (Part 2) - How Will UMNO Pivot Post-Verdict?
Anger and confusion marked the response of many of the party faithful to the conviction and sentencing for former Prime Minister Najib Razak. And it prompted UMNO President to issue a statement that the party will have to make a major decision in the near term. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Hamidin Hamid, a political analyst with Universiti Malaya, about the grand old party’s respons...
13m Jul 29, 2020
13m
Singapore (Part 1) - PAP, Its Own Worst Enemy?
In the aftermath of the polls the ruling People's Action Party and its representatives have been busy countering more critical interpretations of the General Elections. What are the interpretations that differ from the PAP preferred narrative? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Bridget Welsh who is with the Asia Research Institute at University of Nottingham Malaysia.
8m Jul 24, 2020
8m
Singapore (Part 2) - Bracing for Generational Change
Incumbent Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong had noted that the PAP’s vote share of 61% was a "clear mandate" but lower than what he had hoped for. What led to a reduced level of support for PAP in the recent elections? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Donald Low, Professor of Practice in Public Policy, at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.
9m Jul 24, 2020
9m
Singapore (Part 3) - Pandemic Polls, Double-Edged Sword?
Rumours are rife that an early general election will be called in Malaysia. Are there lessons that Malaysian politicians should take note of, from Singapore's recent example? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Bridget Welsh who is with the Asia Research Institute at University of Nottingham Malaysia.
7m Jul 24, 2020
7m
Sarawak Day (Part 1) - Foundations of Malaysia
Sarawak was granted self-rule on 22 July 1963, on the expectation that it would jointly form the Federation of Malaysia on 16 September the same year. This is the basis of Sarawak Day, and time to reflect on the place of Sarawak in the Federation. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Datuk Lee Kim Shin, Sarawak's Minister for Transport and a five-term assemblyman of the Sarawak State Legisl...
7m Jul 23, 2020
7m
Sarawak Day (Part 2) - New Normal Celebrations
Gawai celebrations were disrupted because of the Covid-19 pandemic. How will Sarawak Day be celebrated? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Datuk Lee Kim Shin, Sarawak's Minister for Transport, a five-term assemblyman of the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly, representing Senadin for the Sarawak United People's Party and chair of the Sarawak Day celebrations.
6m Jul 23, 2020
6m
Sarawak Day (Part 3) - Marginalised in the National Narrative?
History is often invoked in discussions about Sarawak re-negotiating its relationship in the Federation, beginning with MA63 and extending to the eclipse of Sarawakian leaders in history textbooks. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Suffian Mansor, Senior Lecturer in Modern History at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.
13m Jul 23, 2020
13m
Covid-19 (Part 1) - Job Losses Double Every Month
The government has decided to no longer allow those entering the country to self-quarantine at home. As of this Friday, 24th July, those citizens and non-citizens entering Malaysia will be immediately sent to government-designated quarantine centres for mandatory two weeks quarantine. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan bring you the most important conversations of the day.
6m Jul 22, 2020
6m
Labuan (Part 2) - Can Sabah Do Better on Development?
Yesterday in Parliament witnessed a call for the Federal Territory of Labuan to be returned to Sabah, if the federal government cannot commit to developing its economy. He added that the Sabah state government has the resources to better develop the island Federal Territory. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Rozman Isli, Warisan Member of Parliament for Labuan.
9m Jul 22, 2020
9m
Labuan (Part 3) - Development Plans vs Ground Realities
What are the realities of Labuan's geographic location and financial resources that perhaps constrains its ability to achieve some of these grand economic development plans that have been touted in the past? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Simon Sipaun, Chairman, Institute of Development Studies in Sabah and Kassim Mansor, Dean of the Faculty of Business, Economics and Accountancy, Uni...
10m Jul 22, 2020
10m
Covid-19 (Part 1) - Have We Become Less Careful?
Let’s start with the news that the government is looking to make the wearing of masks compulsory in public places. In a televised address today, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the government is fine-tuning the details. This comes as new positive cases of Covid-19 have increased to the double digits over the last few days, and fresh clusters detected. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan bring you the...
9m Jul 21, 2020
9m
UEC Recognition (Part 2) - What Did the Taskforce Achieve?
The Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) is back in the news, after a recent meeting between the Prime Minister and the Federation of Chinese Associations Malaysia. Conflicting reports over what was agreed to at the meeting, was a reminder that recognition of the UEC is seen to be politically contentious. While recognition has been a long-standing desire of the community, no government thus fa...
9m Jul 21, 2020
9m
UEC Recognition (Part 3) - What Remains A Stumbling Block?
Has the issue of UEC recognition been so politicised to the point where we have lost sight of the really important question - genuine education? And what would it take to overcome an impasse on UEC recognition?  Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Eddin Khoo, Chairperson, UEC Taskforce.
9m Jul 21, 2020
9m
Local Government (Part 1) - Restoring Elections?
Recently, the issue local government elections came to the fore, with the Housing and Local Government Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin saying that a paper will be tabled to the cabinet by mid-next year. But this was promptly rejected by UMNO and PAS which are part of the Perikatan Nasional government. Why the resistance? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Thomas Fann, Secretary-General of Gab...
8m Jul 17, 2020
8m
Local Government (Part 2) - Ratepayers Solidarity, Not Racial Politics?
Many arguments are made against restoring local government elections including that cities have more minority representation. But our guests argue that only 6 out of 154 municipalities have a slight Chinese majority. What is the true concern? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Thomas Fann, Secretary-General of Gabungan Demokrasi Tempatan and Datuk M. Ali, Chairperson of the Save KL Coalit...
9m Jul 17, 2020
9m
Local Government (Part 3) - Participation Without Elections Possible?
Seeing oneself as both citizen and a ratepayer requires a shift in mind-set and active involvement in issues that have an immediate impact on our lives. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Thomas Fann, Secretary-General of Gabungan Demokrasi Tempatan and Datuk M. Ali, Chairperson of the Save KL Coalition.
9m Jul 17, 2020
9m
Parliament (Part 1) - Boomers Out, Youth In?
After what many have described as a "chaotic" first day in Parliament yesterday, hashtag #OurTurn or #MasaKita were trending on social media, on posts about the frustration of young Malaysians about the behaviour of older elected representatives in Dewan Rakyat. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan bring you the most important conversations of the day.
9m Jul 15, 2020
9m
Causeway (Part 2) - Bilateral Talks Lead to Partial Opening
Malaysia and Singapore have agreed to open respective borders to long-term pass holders, as well as business and official visitors, starting 10th August. The causeway is one of the world’s busiest border crossings, across which some 300 thousand people traverse each day. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Oh Ei Sun, Fellow, Singapore Institute of International Affairs on the impact of the...
10m Jul 15, 2020
10m
Causeway (Part 3) - Recession Woes, Jobs Impact
Singapore's economy contracted 41.2% compared to the previous quarter -- and it’s the biggest quarterly contraction on record. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Ho Meng Kit, CEO, Singapore Business Federation, to get a better understanding what has been the on-the-ground impact of COVID-19 border restrictions on Singaporean businesses and the hundreds of thousands of Malaysian workers wo...
9m Jul 15, 2020
9m
Parliament (Part 1) - Speaker's Removal Makes History
All eyes were on the Dewan Rakyat sitting today with the motion to remove Speaker of Dewan Rakyat Tan Sri Ariff Yusof. It was approved with 111 votes in favour, and 109 against. Art Harun, was then installed – without a vote – as the new Speaker of Dewan Rakyat, as was a new Deputy Speaker replacing Nga Khor Ming, who resigned following Ariff’s removal. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan bring you...
9m Jul 14, 2020
9m
Parliament (Part 2) - Missed Opportunities in the Reform Agenda
Now that we have a new Speaker of Dewan Rakyat, the questions arise over the continuity of the reform agenda. During his time as Speaker, Tan Sri Ariff had introduced various reforms to improve the quality of parliamentary proceedings. What will become of these reforms now? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Wan Anwar Wan Ibrahim, Special Functions Officer to Former Speaker of Dewan Rakya...
8m Jul 14, 2020
8m
Parliament (Part 3) - Slim Majority Poser for PN's Legislative Agenda
PM Muhyiddin Yassin’s motion to remove Dewan Rakyat Speaker Ariff Yusof was successful -- it received 111 votes in favour but his victory also revealed the wafer thin majority he possesses. What does the slim majority mean for the stability of the PN coalition and also for their legislative agenda? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Aira Azhari, Manager, Research at the Institute of Democ...
9m Jul 14, 2020
9m
Rukun Negara (Part 1) - Celebrating the 50th Anniversary
Today is the 50th anniversary of the Rukun Negara and there's been a lot of discussion about its continued relevance. The Rukun Negara calls for an equal society as well as for greater unity. Have we lived up to these principles? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan bring you the most important conversations of the day.
8m Jul 10, 2020
8m
Poverty (Part 2) - Is the Government Back-Tracking on Commitments?
In August last year, Philip Alston, the then-United Nations Special Rapporteur on Extreme Poverty and Human Rights, travelled throughout the country. During that 11-day visit, he met with Government officials, civil society, academics, and people affected by poverty in urban and rural areas. His report on poverty in Malaysia from that official visit was released earlier this week. Melisa Idris ...
9m Jul 10, 2020
9m
Poverty (Part 3) - Overall Progress But Incomplete Says UN Rapporteur
The Report by United Nations Special Rapporteur on Extreme Poverty and Human Rights notes that "Overall, Malaysia has made immense progress on poverty alleviation, but the job remains incomplete." Who has been left out of our economic 'miracle'. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Philip Alston, Former UN Special Rapporteur on Extreme Poverty and Human Rights (2014-2020) and currently a pr...
8m Jul 10, 2020
8m
Migrant Doco (Part 1) - Can Government learn from Corporate PR?
In sharp contrast the government's response to the Al Jazeera documentary is the way Sime Darby is handling its bad press. Liberty Shared, which is a Hong Kong-based anti-trafficking group, has alleged conditions of forced labour and child labour at Sime Darby Plantation. The NGO is petitioning the US to ban imports of palm oil products by Sime Darby Plantation - which is the largest listed pal...
9m Jul 09, 2020
9m
Migrant Doco (Part 2) - Economic Anxieties Driving Xenophobia?
Over the last five months, Malaysia has seen a dramatic shift in its politics, the unfolding of a public health crisis, and an economic downturn threatening the livelihoods of millions. Has this resulted in a general atmosphere of anxiety that pervades the entire society? And is it driving many of the controversies we have seen in the public realm recently, including the recurring anti-immigran...
9m Jul 09, 2020
9m
Migrant Doco (Part 3) - Legal Protections for Media?
International NGO, Human Rights Watch, today raised concerns that Malaysian authorities have been increasingly responding to criticism by initiating criminal investigations on journalists, activists, and even ordinary citizens. There seems to be a steadily narrowing of the boundaries of what can be said without the threat of reprisal. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Gayathry S. Venkite...
8m Jul 09, 2020
8m
Senate (part 1) - Providing Thought Leadership?
The Dewan Negara is expected to play an active part in the legislative process, beyond the sectional interest our guest has come to represent -- that of Persons With Disabilities. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Ras Adiba Radzi, president of the NGO, OKU Sentral, on issues she would like to champion during her term as Senator.
9m Jul 08, 2020
9m
COVID-19 (Part 2) - Disabled Included Public Health Response?
What has been the impact of COVID-19 and the MCO on persons with disabilities - on their lives, services they need and on their livelihoods. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Ras Adiba Radzi, president of the NGO, OKU Sentral, if the community was consulted in the framing of the public health response.
10m Jul 08, 2020
10m
Inclusivity (Part 3) - Where Next for Advocates?
United Nations' Convention on the Right of Persons with Disabilities asserts that when speaking about the community we must be mindful of the slogan "Nothing about us, without us". Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Ras Adiba Radzi, president of the NGO, OKU Sentral, on where she would like the national conversation to go.
8m Jul 08, 2020
8m
Press Freedom (Part 1) - Malaysiakini Loses First Round, Next Date July 13
Today the Federal Court has decided that it will hear the contempt of court proceedings against Malaysiakini, over readers’ comments on its site that prosecutors claim undermined the judiciary. The seven-judge panel ruled that Malaysiakini had facilitated the publication of the comments, and was presumed in law to have published the comments. A contempt hearing will be held on July 13th. Melisa...
9m Jul 03, 2020
9m
Youth (Part 2) - How Deep is the Discontent?
As government statistics begin to capture the ground realities, we are getting a clearer picture of which groups are suffering the greatest hardship in these uncertain times. While young people are expected to be more resilient and are said to be able to look to the future with optimism, is this in fact how they understand their current situation? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Firdau...
8m Jul 03, 2020
8m
Youth (Part 3) - Sabah's Realities Always Been Tougher?
Recent research has shown that youth unemployment in Sabah is at a worrying level with some estimates putting it at 100 thousand. What are causes of this level of unemployment and can be done to address it. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Farid Sainuri, President, Sabah Youth Council.
9m Jul 03, 2020
9m
Higher Education (Part 1) - Industry Consolidation or Job Preservation?
A Sabah college calling on its employees to take a pay cut or resign has had a lifeline thrown to it by the Chief Minister who declared that there would be no pay cuts and jobs terminations. But with revenues shrinking how long can the government subsidise higher education? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan bring you the most important conversations of the day.
8m Jul 02, 2020
8m
Party-Hopping (Part 2) - Defining the "Voters Mandate"?
The expression “return the people’s mandate” has been used to define how those who voted for the Pakatan Harapan coalition feel cheated. Many think “party-hopping” and be resolved through an “Anti-Party Hopping” law. But even if such a law could be enacted and not breach the Constitution, would it be desirable? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to political scientist Wong Chin Huat.
9m Jul 02, 2020
9m
Party-Hopping (Part 3) - Keeping Elected Reps Responsible to Voters
If anti-hopping laws are problematic, how then do we address what is clearly a deep dissatisfaction among the public with the practice known as ‘party-hopping’? Will it need a combination of electoral system change, protections for elected representatives and the use of a re-call mechanisms to bring our democratic process in line with the aspirations of the electorate? Melisa Idris and Sharaad ...
8m Jul 02, 2020
8m
Rebirth (Part 1) - Police Ordered to Probe Book Cover Artwork
The Home Ministry has ordered the police to probe those linked to a book that it claims to have insulted the "Jata Negara" or the Malaysian coat of arms, on its cover. Titled ‘Rebirth: Reformasi, Resistance, And Hope In New Malaysia’ is a collection of articles and essays about the 14th General Election. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan bring you the most important conversations of the day.
8m Jun 30, 2020
8m
Pakatan Plus (Part 2) - Sabahan PM, What Do Voters Want?
Over the weekend, there was a mixed response to Dr Mahathir Mohamad's endorsement of Parti Warisan Sabah president Shafie Apdal as the Pakatan Harapan Plus candidate for PM. Some have welcomed the proposal, saying it will focus much-needed attention on East Malaysia. Critics point out that  Warisan commands only 9 seats in Parliament, and the move is simply to thwart Anwar Ibrahim from becoming...
9m Jun 30, 2020
9m
Pakatan Plus (Part 3) - PM Designate a Numbers Game?
Could the nomination of Warisan’s Shafie Apdal as PM-designate shift Sarawak’s GPS position from supporting Muhyiddin Yassin, to supporting Pakatan Harapan Plus, seen as crucial if PH Plus has any chance of forming a stable government? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Hamidin Hamid, a political analyst with Universiti Malaya.
8m Jun 30, 2020
8m
World Refugee Day (Part 1) - Celebrated with Prejudice or Pragmatism?
News of a DBKL notice banning refugees from entering the Kuala Lumpur wholesale market stirred debate on social media coming on the heels of World Refugee Day. The move did not come with any stated reasoning but included that foreigners with valid papers must be accompanied by a Malaysian to enter the market. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan bring you the most important conversations of the day.
7m Jun 23, 2020
7m
Youth Unemployment (Part 2) - Long-standing Structural Problems
Recently the Department of Statistics revealed that Malaysia's unemployment rate for April - at 5% - was the highest it’s been in 30 years. But what of the youth component?  Will young Malaysians disproportionately bear the brunt of the economic fallout from the pandemic? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Lee Hwok Aun, Senior Fellow, ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute.
9m Jun 23, 2020
9m
Youth Unemployment (Part 3) - Blind Spots in Policy Formulation.mp4
How do policy makers view the structural problems underpinning youth unemployment - itself a multidimensional issue? And does the expected global recession change the way they ought to approach solutions?  Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Dr Juita Mohamad, Fellow, Economics, Trade and Regional Integration Division, Institute Of Strategic & International Studies.
9m Jun 23, 2020
9m
Chini By-Election (Part 1) - New SOPs, Guidelines for Safety
Ahead of nomination day for the Chini by-election tomorrow Saturday the 20th of June we look at how the Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in new norms for the electoral process. To get a better sense of how these new rules affect campaigning, Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Azmi Sharom, Deputy Chairman of the Election Commission.
7m Jun 20, 2020
7m
Snap Polls (Part 2) - Are We Prepared for a General Election?
Talk of snap polls has gained momentum in recent weeks but can safe-distancing measures be implemented at a national scale for a GE? And what international best practices can be adopted.  Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Azmi Sharom, Deputy chairman of the Election Commission.
9m Jun 20, 2020
9m
Contract Work (Part 3) - A Global Trend Impacting Malaysia?
To better understand ‘workforce casualisation’ -- which is the shift from full-time and permanent employment, to casual and contract positions in the labour market – we need to understand it as a strategy both for enterprises and also individuals, but with uneven consequences. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Niaz Asadullah, Professor of Economics at Universiti Malaya, and the Southeast...
12m Jun 20, 2020
12m
Chini By-Election (Part 1) - No-Contest Good for Democracy?
Against the expectation of a no-contest, the Chini by-election looks set to be competitive and from an expected candidate. With Bersatu’s deputy chief of the Pekan division, Tengku Datuk Zainul Hisham Tengku Hussin throwing his hat in the ring, the incumbent party Barisan Nasional’s candidate Mohd Sharim Zain will now have to win his seat. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan bring you the most impo...
8m Jun 19, 2020
8m
Workers (Part 2) - Are Hospital Support Staff Getting Bad Deal?
Some weeks ago a labour dispute made headlines when picketing activists were arrested for violating the MCO rules on public gatherings. Behind this event was a long-standing grouse about work conditions involving workers once in secure government employment, moved into less secure contract work. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Sarasvathy Muthu, Executive Secretary of the National Union...
9m Jun 19, 2020
9m
Contract Work (Part 3) - A Global Trend Impacting Malaysia?
To better understand ‘workforce casualisation’ -- which is the shift from full-time and permanent employment, to casual and contract positions in the labour market – we need to understand it as a strategy both for enterprises and also individuals, but with uneven consequences. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Niaz Asadullah, Professor of Economics at Universiti Malaya, and the Southeast...
12m Jun 19, 2020
12m