Consider This: Children (Part 1) - Siti Nabilah’s Story
Siti Nabila is a 9-year old girl who was last year diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. She was adopted without proper papers, which means Siti Nabila is a stateless child and therefore not entitled to free medical care at a government hospital. Her Malaysian adoptive parents earn RM1,500 a month, and were unable to pay the RM40,000 medical bill. How many children are there like ...
7m May 27, 2021
7m
Consider This: COVID-19 (Part 2) - Does Science Literacy Matter?
Let’s begin with a look at today’s third round opt-in registration for the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine. The tech difficulties and lottery-style registration proved to be quite stressful for applicants, and left many angry and frustrated with the entire vaccination process. What do you think needs to be done to address these frustrations so it doesn’t tip over from: “enthusiastic about opting-i...
12m May 26, 2021
12m
Consider This: COVID-19 (Part 1) - Better Vaccination Communications?
An effective communication strategy plays an absolutely vital role in ensuring the success of any nationwide Covid-19 vaccine rollout. Public health communicators have to take into account the planning for each phase of rollout and reaching diverse yet specific audiences. Do we need to rethink our comms approach altogether? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Dr Latif Lai, Head of the Rese...
15m May 26, 2021
15m
Consider This: COVID-19 (Part 2) - Fate Of High Risk Patients
Although Covid-19 primarily manifests as a respiratory syndrome, its reach can extend to many other organs like the kidney, heart & brain, with devastating consequences. The consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic have been devastating; however, evidence suggests that patients with, or at risk of, kidney disease are disproportionately affected. What has been observed in the past year of the pande...
12m May 25, 2021
12m
Consider This: COVID-19 (Part 1) - Why Are People Dying At Home?
Malaysia’s Covid-19 mortality rate increased to 0.86% in the past week -- meaning almost one in every 100 Covid cases in the past week had succumbed to the disease. In just the first 18 days of May, we had 500 reported deaths -- the same number we experienced for the whole of 2020. Are we headed for a “vertical surge” and with what consequences for society and the health system? Melisa Idris an...
15m May 25, 2021
15m
Consider This: Custodial Deaths (Part 2) - How To Prevent The Next One?
Attempts to make the police force more accountable and to reduce incidents of abuse have had a chequered history beginning perhaps with the Royal Commission of Inquiry two decades ago. The process of reform under the 22-month Pakatan Harapan government was however short-lived. What are the prospects for reform? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Ding Jo Ann, Advisor, Centre for Independen...
11m May 24, 2021
11m
Consider This: Custodial Deaths (Part 1) - One Death Too Many?
The recent deaths of Sivabalan Subramaniam and A.Ganapathy have once again raised public outcry that not enough is being done to address deaths, or injuries that lead to death, that happen in police custody. Why do custodial deaths persist and what can be done to prevent them. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Yohendra Nadarajan, Director, Eliminating Deaths and Abuse in Custody Together...
14m May 24, 2021
14m
Consider This: Lockdown (Part 3) -- Private Hospitals Fully Mobilised?
A couple of hours ago, the highly anticipated National Security Council meeting announced that they will be announcing tomorrow the tightening of MCO 3.0, which will include additional economic and social restrictions. What impact will a so-called “full-scale lockdown” have on the care of both Covid & non-Covid illnesses? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Datuk Dr Kuljit Singh, President...
8m May 21, 2021
8m
Consider This: Lockdown (Part 2) -- Keeping Medical Industries Running?
A couple of hours ago, the highly anticipated National Security Council meeting announced that they will be announcing tomorrow the tightening of MCO 3.0, which will include additional economic and social restrictions. What impact will a so-called “full-scale lockdown” have on the medical industries? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Andy Lee, Chairman, Association of Malaysian Medical I...
10m May 21, 2021
10m
Consider This: Lockdown (Part 1) -- Impact On Vaccination Rollout
A couple of hours ago, the highly anticipated National Security Council meeting announced that they will be announcing tomorrow the tightening of MCO 3.0, which will include additional economic and social restrictions. What impact will a so-called “full-scale lockdown” have on the ongoing vaccination process? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Datuk Chevy Beh, Founder, BookDoc, healthtech...
10m May 21, 2021
10m
Consider This: Vaccination (Part 2) - Penang's Procurement Practices
In the sometimes tense on-going exchange between the Penang Chief Minister and the Federal MOSTI Minister over a purported “unapproved donation of vaccines” what can be discerned as the State government’s strategy? Why instead of procuring vaccines through regular channels did it opt to accept a donation? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Dr Norlela Ariffin, Chairman, Penang State Govern...
10m May 20, 2021
10m
Consider This: Vaccination (Part 1) - Pakatan Harapan's Alternative Strategy
As the Federal Government’s National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme picks up pace and continues to evolve, the involvement of state governments have taken center stage. Tonight on the show, we’ll speak to Covid-19 committee representatives from the state governments of Selangor and Penang about the specific challenges they face at this time. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Datuk Seri ...
15m May 20, 2021
15m
Consider This: Palestine (Part 3) -- Concern Beyond The News Cycle
Amidst the outpouring of support for Palestinians living in Gaza there is a recognition that Palestinians are living among Malaysians even now. But who are they and what kinds of lives have they carved out for themselves here? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Muslim Imran, Chairperson, Palestinian Cultural Organisation Malaysia.
8m May 19, 2021
8m
Consider This: Palestine (Part 2) -- Getting Aid Through
News reports from the ground say hospitals are overwhelmed and running low on medical supplies, water & food supplies running out, and thousands now displaced due to destroyed homes. What can be done to secure aid? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Datuk Dr Ahmad Faizal Perdaus, President, Mercy Malaysia. MERCY Malaysia has been providing medical and humanitarian assistance to Palestine ...
8m May 19, 2021
8m
Consider This: Palestine (Part 1) -- Whither Diplomatic Efforts?
News reports confirm that efforts to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Palestine are on-going, but little progress appears to have been made as fighting has now entered a 10th day. What are the diplomatic efforts at play and will they yield results in time to save lives? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to His Excellency Walid Abu Ali, Ambassador of the State of Palestine to Malaysia, ...
9m May 19, 2021
9m
Consider This: Care Homes (Part 2) -- Prioritising The Vulnerable
Old folks' homes house some of the most vulnerable in this pandemic, and yet we’ve had concerns raised over apparent gaps in the inoculation process for the elderly, especially those at nursing homes. Have we failed to learn from the experience of other countries and how can we build back better the care home system? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Professor Dr Tan Maw Pin, Consultant ...
13m May 18, 2021
13m
Consider This: Care Homes (Part 1) -- Barriers To Vaccine Participation?
Old folks' homes house some of the most vulnerable in this pandemic, and yet we’ve had concerns raised over apparent gaps in the inoculation process for the elderly, especially those at nursing homes.Have residents and staff of care centres for the elderly been neglected in the national Covid-19 vaccine rollout? And do Covid-19 SOPs take into account the vulnerabilities of this particular demog...
14m May 18, 2021
14m
Consider This: Hari Raya (Part 2) -- Neighbours, Food, Trust
Today we take the opportunity to reflect on the larger multi-cultural context of Hari Raya, both here in the Peninsula and across the South China Sea in the territories of Sabah and Sarawak during Aidilfitri celebrations. We ask can we build understanding, instill trust but also accept differences. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Nathaniel Tan, Coordinator, Projek Wawasan Rakyat (POWR)...
11m May 14, 2021
11m
Consider This: Hari Raya (Part 1) -- Our Multi-Cultural Context
Today we take the opportunity to reflect on the larger multi-cultural context of Hari Raya, both here in the Peninsula and across the South China Sea in the territories of Sabah and Sarawak during Aidilfitri celebrations. What are the ties that bind, what sets us apart and who wants to pull us apart. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Nathaniel Tan, Coordinator, Projek Wawasan Rakyat (POW...
16m May 14, 2021
16m
Consider This: Hari Raya - Fashionable While Social Distancing (Part 2)
Buying new clothes & apparel for the festive season is a gesture of hope & a chance to sparkle socially. But how is the current mood shaping tastes? Tonight on #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris & Sharaad Kuttan speak to designer Nelissa Hilman about Hari Raya styling this year.
14m May 13, 2021
14m
Consider This: Hari Raya - Fashionable While Social Distancing (Part 1)
Buying new clothes & apparel for the festive season is a gesture of hope & a chance to sparkle socially. But how is the current mood shaping tastes? Tonight on Consider This Melisa Idris & Sharaad Kuttan speak to designer Alia Bastamam about Hari Raya styling this year.
14m May 13, 2021
14m
Consider This: Hari Raya (Part 2) - Time For Stories
14m May 12, 2021
14m
Consider This: Hari Raya (Part 1) - Small Gestures Matter
Hari Raya is upon us - a celebration that is simultaneously religious and cultural. How has Hari Raya changed for you over the years and how has it expressed itself in our literature and popular culture? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Adriana Nordin Manan is a writer, playwright, translator.
14m May 12, 2021
14m
Consider This: COVID-19 (Part 3) - Using Artificial Intelligence Accurately
The scientific community has long called for the increased use of data science and AI in the fight against Covid-19. We understand the advantage it can give us. But what principles should guide the use of AI forecasting models for tracking and infection prediction? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Dr Helmi Zakariah, Panel Member, Focus Group on Artificial Intelligence for Health, World ...
7m May 10, 2021
7m
Consider This: OVID-19 (Part 2) - Using Artificial Intelligence Accurately
The scientific community has long called for the increased use of data science and AI in the fight against Covid-19. We understand the advantage it can give us. But what principles should guide the use of AI forecasting models for tracking and infection prediction? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Dr Helmi Zakariah, Panel Member, Focus Group on Artificial Intelligence for Health, World ...
3m May 10, 2021
3m
Consider This: HIDE (Part 1) - Why Are Retailers Up In Arms?
The government has a new warning system, touted to predict future Covid-19 hotspots. The Hotspots Identification for Dynamic Engagement system, or better known as HIDE, will -- as the government claims -- allow it to take pre-emptive action so that certain premises or areas can avoid turning into Covid-19 clusters. But what’s gone wrong in its implements that it has one of its main stakeholders...
13m May 10, 2021
13m
Consider This: Covid-19 (Part 2) - Mantras Worth Remembering
While the incompetence of India’s central government has been well reported, Prime Minister Modi presides over decades of healthcare under-investment and the deepest structural inequalities. What hope is there in the short term of remedying the situation and bringing the pandemic under control? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Professor Sanjeev Krishna, Professor of Molecular Parasitolo...
12m May 07, 2021
12m
Consider This: COVID-19 (Part 1) - Lessons From India’s Crisis
Just two months ago, on the 8th of March, India's health minister was quoted as saying that India was in the "endgame of the pandemic". But in the past few weeks, India's Covid caseload has risen sharply -- in fact, India accounted for 46% of the new Covid-19 cases recorded worldwide last week, and one in four of deaths globally. So, how did India get from relative calm to its new crisis? Melis...
11m May 07, 2021
11m
Consider This: DAP (Part 2) - Acknowledging Shifting Ground
Does Liew Chin Tong’s win settle the debate once and for all about the two divergent tendencies within DAP - one that leans towards its Chinese demographic base, and the other towards its stated multiracial commitments. And how will the party have to change substantively to address the changing shape of Malaysian society? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to political scientist Wong Chin Huat.
10m May 06, 2021
10m
Consider This: DAP (Part 1) - Chinese Vs Multiracial Orientation?
Liew Chin Tong retained his position as Johor DAP chief for the fourth straight term at the state party elections last weekend, with Kulai MP Teo Nie Ching as his deputy. The contest captured headlines as a battle between two divergent tendencies in a party, one leaning towards its Chinese demographic base and the other towards its stated multiracial commitments. But does Chin Tong’s win settle...
15m May 06, 2021
15m
Consider This: School Walkout (Part 2) - Respecting Authority Over Children’s Rights?
Nationwide School Walkout Day aligns itself with the #Make School A Safer Place movement, and calls for teachers & students to be absent from school, both online and  offline, for either one whole school day or one class period. The Majlis Belia Negara (Malaysian Youth Council) has put out a statement disagreeing with the walkout. We ask them why? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to ‘Atiqa...
9m May 05, 2021
9m
Consider This: School Walkout (Part 3) - Who Does NUTP Support?
How have schools and teachers responded to the #MakeSchoolASaferPlace movement - with regard to the rape comments and period spot-checks - and is there a culture of silence or not reporting misconduct in schools? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Harry Tan is the Secretary-General of the National Union of the Teaching Profession for Peninsular Malaysia (NUTP).
9m May 05, 2021
9m
Consider This: School Walkout (Part 1) - Demanding A Comprehensive Response
In light of the recent accounts of rape culture, sexual harassment, and period spot checks in schools, an alliance of NGOs, youths, parents and teachers, have organised a nationwide School Walkout Day. Slated for the 6th and 7th of May, the National School Walkout Day is to demand for comprehensive action from authorities, and to stand in solidarity with the victims. But it get the intended res...
9m May 05, 2021
9m
Consider This: Immunization (Part 2) - Have We Misunderstood Hesitancy?
Last Sunday saw an overwhelming response to the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine registration opt-in system, when all 268,000 vaccination slots were taken up in about three hours. Yet this number represents a small percentage of the millions of adults who live in the capital and surrounding state of Selangor. Are we in danger of reading too much into Sunday’s exercise? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kutt...
12m May 04, 2021
12m
Consider This: Immunization (Part 1) - Why AstraZeneca Carve Out?
Last Sunday saw an overwhelming response to the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine registration opt-in system, when all 268,000 vaccination slots were taken up in about three hours. The process was a unique opportunity to test public responsiveness to a parallel vaccine rollout. What was discovered about this state-based, vaccine-specific, opt-in system? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to indep...
16m May 04, 2021
16m
Consider This: Press Freedom (Part 1) - Advancing The Public Good
Today we mark World Press Freedom Day, a day of particular importance to working journalists like ourselves but also to the wider public, especially those who see a connection between a free press and good governance. Tonight we take stock on how the media has fared over the last year and where it might be headed in the near future.  This year’s theme for World Press Freedom Day is “Information...
15m May 03, 2021
15m
Consider This: Press Freedom (Part 2) - Ownership, Data Access Challenges
This year’s theme for World Press Freedom Day is “Information as a Public Good”, which underlines the indisputable importance of having access to accurate and comprehensive information, including government data. When we talk about access to government data, we often cite the Right to Information. And the fact that Malaysia is one of the few countries that does not have Right to Information leg...
16m May 03, 2021
16m
Consider This: Sabah (Part 3) - Understanding 'Political Maturity'
Our guest writes that “the Sabah digital public offer positive signs that Malaysian society can compartmentalise their politics to unite and work together for the betterment of their own society.” We ask him what he means by this. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Benjamin YH Loh co-edited the book “Sabah From The Ground”, and also co-wrote the chapter, ‘Don’t Jump, Time to Work’: Politi...
8m Apr 30, 2021
8m
Consider This: Sabah (Part 1) - 'Political Narratives Of Resentment'
Tonight we speak to the editors of a recent book on Sabah’s election last year -- what happened, and why, as well as the broader implications of the outcome for Sabah and Malaysian politics. The introduction of the book notes that explanations of Sabah politics often focus on ethnic and state nationalism. We ask what’s limiting about this approach? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Bridg...
11m Apr 30, 2021
11m
Consider This: Sabah (Part 2) - Deploying Anti-Immigrant Rhetoric
Sabahans pride themselves for not sharing Malaya’s politics of racial and religious supremacy yet “anti-immigrant” rhetoric is commonplace. And how is it related to the fact that Sabah society consists of “layered, diverse and complex ethnic narratives.” Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Vilashini Somiah is an anthropologist and a Senior Lecturer at the Gender Studies Programme at Univer...
8m Apr 30, 2021
8m
Consider This: Opinion Polls (Part 1) - Personal Popularity, Not Government Performance?
The Merdeka Center poll carried out amongst Peninsula Malaysia voters was between 31st March and 12th April, found Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin’s approval rating to be at 67%. This solid popularity rating seems to be at odds with the #KerajaanGagal hashtag that was trending on social media more than a week ago. What explains the apparent gap between the results of the survey & sentiment on s...
15m Apr 29, 2021
15m
Consider This: Opinion Polls (Part 2) - Anticipating Electoral Success?
Data analytics firm INVOKE recently released a survey titled: 'Uncharted Territories' which was commissioned by Malay Mail. The INVOKE survey found that a little over half of the survey respondents (51%) are not sure who’d they’d vote for if a general election is called soon. That’s a 14% spike in the number of fence sitters. What is behind the rise in uncertainty among voters? Melisa Idris and...
13m Apr 29, 2021
13m
Consider This:Safe School (Part 3) - Tackling Gendered Prejudice
Last Sunday 17-year-old Ain Husniza Saiful Nizam posted a video in which she voiced concerns about her male teacher’s comments on rape. Is this incident simply a reflection of already existing gender inequality, misogyny and patriarchal norms and practices in society? And where are schools in the politics of social change? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Betty Yeoh, Founding Member, Al...
10m Apr 28, 2021
10m
Consider This: Safe Schools (Part 2) - What Institutional Reforms Needed?
Last Sunday 17-year-old Ain Husniza Saiful Nizam posted a video in which she voiced concerns about her male teacher’s comments on rape. Official responses to the revelation have been equally contentious, a mixture of denial or victim blaming? What do we need to know about school governance structures and leadership to push start necessary reform? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Bernard...
8m Apr 28, 2021
8m
Consider This: Safe Schools (Part 1) - Protecting Students Who Speak Up
Last Sunday 17-year-old Ain Husniza Saiful Nizam posted a video in which she voiced concerns about her male teacher’s comments on rape. The teacher told the boys in the  physical & health education class Ain was in that if they were to commit rape, they should target those above 18. Ain’s video in exposing his comments was accompanied by the hashtag #MakeSchoolsASaferPlace, and has triggered a ...
9m Apr 28, 2021
9m
Consider This: Tawau EMCO - Another Kg Muhibbah Raya?
Seven activists were detained last Saturday, after demonstrating against the extension of the enhanced MCO in Kampung Muhibbah Raya in Tawau, Sabah. They claim that people there lacked food among others. Is there something in the design and management of these public health measures that hurts those who are most vulnerable? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Datuk Christina Liew, Tawau MP...
14m Apr 27, 2021
14m
Consider This:Tawau EMCO (Part 2) - MP Not Aware Of Conditions?
Seven activists were detained last Saturday, after demonstrating against the extension of the enhanced MCO in Kampung Muhibbah Raya in Tawau, Sabah. They claim that people there lacked food among others. So who is responsible for the people and communities who have been placed in Emergency Movement Control Orders, one of the most restrictive forms of public health interventions? Melisa Idris an...
3m Apr 27, 2021
3m
Consider This: Tawau EMCO (Part 1) - Who Failed Kg Muhibbah Raya?
Seven activists were detained last Saturday, after demonstrating against the extension of the enhanced MCO in Kampung Muhibbah Raya in Tawau, Sabah. This after mounting frustrations over villagers’ claims they were not given proper assistance and had lost income. Who failed the residents of Kampung Muhibbah Raya and how do we ensure marginalised communities don’t become collateral damage in the...
9m Apr 27, 2021
9m
Consider This: Yayasan (Part 2) -- Perils Of Selective Oversight
The Center to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4 Center) recently launched a report titled “Foundations and Donations: Political Financing, Corruption, and the Pursuit of Power”, explores political funding through donations to foundations in Malaysian politics. Can the institutional reform process the all pervasive practice of using foundations to funnel political donations. Melisa Idris and Sh...
9m Apr 26, 2021
9m
Consider This: Yayasan (Part 1) -- Connecting The Corruption Dots
The Center to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4 Center) recently launched a report titled “Foundations and Donations: Political Financing, Corruption, and the Pursuit of Power”, explores political funding through donations to foundations in Malaysian politics. The report explores the various methods in which politicians’ exerted control over foundations -- or yayasan -- and raises questions ab...
17m Apr 26, 2021
17m