Water Management (Part 1) - Sg Gong Crisis Never Again?
It's been a week and a half since the water supply to 1.2 million consumer accounts in the Klang Valley was disrupted due to the dumping of pollutants in Sungai Gong.But have we gotten any closer to understanding the problems and solutions that will prevent a repeat of the incident? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to S. Piarapakaran, President, Association of Water and Energy Research Mal...
9m Sep 15, 2020
9m
Water Management (Part 2) - When State Governments Fail
How do we understand the different components reforming water management in Malaysia? How do we think about water quality and pollution monitoring, early warning systems, licensing in catchment areas, waste management systems and more? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to S. Piarapakaran, President, Association of Water and Energy Research Malaysia (AWER) and Zaki Zainudin, Water Quality & ...
10m Sep 15, 2020
10m
Water Management (Part 3) - Vested Interests vs Public Good
Why is there no political will to design a system that puts the good of the public foremost, ahead of private vested interests? Who stands between us and a more secure future? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to S. Piarapakaran, President, Association of Water and Energy Research Malaysia (AWER) and Zaki Zainudin, Water Quality & Modelling Specialist.
7m Sep 15, 2020
7m
Sabah Votes (Part 1) - Coalitions Creak Under Divided Ambitions
Warisan has announced 54 candidates who will be contesting under the Warisan logo in the upcoming Sabah polls. The candidate list later revealed that PKR would contest 7 seats -one less than they did in 2018, but only half of what it wanted. This announcement was followed by howls of dismay from PKR - including the threat of 'protest votes' from PKR's Youth Wing. However, a complete breaking-of...
8m Sep 11, 2020
8m
#SabahBangkit (Part 2) - "Kerah Tenaga, Rise of the Borneo"
A potential anthem for youth empowerment in Sabah was just launched with lyrics call on young people to recognise their own strengths. Produced and co-written by Anas Amdan and his brother singer Aizat Amdan with lyrics like "Anak muda, Sabah Bangkit! Jangan gentar, Sabah Bangkit!" (The youth, Sabah rise up! Don't be scare, Sabah rise up!) the timing of the video makes for interesting read of p...
9m Sep 11, 2020
9m
#SabahBangkit (Part 3) - "Jangan Kasi Orang Tamak Curi Lagi Bah"
Could the song #SabahBangkit be appropriated by political players as they mobilise voters in the upcoming state elections? And what will be the impact of the song and the kinds of conversations it will engender?  Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speaks to music producer Anas Amban and singer MKNK (Clinton Liew) who have just launched the #SabahBangkit music video.
10m Sep 11, 2020
10m
Covid-19 (Part 1) - 'Public Health, Not National Security Crisis'
As of Monday, Putrajaya is no longer allowing entry into Malaysia, for long-term pass holders from 23 notions that have recorded more than a hundred and fifty thousand Covid-19 cases. The other recent development might reveal a potential blind spot in our management of the pandemic, is the emergence of yet another cluster at a detention centre in Lahad Datu. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan spea...
11m Sep 10, 2020
11m
Covid-19 (Part 2) - Evolving Public Health Response
It's been more than six months since the MCO was first declared in mid-March and since then, the government’s public health response has evolved as both the scientific community and international health authorities have learnt more about the virus and the disease it causes. But is it headed in the right direction? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Dr Khor Swee Kheng, founder, Malaysian H...
8m Sep 10, 2020
8m
Covid-19 (Part 3) - Conversations We Haven't Had?
What are the emerging best practices that we see demonstrated internationally and why hasn’t Malaysia signed on to the COVAX Initiative? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Dr Khor Swee Kheng, founder, Malaysian Health Coalition about the ways in which we might extend the Covid-19 to deal with many problems we will be facing in as pragmatic and effective way.
8m Sep 10, 2020
8m
Covid-19 (Part 1) - Institutional Failure at Benteng LD Cluster?
The Benteng Lahad Datu cluster is the latest in the pandemic, though according to the DG of Health there’s been no community spread. The cluster has been contained within the Lahad Datu district police station and Tawau prison. The index cases of the Benteng cluster were two undocumented migrant detained at the Lahad Datu police station and later tested positive for Covid-19. The DG of Health w...
8m Sep 09, 2020
8m
South China Sea (Part 2) - Negotiating Superpower Rivalries
Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin met with China's visiting Defense Minister, Wei Fenghe yesterday at a time of rising tensions over territorial disputes and superpower rivalry in the South China Sea. The visiting official told Malaysia that China is willing to work with Asean countries "to meet each other halfway" to keep the peace in the South China Sea. But what does this mean? Melisa Idris an...
8m Sep 09, 2020
8m
South China Sea (Part 3) - Malaysia to Pivot to China?
Yesterday PM Muhyiddin Yassin met with China's visiting Defense Minister, Wei Fenghe who promised ASEAN to "meet each other halfway". But does China in fact want SEA countries to pick a side, in its rivalry with the US? Must ASEAN choose between US and China? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Ivy Kwek, Research Director, Research for Social Advancement (REFSA).
8m Sep 09, 2020
8m
Covid-19 (Part 1) - Testing, Quarantine Not Sufficient?
Effective today, long-term pass holders from countries that have recorded more than a hundred and fifty thousand Covid-19 cases have been barred from entering Malaysia. The countries include the US, the UK, India, Philippines, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia. But what is the reasoning behind this move? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan bring you the most important conversations ...
8m Sep 08, 2020
8m
Water Crisis (Part 2) - Who Should We Blamed?
Klang Valley's water crisis over the last few days has highlighted again the issue of water security. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Charles Santiago, MP for Klang, and the former Chairman of the National Water Services Commission (SPAN) and ask him, who should we blame?
8m Sep 08, 2020
8m
Water Security (Part 3) - Better Monitoring, Early Warning Possible?
The recent water supply disruption affected 1.2 million people in the Klang Valley over the past few days. Are these episodic disruptions unavoidable? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to S. Piarapakaran, President, Association of Water and Energy Research Malaysia (AWER) how we need to build back better.
10m Sep 08, 2020
10m
Merdeka Center (Part 1) - Muhyddin's Strong Approval
A recent Merdeka Centre survey had 69% of respondents expressing satisfaction with the performance of the Prime Minister though there was significant ethnic variations with 9 out of 10 Malay and Bumiputera from Sabah and Sarawak giving the PM the thumbs up while 65% of Indian, and only 33% Chinese respondents agreeing. The question is why. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan bring you the most impo...
9m Sep 03, 2020
9m
Dewan Negara (Part 2) - Rais Yatim Elected President
The Upper House of Parliament elected Bersatu senator Tan Sri Rais Yatim as its new president, initially facing 3 other candidates. This is the first time that the Senate presidency has been contested. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Senator Yusmadi Yusoff, Chairman of the Senate Caucus, a bipartisan initiative seeking to strengthen the Upper House of Parliament.
9m Sep 03, 2020
9m
Dewan Negara (Part 3) - Where Next for Reform Agenda?
Newly minted Dewan Negara president Rais Yatim has called for the Parliamentary Services Act 1963 (repealed in 1992) to be reinstated to restore the integrity of Parliament, a call raised by former Dewan Rakyat deputy speaker Nga Kor Ming. Does this mark the possibility of bipartisanship in Parliament? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Senator Yusmadi Yusoff, Chairman of the Senate Caucu...
9m Sep 03, 2020
9m
Absent Teachers (Part 1) - When Educators Fail Students
A 2018 study by Khazanah Research Institute found that despite going to school for an average of 12 years, Malaysian students receive only nine years worth of meaningful education. That means are about three years of a child’s schooling is underutilised for quality learning or educational enrichment. Does the problem of extreme teacher absenteeism contribute to this? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Ku...
10m Sep 02, 2020
10m
Absent Teachers (Part 2) - Looking at Root Causes
PACOS Trust is a community-based organization dedicated to supporting indigenous communities in Sabah. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Anne Lasimbang, Executive Director, Partners of Community Organisations in Sabah (PACOS) give us an on the ground view of a problem that's become chronic and endemic in the territory.
8m Sep 02, 2020
8m
Absent Teachers (Part 3) - An Urgent Conversation
While the campaign to end chronic absenteeism has taken it case to the courts, this is an issue that will require political will as well as a public which demands that no child is sacrificed to protected vested interests.  Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to child rights advocate Sharmila Sekaran, Peninsula Director, Tiada.Guru.
9m Sep 02, 2020
9m
Bina Bangsa (Part 1) - What School Didn't Teach You?
As we celebrate our 63rd year of Independence, cultural organisation PUSAKA is working together with Allianz Malaysia on a project called Bina Bangsa. They want to put our discussion on the history of the country on solid footing.  Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Eddin Khoo, Founder of Pusaka and Zakri Khir, CEO, Allianz Malaysia Berhad.
9m Sep 01, 2020
9m
Bina Bangsa (Part 2) - Borneo Stories Eclipsed?
Are national narrative too Malaya-centric? Have many communities as well as the territories of Sabah and Sarawak been marginalised in our history textbooks? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Eddin Khoo, Founder of Pusaka and Zakri Khir, CEO, Allianz Malaysia Berhad, about the Bina Bangsa history project.
9m Sep 01, 2020
9m
Bina Bangsa (Part3) - Do We Need Insta Histories?
"Efforts at consolidating a national memory will be essential to realising social cohesion," says our guest Eddin Khoo, founder of Pusaka. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Eddin as well as Zakri Khir, CEO, Allianz Malaysia Berhad about the Bina Bangsa history project.
9m Sep 01, 2020
9m
Consider This: MIC (Part 1) - Equal Partner or Younger Brother?
This morning it was reported that Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin was set to announce Perikatan Nasional as an official entity on Merdeka Day. Now we understand that MIC has withdrawn its application to join Perikatan Nasional -- pending a decision from the party’s central working committee. Initially, MIC had agreed to join Perikatan because they were under the impression that Barisan ...
9m Aug 28, 2020
9m
Consider This: IPCC (Part 2) - A Watered Down IPCMC?
The debate on the new Independent Police Conduct Commission bill, or the IPCC, has been postponed to the next Dewan Rakyat session. The new IPCC bill replaces the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission bill -- that’s the old IPCMC bill that was tabled by the Pakatan Harapan government last year. Despite the debate being postponed, the new IPCC bill has already attracted critici...
10m Aug 28, 2020
10m
Consider This: Police Reform (Part 3) - Bi-Partisan Approach Possible?
The Perikatan Nasional government had already said back in March that it had planned to recall the IPCMC Bill, so we knew it’s withdrawal was coming, and its replacement is the IPCC Bill. Bi-partisan consultations did take place during the Pakatan Harapan Administration but did any of the compromises make it into the Bill tabled yesterday. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Maria Chin Abd...
9m Aug 28, 2020
9m
Consider This: Covid-19 (Part 2) - Did We Get It Right?
What did the pandemic revealed about Malaysia's healthcare system and our capacity to manage infectious diseases? And what would be do to "build back better". Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Consultant Infectious Diseases Physician, Datuk Dr Christopher Lee who served as the Health Ministry’s Deputy Director General for Research & Technical Support, and also the National Advisor on Inf...
9m Aug 27, 2020
9m
Consider This: Parliament (Part 1) - IPCMC, Two-Term Limit Dropped
Today MCMC minister said he supports the controversial decision to withdraw the PM term-limit bill, despite once calling it crucial for government reform. "I think different government, different administration has a different philosophy. A different way of looking at certain things." Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan bring you the most important conversations of the day.
6m Aug 27, 2020
6m
Consider This: HIV/AIDS (Part 3) - Pandemics Created Equal?
Like the HIV epidemic, Covid-19 brings to the fore issues around inequality, social justice and systemic racism. We ask what the biggest challenges the fight against HIV/AIDS faces in the next few years. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Consultant Infectious Diseases Physician, Datuk Dr Christopher Lee who served as the Health Ministry's Deputy Director General for Research & Technical ...
11m Aug 27, 2020
11m
Consider This: UN Report (Part 1) - Studying Impact of MCO
Yesterday the United Nations agencies, UNFPA and UNICEF, released the initial findings of a survey on the impact of the MCO on the women and children of low-income urban families, who are living in city council housing projects -- or PPR flats. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Stephen Barrett, Chief of Social Policy at UNICEF Malaysia about the major findings in the report.
9m Aug 26, 2020
9m
Consider This: Welfare (Part 2) - Problems Before the MCO
The lockdown - MCO - put all social systems under extraordinary stress but the problems the report highlights predate the pandemic. When it comes to solutions or mitigation efforts, should we be looking at transforming the system so that social safety nets are systematic and sustained? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Stephen Barrett, Chief of Social Policy at UNICEF Malaysia.
10m Aug 26, 2020
10m
Consider This: Social Safety Net (Part 3) - Building Back Better?
Future reports are expected to monitor the extent to which these families recover. The findings aim to offer insights for policymakers to ‘build-back-better’. But what is in the current design that might need to be overcome in order for that to happen. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Stephen Barrett, Chief of Social Policy at UNICEF Malaysia.
8m Aug 26, 2020
8m
Consider This: Justice (Part 1) - Are There Double-Standards?
Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister quarantine violation after returning from Turkey in July has generated a frenzy on social media. It was raised in Parliament today, during which the Dewan Rakyat was told that there are no ‘double standards’ when it comes to enforcement of Covid-19 SOPs. But is that true? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan bring you the most important conversations of...
6m Aug 25, 2020
6m
Consider This: Youth (Part 2) - Movement or Party?
Former Bersatu Youth chief, Syed Saddiq Abdul Rahman's interview with Channel News Asia has generated headlines on the possibility of a new party that is centred on youth. What is meant by a "youth-led party" and is it both desirable or feasible? While Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Qyira Yusri, Co-Founder of UNDI 18, one of the organisers of Parlimen Digital, and Kavita Maheendran, e...
11m Aug 25, 2020
11m
Consider This: Party (Part 3) - What Does Youth-Led Mean?
Was it inevitable that a discussion about increasing youth engagement in politics -- including lowering the voting age -- would lead to a youth-led party? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Qyira Yusri, Co-Founder of UNDI 18, one of the organisers of the recently concluded Parlimen Digital.
10m Aug 25, 2020
10m
Consider This: Sexual Crimes (Part 1) - Are We Protecting Our Kids?
The Ministry of Women, Family, and Community Development revealed that it received 1,721 cases of sexual crimes against children in the first six months of this year. The Deputy Minister added that efforts are being made to raise awareness about sexual crimes against children through various school and public programmes. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan bring you the most important conversations.
7m Aug 19, 2020
7m
Consider This: Thailand (Part 2) - Youth-led Protests Take to Streets
There have been almost daily anti-government rallies in Bangkok in recent weeks. These demonstrations have largely been student-led, and are calling for a revised constitution and reform of the monarchy, which is a sensitive subject in Thailand. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Pavin Chachavalpongpun, Associate Professor, Center of Southeast Asian Studies, Kyoto University, Japan.
9m Aug 19, 2020
9m
Consider This: Thailand (Part 3) - Understanding Protestors Demands
Is the media framing the Thai protests in a way that is adequate to the complexity of the Kingdom's social and political fabric? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Michael Vatikiotis, Asia Director, Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, Singapore and author, 'Blood and Silk, Power and Conflict in Modern Southeast Asia'.
9m Aug 19, 2020
9m
Consider This: Covid-19 (Part 1) - Scientific or Political Leadership?
We begin with news that President Vladimir Putin has announced that Russia has become the first country to grant regulatory approval to a COVID-19 vaccine, after less than two months of human testing. Moscow has likened its success to the Cold War-era space race but is this the kind of nationalist frame that the world needs? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan bring you the most important conversat...
8m Aug 13, 2020
8m
Consider This: Beirut Blast (Part 2) - Economic Misery, Political Paralysis
The government of Lebanon resigned following days of protests as citizens blamed the country’s political elite of incompetence and corruption that lead to a devastating blast at Beirut's which killed hundreds and left thousands injured or homeless.  The tragedy came at a time when Lebanon was already facing political, economic and public health crises. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to G...
8m Aug 13, 2020
8m
Consider This: Beirut Blast (Part 3) - Future of a Divided Society
French President Emmanuel Macron's visited Beirut just two days after the horrific blast. In fact, he was on the streets, even before Lebanon's prime minister was. Since then, there's been a petition demanding to "place Lebanon under French mandate for the next ten years". Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Guy Burton, Adjunct Professor, Vesalius College, Brussels if anyone taking this se...
10m Aug 13, 2020
10m
Consider This: ABIM (Part 1) - Evolution of a Movement
With a history spanning almost 50 years - they just celebrated 49 years - one local expression of the international Islamic movement and “political Islam” has evolved over time. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Muhammad Faisal Abdul Aziz, President, Angkatan Belia Islam Malaysia (ABIM).
9m Aug 12, 2020
9m
Consider This: ABIM (Part 2) - Political or Non-Political?
How have public perceptions and organisational self-perception shaped the growth of one of the most recognisable names in the world of Islamic NGOs. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Muhammad Faisal Abdul Aziz, President, Angkatan Belia Islam Malaysia (ABIM).
8m Aug 12, 2020
8m
Consider This: ABIM (Part 3) - 'Malaysia Needs Leaders'
In an era of toxic politics, what is the way forward and what is the message? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Muhammad Faisal Abdul Aziz, President, Angkatan Belia Islam Malaysia (ABIM).
9m Aug 12, 2020
9m
Consider This: Covid-19 (Part 1) - Will Exorbitant Fines Encourage Bribery?
Heated conversations that have been sparked by that viral video of a teenager who was fined a thousand ringgit for purportedly pulling down his face mask while waiting on a train platform - leaving him in tears. It has raised questions about seemingly uneven enforcement of the compulsory face mask rule - as quite a number of politicians have been photographed without masks while in public place...
10m Aug 11, 2020
10m
Consider This: Indigenous People (Part 2) - International Day Focuses on Resilience
Yesterday was the International Day of Indigenous Peoples, with the aim this year to highlight Indigenous People’s Resilience to Covid-19. Indigenous Peoples are one of the poorest and most marginalised groups in Malaysia. And their vulnerability had been further compounded by the Covid-19 pandemic - affecting their access to medicines, healthcare, food, education and livelihoods. Melisa Idris ...
9m Aug 11, 2020
9m
Consider This: Indigenous People (Part 3) - Orang Asli Issues Addressed?
Does the International Day for Indigenous People bring needed attention to the work that’s being done locally for uplifting and giving visibility to one of the nation’s oldest communities?  Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Shaq Koyok, visual artist and Orang Asli activist.
8m Aug 11, 2020
8m
Consider This: Urban Design (Part 1) - Remaking Cities After Covid-19
Today on the show we’re going to be looking at how our public spaces and built environment will need to be rethought, reorganised, and redesigned in the era of pandemics. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Lillian Tay, President of the Malaysian Institute of Architects and Nurul Azreen Azlan, Senior Lecturer in Sustainable Urban Design at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia.
12m Aug 05, 2020
12m
Consider This: Urban Design (Part 2) - Need for a Radical Rethink?
Some cities pivoted well in the face of the pandemic because of their prevailing design. What would we need to have to rethink, perhaps in a more radical fashion, in order to make our cities and lives more resilient? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Lillian Tay, President of the Malaysian Institute of Architects and Nurul Azreen Azlan, Senior Lecturer in Sustainable Urban Design at Univ...
14m Aug 05, 2020
14m