Covid-19 (Part 1) - Vaccine 'Breakthrough' Reality Check
Two days ago, Pfizer Inc and BioNTech announced that its experimental Covid-19 vaccine has shown 90% effectiveness at preventing symptomatic Covid-19 infection, based on initial trial results. The Ministry of Health says it will adopt a wait-and-see approach and plans to review the data first. But what we do know is that delivery and storage of the vaccine will present a challenge. The vaccine ...
9m Nov 12, 2020
9m
School Closures (Part 2) - IPTS Affected, Unintended Consequences
The National Association of Private Educational Institutions has raised concerns over the domino effect that postponed SPM exams could have on private higher education institutions. With January intakes affected, will this move deal a fatal blow to many private institutions that employ tens of thousands of people? What could have been done to mitigate the negative consequences of this policy, o...
9m Nov 12, 2020
9m
School Closures (Part 3) - Devolve Decisions To The Local
Today Simpang Renggam MP Maszlee Malik launched a new movement called #UntukMalaysia, which he says aims to find solutions for issues surrounding the education sector. Not just students and parents and teachers. But everyone from private universities, to canteen operators, to school bus drivers. Do you think all the significant and wide-ranging consequences of this policy to close schools had b...
8m Nov 12, 2020
8m
Budget 2021 (Part 1) - Big But Is It Bold?
Today the Perikatan Nasional government presented Budget 2021, the much-anticipated plan for dealing with the on-going Covid-19 public health crisis and a global recession that has all but obliterated large sectors of the economy. Has it lived up to expectation? Melisa Idris, Ibrahim Sani and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Shahril Hamdan, Information Chief, UMNO and Wong Chen, MP of Subang.
19m Nov 07, 2020
19m
Budget 2021 (Part 2) - Building Back Better?
Today the Perikatan Nasional government presented Budget 2021, the much-anticipated plan for dealing with the on-going Covid-19 public health crisis and a global recession that has all but obliterated large sectors of the economy. Has it lived up to expectation? Melisa Idris, Sharaad Kuttan and Ibrahim Sani speak to Jennifer Chang, Tax Partner, PwC Malaysia and Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, Fo...
14m Nov 07, 2020
14m
Budget 2021 (Part 3) - Business Resilience Supported?
Today the Perikatan Nasional government presented Budget 2021, the much-anticipated plan for dealing with the on-going Covid-19 public health crisis and a global recession that has all but obliterated large sectors of the economy. Has it lived up to expectation? Melisa Idris, Sharaad Kuttan and Ibrahim Sani speaks to Theresa Goh, Tax Partner, Deloitte Malaysia and Datuk Shamsuddin Bardan, Execu...
11m Nov 07, 2020
11m
Budget 2021 (Part 4) - Realistic Assumptions On Revenue, Growth?
Today the Perikatan Nasional government presented Budget 2021, the much-anticipated plan for dealing with the on-going Covid-19 public health crisis and a global recession that has all but obliterated large sectors of the economy. Has it lived up to expectation? Melisa Idris, Sharaad Kuttan and Ibrahim Sani speaks to to Tai Lai Kok, Head of Tax, KPMG and Veerinderjeet Singh, President, Malaysia...
12m Nov 07, 2020
12m
Parliament (Part 1) - Speaker's Powers Unlimited?
From tomorrow until December 15th, Dewan Rakyat sessions will be limited to only 80 MPs at any one time -- 41 from the Government, and 39 from the Opposition. Sessions during this sitting will also be reduced to half a day -- from 10am until 2pm. According to the Speaker of the House, these measures are to curb the spread of Covid-19. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to lawyer New Sin Yew.
7m Nov 06, 2020
7m
Budget 2021 (Part 2) - Overinvest In Health, Say Advocates
The Malaysian Health Coalition is calling for the 2021 federal budget to commit at least 4% of national GDP to the public health care system. This is double the current allocation to MoH. While the DAP-linked think tank Research for Social Advancement advocates greater spending including on social safety nets. We speak to their representatives. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Dr Khor S...
14m Nov 06, 2020
14m
Parliament (Part 3) - Sabah Public Health Crisis Budget?
In view of the serious situation with Covid-19 in the territory, there have been calls for more healthcare spending in Sabah. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Chan Foong Hin, MP for Kota Kinabalu about the current deficits in the public health care system, and how much support should go into long term versus short term healthcare goals.
6m Nov 06, 2020
6m
US Elections (Part 1) - Messy Interregnum till Inauguration?
Election night in the US has turned into the morning after. Even as millions of postal ballots have yet to be counted, Donald Trump has already claimed victory in the US presidential race. He went on to allege "major fraud on the American people" - without providing evidence - and added that he was going to the Supreme Court to demand that “all voting stop”. The contrast with his main rival Dem...
12m Nov 05, 2020
12m
US Elections (Part 2) - Will America Lead Again?
What happens if a player in the democratic game cannot tolerate the idea of losing? What if players demonise each other to the extent that they present rivals as existential threats to the nation’s survival. As the US deals in a surprisingly order poll, and results keep the race competitive, what should outsiders keep they eye on?  Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Derick Becker is Assis...
13m Nov 05, 2020
13m
Parliament (Part 1) - Sitting Shortened On Covid-19 Infections
The Dewan Rakyat session for today was cut short to 1pm, after several Parliamentary officers tested positive for Covid-19, with a lack of clarity as to if half-day sittings will continue in the following days. PKR Batu MP P Prabakaran has questioned the motive behind the decision, saying he hopes this is not a political strategy to bury some of the motions brought by the Opposition. Melisa Idr...
8m Nov 03, 2020
8m
Parliament (Part 2) - Budget, Bills, Bipartisanship
Today was the first day of Parliament sitting for this term -- all eyes are focused on Budget 2021, as well as Covid-19 specific measures. But the first day has already been shortened to a mere 3 hours. Will there be enough time in this sitting for an adequate deliberation of Parliamentary business by our elected MP? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Fuziah Salleh, MP of Kuantan, PKR Wom...
10m Nov 03, 2020
10m
Parliament (Part 3) - Incentives For Bipartisanship?
The Dewan Rakyat Speaker today urged MPs to set aside political differences and disputes, but will this talk about bipartisanship is something that we can truly expect to see realised beyond the platitudes? What incentives are there for the government of the day to reach across the aisle? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Prof Fauzi Hamid, Political Analyst, Universiti Sains Malaysia.
7m Nov 03, 2020
7m
Economy (Part 1) - Will Citizen-First Job Policy Actually Help?
More than 10 thousand police personnel, including officers, have been placed under quarantine -- with over 200 testing positive for Covid-19, and undergoing treatment. The police force has over 100,000 members in all divisions, so that’s close to 10% of the force under quarantine. This has put a huge strain on the deployment of personnel, and the police are now considering the situation as a se...
9m Oct 29, 2020
9m
Undi 18 (Part 2) - Youth Can Stand But Cannot Vote Yet?
The Perak State Legislative Assembly has passed a Bill to amend the State Constitution to lower the eligible age of candidates from 21 to 18. The amendment was passed after a unanimous support from all 59 state assemblymen. Part of the Pakatan Harapan agenda, why did this Perikatan Nasional state government push it through? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Howard Lee, Pasir Pinji State ...
9m Oct 29, 2020
9m
Undi 18 (Part 3) - What's Next For Youth Political Involvement?
Enabled by state level legislation, younger Malaysians aligns with international practice to empower youth in the political process. What happens next? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Meor Muhammad Hakeem is a campaigner for Undi Eighteen.
6m Oct 29, 2020
6m
Covid-19 (Part 1) - No Double Standards?
The Attorney-General's Chambers has decided there will be no further action against Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister, Khairuddin Aman Razali, for violating a quarantine order in July. The AGC found there was no home surveillance or observation order issued to the minister for him to observe the quarantine, as stipulated under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act. ...
9m Oct 22, 2020
9m
WFH (Part 2) - Safety Best Decided By Companies?
The newest measures under the CMCO makes Work From Home for industries under MITI as well as the civil service. But when it was announced yesterday there was much less clarity about the directive. And even with the clarification issued today, it isn't clear how it will be implemented,if compliance will be monitored, what sanctions will be applied or even how long this directive is meant for. Me...
11m Oct 22, 2020
11m
WFH (Part 3) - Workers at The NSC Table?
Were workers consulted in the design of these conditional ‘lockdowns’ that impact their work and livelihoods? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Mohd Effendy Abdul Ghani, Acting President, Malaysian Trades Union Congress, about what they would like to see addressed in the deliberations by policymakers and government leaders.
7m Oct 22, 2020
7m
Census 2020 (Part 1) - Pandemic's Challenges to Success
The Population and Housing Census is conducted across the country, once every 10 years. The idea is for official data from this census to be used to inform how billions of Ringgit in federal funding will be spent each year, and help fuel research about issues and communities for the next decade. But how true is that? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin, Chie...
11m Oct 21, 2020
11m
Open Data (Part 2) - Why Malaysia Falls Behind Regional Peers?
Complaints about official data has been that important data is not being collected, that available data is not disaggregated making it less useful and finally that statistics seem “carefully managed and presented in a way that often obscures crucial details”. Are these criticisms valid? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin, Chief Statistician at the Departmen...
7m Oct 21, 2020
7m
Open Data (Part 3) - Is Policy Making Evidence Based?
One of the conclusions of a Khazanah Research Institute discussion paper was that Malaysia is way behind many of its regional peers on many indices of data transparency.  While the government has made an official commitment to open data and to “embrace transparency” in its midterm review of the 11th Malaysia Plan, is there the political will to do so? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Da...
6m Oct 21, 2020
6m
Parliament (Part 1) - UMNO Factions Play Kingmaker?
Anwar Ibrahim was at Bukit Aman today for questioning following his meeting with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on Tuesday. It's understood that the PDRM has opened 6 police cases against Anwar since he announced he had majority support in the Dewan Rakyat. Also prominent in the news today, details of UMNO’s demands for its continued support to Perikatan Nasional came out in the open after an initia...
9m Oct 17, 2020
9m
Covid-19 (Part 2) - Was Sabah’s Health Infrastructure Vulnerable?
Experts have warned that Sabah's healthcare system will be at risk of reaching its breaking point in the next few weeks, if the number Covid-19 cases continue to rise at the current rate. Today alone Sabah saw an increase of 489 case. To find out what’s really happening on the ground, we have joining us on the show tonight from Kota Kinabalu, Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Dr Anbarasu...
8m Oct 17, 2020
8m
Covid-19 (Part 3) - Why Did Semporna Turn Into 'Little Wuhan'?
The district of Semporna has been dubbed "Little Wuhan" - the worst-hit district in Sabah with over 600 active Covid-19 cases. What local conditions feed into this perfect storm? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Dr Anbarasu Ramalingam, Sabah Chapter Head, MERCY Malaysia & Principal Assistant Director of Medical Planning, Queen Elizabeth Hospital (KKM), Kota Kinabalu.
7m Oct 17, 2020
7m
Klang CMCO (Part1) - Communications Failure Overcome?
After some initial confusion Senior Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob today clarified that the CMCO will only be for the sub-district of Klang and not other areas such as Port Klang and Kapar. Why the initial confusion and had been its impact? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Datuk Teng Chang Khim, Chairperson, Committee on State Investment, Industry & Commerce, and SMEs.
8m Oct 09, 2020
8m
Parliament (Part 2) - Is Anwar's Move Reckless?
This afternoon leader of the Federal Opposition Anwar Ibrahim issued a statement that he has been granted an audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong at Istana Negara next Tuesday. This comes 16 days after he first claimed to have “a strong, formidable and convincing majority” of parliamentary support to form a new government.  While supporters argue that he is following his Constitutional right...
9m Oct 09, 2020
9m
Parliament (Part 3) - PM Muhyiddin's Majority Intact?
Amidst claims by Anwar Ibrahim that he has a parliamentary majority, questions arise about Prime Minister’s Muhyiddin’s own majority. Could this matter be resolved if a vote of no-confidence to be debated? Or are we likely to see a prolonged period of instability? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Rais Hussin, former Bersatu Supreme Council member.
10m Oct 09, 2020
10m
Covid-19 (Part 1) - Prison Clusters Remain A Problem
We begin with the special address by the Prime Minister who ruled out a nationwide lockdown for now, warning that it could cause "societal and economic collapse". He also insisted that the authorities do not practise double standards in enforcing self-quarantine for those who tested positive for Covid-19. He didn’t however address the problem of prisons and over crowding that seem to be providi...
8m Oct 07, 2020
8m
Dissent (Part 2) - Is Satire A Defence Against Libel Charge?
Over the last few days, expressions of dissent -- either in the form of online satire or banners -- have drawn the ire of both the authorities and some social groups. In the recent past police reports made against the satirical site, Bermana but more recently police in Ipoh were reported to be investigating a banner which blames politicians for self-serving behaviour during the pandemic. The qu...
10m Oct 07, 2020
10m
Dissent (Part 3) - Satire Unmasks Hypocrisy, Foibles
Satire that draws attention to the abuse of power and the lavish lifestyles of the political elite has gotten many a professional editorial cartoonist in trouble. They are often celebrated by free speech advocates. But what about anonymous voices who take to walls, in the form of graffiti, or string up banners, mocking politicians; do they have a right to free speech too? Melisa Idris and Shara...
9m Oct 07, 2020
9m
Clinical Research (Part 1) - Locating Malaysia Globally
In March, Malaysia collaborated with the WHO in a "Solidarity Trial" to test several drugs globally in treating Covid-19 patients. However despite proactive signalling late-stage clinical trials are being conducted elsewhere, and not in Malaysia. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Dr. Akhmal Yusof Chief Executive Officer of Clinical Research Malaysia we will discussing how the country mig...
10m Sep 25, 2020
10m
Clinical Research (Part 2) - Is Legislation Too Stringent?
Clinical Research Centre (CRC) Sarawak General Hospital is the first facility in the country to be accredited under the Phase 1 Unit Accreditation Program by National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency but he has failed to clinch any Phase 1 First in Humans trials. What are the hurdles to marketing Malaysia better in the world of clinical research? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Dr. Akh...
7m Sep 25, 2020
7m
Anwar's PM Bid (Part 3) - A Borneo Perspective?
Sarawak Chief Minister & GPS Chairman, Abang Johari Tun Openg called Anwar Ibrahim’s announcement "weird" and pledged to continue his coalitions support for the Perikatan Nasional government. But with reported unhappiness of GPS over MA63 negotiations, is support from Sarawak still in play. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Political Analyst, Jeniri Amir.
6m Sep 25, 2020
6m
Sabah (Part 1) - Can Sick People Be Denied the Vote?
Bersih 2.0 has responded to the announcement that those who are Covid-19 positive, and patients under observation in hospitals, will not be allowed to travel to voting centres to cast their ballots in Saturday's Sabah state elections. Bersih insists that voting is a constitutional right and cannot be denied, even during a pandemic. They’ve also cautioned the Election Commission that the EC coul...
10m Sep 24, 2020
10m
Anwar's PM Bid (Part2) - PH Mandate or New Agenda?
Earlier today PKR president Anwar Ibrahim claimed that he has majority support from MPs to form a new government. He however refused to disclose how many MPs currently support him -- leaving us with few details to assess the strength of his bid. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Hamidin Hamid, Political Analyst, Universiti Malaya.
10m Sep 24, 2020
10m
COVAX (Part 1) - Plan for Equitable Global Access
Last Saturday, Malaysia announced it will be joining 172 countries to participate in the COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access initiative, known as COVAX, a pooled procurement mechanism for new Covid-19 vaccines that aims to provide participating economies fair and equitable access to vaccines, by pooling purchasing power from these nations across a range of candidate vaccines. Melisa Idris and Shara...
10m Sep 23, 2020
10m
COVAX (Part 2) - Is Equitable Access A Pipedream?
Taking into consideration the reality of 'vaccine nationalism' and the free-market principles by which pharmaceutical companies operate, is the COVAX facility the best deal Malaysia, and countries similar to us, can hope for, in terms of access to the vaccine. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Sangeeta Shashikant, Legal Advisor, Third World Network.
8m Sep 23, 2020
8m
Covid-19 (Part 3) - What's Next After COVAX?
If a vaccine is found and the COVAX mechanism works as it is intended to, what will be the other processes that will have to be developed and decisions that will have to be made - especially with regard to the priority segments of populations receiving the first tranche of  vaccines. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Dr Khor Swee Kheng, Founder, Malaysian Health Coalition and Sangeeta Sh...
9m Sep 23, 2020
9m
Drink Driving (Part 1) - Perils of Mandatory Sentencing
Former Appeals Court judge VC George has urged the Dewan Negara to reconsider amendments to the Road Transport Bill, which is aimed at curbing driving under the influence of alcohol. The amendments were passed by Parliament on August 26th, and will be tabled in the Upper House this week. According to VC George, the amendments take away the discretion of the judges in determining the punishment ...
9m Sep 22, 2020
9m
#PulangUndiSabah (Part 2) - Filling Gap Left by EC?
#PulangMengundiSabah is an initiative to help Sabahan voters living outside the Territory return to cast their ballot in the state election this weekend. This volunteer-run campaign was launched only last month but so far has received close to 6,000 applications. Laudable as it is, is this initiative proof of the failure of the Electoral system and the Election Commission? Melisa Idris and Shar...
9m Sep 22, 2020
9m
#PulangUndiSabah (Part 3) - Still Time to Lend Help
Over RM100,000 has been raised  which that sends just over 250 voters back to Sabah. But there is still time to make a donation and fulfil the aspirations of fellow Malaysians in their time of need. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Aaron Denison, Co-Coordinator of Pulang Mengundi Sabah.
8m Sep 21, 2020
8m
UNICEF (Part 1) - Children's Lives Online
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused an increase in screen time for children around the world, from online learning to social media. And so issues relating to Child Online Protection have become more critical than ever before. The United Nations Children's Fund, or UNICEF, will soon be launching its report on how children in Malaysia, Cambodia, Indonesia, and Thailand, use social media. Melisa Idri...
9m Sep 19, 2020
9m
UNICEF (Part 2) - Covid-19 Impact on Children
The intended outcomes from UNICEF’s "Our Live Online" Report includes enable children’s understanding of child online safety, building digital resilience, facilitating parents’ understanding of the digital world to enable them to be better guardians and providing insights to key stakeholders including relevant Government Ministries and agencies to further strengthen child online protection supp...
10m Sep 19, 2020
10m
UNICEF (Part 3) - How to Build Back Better
What lessons are we drawing from the pandemic as it puts tremendous stress on existing support systems? And which stakeholders need to be at the table to chart a more resilient and sustainable future for children? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Dr Rashed Mustafa Sarwar United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) Representative in Malaysia.
7m Sep 19, 2020
7m
COVAX (Part 1) - Back of the Queue for a Vaccine?
Tomorrow, September 18th, is the deadline for countries to join the global Covid-19 vaccine access plan, known as COVAX. So far, at least 80 countries have signed up to COVAX, which is a platform that will support the research and development, as well as the manufacturing, of a wide range of Covid-19 vaccine candidates, and the ensuing price negotiations. The coordinator of COVAX describes it a...
5m Sep 18, 2020
5m
Youth (Part 2) - Is MUDA a Threat to PAS?
Today, the Former Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman officially registered a new political party — the Malaysian United Democratic Alliance, or better known as Muda. This new entrant to the political scene will no doubt put all political parties and their youth wings on notice -- potentially poaching their next generation. But is the threat real? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Ku...
12m Sep 18, 2020
12m
Youth (Part 3) - PAS Outreach to the Next Generation
This year’s PAS Muktamar, or annual congress, is the first to take place after the party became part of the federal government in March. While observers note broader conversations at the congress, but what are the new areas that PAS will have to engage with? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Syahir Sulaiman, Political Secretary to the PAS President, Datuk Seri Hadi Awang.
10m Sep 18, 2020
10m