Consider This: Food Security - Malaysia’s Structural Vulnerabilities
In recent months, Malaysia's food security has been thrust into the spotlight due to concerns over rice supply issues and their potential implications. To understand the strategies and responsibilities of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to address this crucial issue, on this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks to Deputy Minister Chan Foong Hin. He is also the DAP Member o...
27m Sep 21, 2023
27m
Consider This: Surviving Stroke - The Silent Struggle
Six new stroke cases happen every hour in Malaysia. While our acute medical care for stroke is exemplary, what do we know about stroke survivors after they leave the hospital? On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speak to Professor Dr Noor Azah Abd Aziz, Professor of Family Medicine with UKM’s Faculty of Medicine. An early advocate for long-term care for stroke in the community, she i...
26m Sep 20, 2023
26m
Consider This: Rare Earth - Reality Check
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim recently announced that Malaysia is planning to ban exports of rare earth raw materials in a bid to boost the domestic processing industry and "guarantee maximum returns for the country". How do we consider the benefits and challenges of developing the rare earth industry domestically? On this episode #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks to Muhammad Sha'ani Abdullah Ch...
27m Sep 19, 2023
27m
Consider This: Gunung Kanthan — Perak’s Quarrying Dilemma
On September 7th, the Court of Appeal granted permission to cement manufacturer, Associated Pan Malaysia Cement, to evict Dhamma Sakyamuni Caves Monastery, a century-old Buddhist monastery in Gunung Kanthan, Perak. At stake in the quarrying Gunung Kanthan is also a five-million-year-old limestone hill with invaluable ecological, geological, and archaeological heritage. On this  episode of #Cons...
27m Sep 18, 2023
27m
Consider This: Myanmar Crisis - Is There Still Hope In ASEAN?
At the recently concluded ASEAN meeting, leaders of member countries have agreed to form a troika to lead the handling of the Myanmar crisis, consisting the outgoing ASEAN chair Indonesia, the current chair Laos, and the incoming chair, Malaysia. Will this approach work to resolve the crisis in Myanmar? On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks to former foreign minister Tan Sri Syed...
27m Sep 14, 2023
27m
Consider This: University Reforms — Purpose, Pedagogy, and Politics
How do we transform our universities into institutions that foster intellectual curiosity and integrity, build capacity for debate and disagreement, and encourage critical and creative expression? On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks to independent scholar Dr Sharifah Munirah Alatas, former Visiting Professor at the Faculty of Social Sciences at the Indonesian International Isla...
27m Sep 13, 2023
27m
Consider This: Indonesia - Jokowi's Legacy and The Next Chapter
Southeast Asia's largest democracy, Indonesia, is gearing up for presidential elections in February 2024. What are the most pressing domestic issues that the next president of Indonesia will need to address? On this  episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks to Anton Rizki, CEO of the Center for Indonesian Policy Studies.
27m Sep 12, 2023
27m
Consider This: Johor By-Elections - Not Quite Status Quo?
The by-elections for the Pulai parliamentary seat and Simpang Jeram state seat in Johor last Saturday saw the Pakatan Harapan-Barisan Nasional unity coalition retaining the seats that were previously held by the late Salahuddin Ayub of Amanah. What were the main takeaways from the results of the polls? On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks to political analysts Professor Wong Chi...
26m Sep 11, 2023
26m
Consider This: Rice Supply - Bracing For Impact
In light of India’s recent export ban on non-basmati white rice, how resilient or vulnerable is Malaysia's paddy industry and rice production? On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks to Dr Sarena Che Omar, Deputy Director of Research at Khazanah Research Institute, and Professor Dr Shaufique Fahmi Sidique, Director of UPM’s Institute of Plantation Studies.
24m Sep 08, 2023
24m
Consider This: Public Health - Tackling Dengue Through Collaboration
Despite some 400 million infections globally annually, there’s still no specific treatment for dengue. In order to accelerate R&D on dengue therapeutics, the Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative formed The Global Dengue Alliance with several institutions in dengue-endemic countries, including Malaysia’s Ministry of Health, with the mission to deliver a new treatment for dengue within five ye...
26m Sep 06, 2023
26m
Consider This: Statelessness - Citizenship by Whose Rules?
In the upcoming year-end Parliamentary session, the Government will be tabling its proposed amendments to the Constitution to finally allow Malaysian women to confer citizenship to their overseas-born children. However, the Government is also planning to bundle several other amendments - amendments that remove existing protections in the Constitution, running the risk of perpetuating statelessn...
26m Sep 05, 2023
26m
Consider This: SOSMA Revamp — Rearranging Deck Chairs on the Titanic?
Recently the Deputy Minister of Law and Institutional Reform, Ramkarpal Singh, said that while there were no plans to repeal the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act (SOSMA), Putrajaya will instead “improve” the law by introducing several amendments in stages. On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks to Charles Hector, Coordinator, Malaysians Against Death Penalty & Torture (Mad...
26m Sep 01, 2023
26m
Consider This: Institutional Reform - Rethinking Attorney-General's Dual Role
Law and Institutional Reform minister Azalina Othman Said recently announced the Government will finalise the separation of powers between the Attorney-General and the Public Prosecutor, after performing a thorough empirical study within a year. What needs to be in place for the separation of these two roles to occur, and what should a future Office of the Public Prosecutor look like? On this e...
27m Aug 29, 2023
27m
Consider This: Adolescent Health - Adolescent Habits, Adult Outcomes
The recent 2022 National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) on Adolescent Health brought to light a worrisome decline in the health and lifestyle habits of Malaysian teenagers. On this episode of #ConsiderThis, we dissect why public policy attention to adolescent health is no longer just an option but an urgent necessity. Melisa Idris speaks to Associate Professor Dr Noor Azimah Muhammad, Consu...
26m Aug 28, 2023
26m
Consider This: Care Economy - Invisible Care Work Now A Policy Agenda
The Government has announced it will be working towards incorporating the Care Economy into national development and economic plans. This includes investing in and formalising care services which consequently makes visible the labour of unpaid care work, which women disproportionately shoulder. On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks to economist Dr Haniza Khalid about the opportu...
27m Aug 25, 2023
27m
Consider This: Parliament - Dismantling Dewan Dysfunction
What kind of parliamentary reforms will we see under 11th Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul? Will he be able to deliver these overdue changes during his tenure? On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris asks Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul how to ensure parliamentary proceedings become more open, transparent, and effective.
26m Aug 24, 2023
26m
Consider This: Stray Animals | Reframing Society's Responsibility
Managing stray animal overpopulations sustainably and humanely lies at the intersection of animal welfare, state policies, and our collective responsibility as a compassionate society. On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks to Asther Lau of Second Chance Animal Society, and Christine Chin of SPCA Selangor.
26m Aug 23, 2023
26m
Consider This: Public Universities - Who Pays, And What Are The Trade-Offs?
Recently the Higher Education Minister Khaled Nordin confirmed that subsidies for local students studying at public universities would remain intact, despite the huge disparity with the cost of tuition in private institutions of higher learning. How do public universities sustainably fund the cost of providing higher education, and what are the trade-offs of receiving significant government fun...
27m Aug 21, 2023
27m
Consider This: Education| Schools For The Poor Needed?
Recently Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim revealed that the Government plans to introduce a new type of school specifically for children of the poorest households in the country. Tonight on #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks to Jenifer Lasimbang, from The Indigenous Peoples Network of Malaysia or Jaringan Orang Asal SeMalaysia, and Chan Soon Seng from Teach For Malaysia.
25m Aug 18, 2023
25m
Consider This: Child Marriage | What Happened to the National Plan?
The Association of Women Lawyers (AWL) and the Pelajar Bukan Pengantin coalition have recently launched a new campaign to refocus attention on the issue of child marriage in Malaysia. This come amid questions as to the progress made under the five-year ‘National Strategic Plan in Handling the Causes of Child Marriage’, which was launched in 2020. Tonight on #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks to ...
27m Aug 15, 2023
27m
Consider This: State Polls | What the Results Tell Us
What do the results of the 6 state elections tell us about democracy in Malaysia, and what lessons should politicians and voters take away from the aftermath? On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks to UMNO’s Wan Agyl Wan Hassan, and political analysts Dr Syaza Shukri and Ibrahim Suffian.
27m Aug 14, 2023
27m
Consider This: State Elections | Eve of Election Day
To mark the culmination of 14 days of official campaigning across six states, on the eve of polling day, we bring you a comprehensive wrap-up on this special one-hour episode of Consider This, guided by the analysis of political commentator, Dr Bridget Welsh, Honorary Research Associate at the University of Nottingham Malaysia’s Asia Research Institute.
54m Aug 11, 2023
54m
Consider This: Indigenous Peoples - Inclusive Education for Orang Asli
August 9th marks the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples, and this episode of #ConsiderThis focuses on inclusive education for Orang Asli students, and how to close the gap between indigenous students and the mainstream students. Melisa Idris speaks to Dr Suria Selasih Angit, Assistant Professor, School of Education, University of Nottingham Malaysia.
27m Aug 10, 2023
27m
Consider This: Selangor Polls | Gauging The Local Pulse
On this special one-hour episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks to three candidates contesting in the upcoming Selangor State Elections: Dr Afif Bahardin the Perikatan Nasional candidate for Taman Medan, Abe Lim the MUDA Candidate for Bandar Utama, and Rajiv Rishyakaran the Pakatan Harapan Candidate for Bukit Gasing.
58m Aug 08, 2023
58m
Consider This: Energy Transition | The Case For Change
The National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) makes clear the case for change but what is needed for the transition to be sustainable and inclusive without sacrificing energy security and reliability? On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks to Dr Alizan Mahadi from ISIS Malaysia, and Ayu Abdullah from Energy Action Partners.
26m Aug 07, 2023
26m
Consider This: State Polls | Why Turnout Matters
On this episode of #Consider This we look at two initiatives that seek to highlight the importance of every ballot in the upcoming state polls. The first is an election simulation calculator from Kini News Lab — an interactive article that allows people to predict the outcome of the state elections by using GE15 data to show what could’ve happened if there were concurrent state elections last N...
26m Aug 04, 2023
26m
Consider This: Drug Policy Reform | A Paradigm Shift: Rehab Over Incarceration
Following the first meeting by the Cabinet Committee on the Eradication of Drugs recently, the Government will soon revise its present approach to drug dependency to include medical intervention, treatment, and rehabilitation in recognising that drug abuse disorders are a medical condition. On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks to Dr Sangeeth Kaur and Professor Vicknasingam B. Ka...
26m Aug 02, 2023
26m
Consider This: Sedition Act | Reform, Repeal, Replace?
The Cabinet has agreed to review the Sedition Act so it can only be used to protect the royal institution from acts of provocation. What are the implications of such a move, and how do we as a country learn to navigate discourse on 3R issues? On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks to constitutional lawyer Nizam Bashir and Karen Cheah, President of the Malaysian Bar.
25m Aug 01, 2023
25m
Consider This: State Polls | Race to the Ballot Box
570 candidates will be contesting the 245 state seats for the August 12th polls but only 71 of the candidates are women. That’s a meagre 12.5%, meaning one woman for every 7 male candidates. On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks to political analysts Arinah Najwa Ahmad Said and Mujibu Abd Muis.
26m Jul 31, 2023
26m
Consider This: Dual Language Programme | In Danger of Being Diminished?
Recently there have been claims the Dual Language programme, which offers students the choice of learning Science and Mathematics in English, is slowly being diminished in DLP schools with no explanation to stakeholders. If this is true, what is at stake? On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks to Datin Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim, Elisa Ismail, and Dr Adelina Asmawi.
25m Jul 27, 2023
25m
Consider This: Penang LRT | On the Right Track?
Construction work on Phase One of Penang's first LRT line is expected to begin at the end of this year. But the project is not without controversy, as civil society groups have urged both the federal and state government to reconsider the rail project. On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks to Zulfikar Abdul Aziz of the Penang Public Transport Users Association, and Dr Rosli Khan ...
27m Jul 25, 2023
27m
Consider This: Live Events | Controversies & Cancellations
In the aftermath of The 1975’s performance and subsequent cancellation of Good Vibes Festival 2023, how might future live events in Malaysia be impacted? On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks to  Para Rajagopal and Iqbal Ameer of the Arts, Live Festivals and Events Association (ALIFE).
26m Jul 24, 2023
26m
Consider This: Malay Voters - Shades of Choice
Three states in the Malay heartland will be heading to the polls this August 12th -- Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu -- and most of the data and analysis from GE15 are now no longer an indication of current support for different coalitions, or even the government. So what then is likely to shape Malay voting choices this time around? Dr Azmil Tayeb, Associate Professor in the School of Social Sc...
27m Jul 21, 2023
27m
Consider This: Kedah | The PN Factor
What key factors might shape the electoral climate in Kedah? Is the ‘Green Wave’ a rising tide, or have the currents changed since GE15? On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks to Mohd Firdaus Salleh from the Pokok Sena Division of PAS, and Juzaili Azmi, Information Secretary for Armada Bersatu.
27m Jul 20, 2023
27m
Consider This: Penang | Other Political Options Viable?
With DAP firmly holding the reins in Penang, are there contenders strong enough to shake the status quo? Are other political parties ready to be viable alternatives to the current state government? On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks to KN Lee of MUDA Penang & Izhar Shah Arif Shah of Bersatu Permatang Pauh.
27m Jul 19, 2023
27m
Consider This: Penang - Concerns of Maldevelopment?
Are civil society's concerns about Penang's development trajectory being taken seriously? Are contentious projects an issue that will be on voters’ minds going into the Penang State Elections? On this episode of #ConsiderThis, Melisa Idris speaks to Dr Lim Mah Hui, Member of Penang Forum & Former Penang Island City Councillor.
27m Jul 18, 2023
27m
Consider This: Chow Kon Yeow | Penang CM Seeks Renewed Mandate
Caretaker Chief Minister of Penang Chow Kon Yeow is seeking a renewed mandate for a second term. The elections come as Penang voters are grappling with the cooperation between PH and BN, controversial development projects, and perceptions of unequal development between the island and mainland. On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks to Caretaker Chief Minister of Penang Chow Kon Ye...
28m Jul 17, 2023
28m
Consider This: Children’s Rights | Towards a Child-Centric Malaysia
Despite some progress, challenges still remain in recognising children as rights holders, and upholding the collective responsibility to safeguard their wellbeing. How do we create a child-centric Malaysia that prioritises the best interest of the child in policymaking? On this episode on #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks to Dr Farah Nini Dusuki, who was appointed as Children's Commissioner to ...
26m Jul 14, 2023
26m
Consider This: Education | Reforming Form Six
Amidst growing calls for educational reform, attention is turning to Malaysia's Form 6, also known as Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM), as educators and experts advocate for changes to make it a more dynamic and college-like pre-university programme. What potential changes or enhancements should be considered for the current Form 6 system? On this episode of #ConsiderThis, Melisa Idris...
23m Jul 12, 2023
23m
Consider This: World Population Day | Beyond Numbers
July 11th marks World Population Day, which aims to draw global attention towards rising world population and the effect it is putting on our natural resources, climate and on the planet overall. On this episode of #ConsiderThis we explore the challenges, opportunities, and potential solutions surrounding population dynamics, reproductive rights, and the pursuit of a sustainable and equitable f...
24m Jul 11, 2023
24m
Consider This: Politics | Diverging Narratives on Malaysia’s Future
Six peninsular states will head to the polls on August 12th, as a total of 245 assembly seats will be contested in Kedah, Penang, Kelantan, Terengganu, Negeri Sembilan and Selangor. What is at stake for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and his Unity Government? On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks to James Chin, Professor of Asian Studies at University of Tasmania in Australia.
27m Jul 10, 2023
27m
Consider This: Youth | The Internship Paradox
Recently the issue of unpaid internships came to the fore, after backlash that the practice exploits young workers and discriminates against those who lack the financial means to support themselves without pay. The Prime Minister weighed in, saying that while there’s no need for government policy on the matter, he urged companies to consider giving a “reasonable allowance” to interns. On this e...
26m Jul 07, 2023
26m
Consider This: IPCC | Ensuring Police Accountability?
The controversial Independent Police Conduct Commission Act, which deals with complaints about police misconduct, came into force on July 1st. This despite civil society continuously raising concern over the limitations of the IPCC, the lack of investigative powers, and most importantly, disciplinary powers. On this episode on #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks to Dr Lin Mui Kiang of PROHAM and ...
26m Jul 04, 2023
26m
Consider This: Sports Development - Behind Malaysian Para-Athletes’ Success
In the recently concluded 2023 ASEAN Para Games in Cambodia, Malaysian para-athletes won 50 gold medals, 38 silver, and 34 bronze, bringing Malaysia to finish fourth among the 11 countries who took part. Despite securing an impressive medal tally, it remains evident that there is a lack of public awareness for para-sports. How do we move towards equal recognition and support for para-athletes i...
25m Jul 03, 2023
25m
Consider This: Social Media | Empowerment or Furthering Marginalisation?
Social media can serve as an avenue for empowerment but also has the capacity to deepen exclusion of already marginalised groups. How can we ensure online spaces are safe and equitable for all? Tonight on #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks to researchers Vilashini Somiah and Benjamin YH Loh.
28m Jun 27, 2023
28m
Consider This: Sports Development | The Age Advantage
Is Malaysia doing enough in terms of identifying and incubating sports talent to ensure a thriving athlete pipeline? On this episode of #ConsiderThis, Melisa Idris speaks to Datuk Dr Ramlan Aziz and Sarina Sundara Rajah.
26m Jun 26, 2023
26m
Consider This: Refugees | The Right to Work
To commemorate World Refugee Day 2023, tonight on the show we shine a spotlight on a fundamental aspect of refugee rights—the right to work and secure meaningful employment. What are the considerations and concerns of policymakers when it comes to the question of granting refugees permission to work in Malaysia? On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks to Tham Hui Ying, the Executiv...
28m Jun 20, 2023
28m
Consider This: Political Financing | Designing a Publicly Funded System
On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris looks into political financing laws, and why public funding is a crucial part of the legislation. She speaks to Aira Azhari, Senior Manager of the Democracy & Governance Unit at the Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS), and Dr Fernando Casal Bértoa, Associate Professor at the School of Politics and International Relations, University...
26m Jun 19, 2023
26m
Consider This: Urban Resilience - Urbanisation, Gentrification & Inequality
What are the social, economic, and cultural consequences that arise from urbanisation? Is it possible for modern cities to reconcile progress, gentrification, and resilience? On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks to Hyun Bang Shin, Professor of Geography and Urban Studies at the London School of Economics and Political Science in the UK. He is also Director of the LSE’s Saw Swee ...
27m Jun 16, 2023
27m
Consider This: School Toilets | A Cleanliness Crisis?
Recently PM Anwar Ibrahim suggested that school students be taught to clean toilets  to build character and instil values of cleanliness and respect for others. At the heart of the matter is the issue of toilet etiquette: What do we model to children at home, and should this be a policy issue for the Ministry of Education? On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks to Datuk Dr Mohamad...
26m Jun 15, 2023
26m