Evening Edition: Recent Episodes

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We’re on, when you’re off. Lee Chwi Lynn, Kelvin Yee and Tasha Fusil restore sanity to your day even as you’re stuck in traffic trying to get home. And who isn’t? Tune in as they take on hot-potato issues to inform and entertain you, soundtracked by the thumping music that only BFM plays. EE runs the gamut, bringing you noteworthy pop culture, punchy interviews, and rocking call-in sessions.

From Washington to Beijing, Moscow to Gaza, the world enters 2026 amid shifting power balances and unresolved conflicts. Political analyst Benjamin Barton joins us to explore the year ahead, taking a look at the US mid-term elections and evolving security doctrine, China–Taiwan tensions and the technological race with America, the enduring wars in Ukraine and Gaza, and ASEAN’s search for unity in a fractured global order.

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As Malaysia steps into 2026, the political landscape remains as complex as ever. What lessons can we draw from 2025, and what challenges lie ahead? Political scientist Wong Chin Huat joins us to unpack the state of domestic politics: from stalled reforms and coalition compromises to voter perceptions, ethno-religious polarisation, and the structural limits shaping policymaking.

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Former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak was on trial for four counts of abuse of power tied to RM2.27 billion in gratification, and 21 counts of money laundering involving over RM4.3 billion. The court found him guilty on all 25 charges, which includes four for abuse of power, nine for receiving illegal funds, five for using them, and seven for transferring them. We dive into the verdict, Najib's chance of an appeal as well as political ramifications.

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The PAS-led Perlis government collapsed over Christmas as MB Mohd Shukri Ramli resigned, citing health issues, after eight assemblymen withdrew support. Three PAS ADUNs were also expelled, and Bersatu rebels face pressure to follow. Meanwhile, PAS has proposed a new MB candidate to the Raja of Perlis. We discuss the fallout with FMT’s Northern Bureau Chief, Predeep Nambiar.

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As Malaysians live longer, the question isn’t just how much wealth we can accumulate, but how well we can protect both our finances and our health. With life expectancy rising to 75.3 years, we explore what it means to preserve quality of life in a changing landscape. We get into it with Linda Yip of HSBC Malaysia, Dr Seow Vei Ken of Sunway Medical Centre, and Charles Ong of Allianz Life Malaysia about striking the right balance between financial strength and health resilience, and why longevity demands a new kind of planning.

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At RM419.2 billion, Budget 2026 is smaller than last year’s, marking the first contraction since Budget 2020. The government says the leaner budget reflects a focus on fiscal discipline and targeted spending. But beyond the headline figures, do the measures go far enough to strengthen Malaysia’s long-term resilience and growth? We unpack the details — from taxation to tourism — with our experts.

This BFM Budget 2026 Special is brought to you by Mah Sing — Reinvent Spaces. Enhance Life.

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If you're planning on pursuing a postgraduate studies abroad, the sheer volume of options and information out there can feel overwhelming. Considerations like when to apply, the benefits of studying abroad, and available scholarships come to mind. Devina Sivagurunathan, joins us to shed some light on this.

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Budget 2025 has just been tabled, so we’re going to take a look at whether it’s been evenly distributed across the nation.

Brought to you by Mah Sing. Reinvent Spaces. Enhance Life.

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Budget 2025 has been revealed as the largest in Malaysia's history, totalling RM421 billion. This includes RM335 billion for operating expenses and RM86 billion for development. We’ll explore key highlights, from the expansion of the Sales and Service Tax (SST) to the planned rationalization of RON95 subsidies, an increase in the minimum wage, and vital aid initiatives for SMEs and autistic children.

Brought to you by Mah Sing. Reinvent Spaces. Enhance Life.

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Mini Popek Popek Parlimen, where we bring you the biggest highlights from the Dewan Rakyat. Today, we get into updates on exporting fresh durians to China, eradicating hardcore poverty and opening new Drive-Thru Recycling Centres.
Fans are putting Bruno Mars' upcoming concert under scrutiny, now that his past concert in Tel Aviv has been doing the rounds on social media. Even BDS Malaysia has chipped in, calling for a boycott of the concert, and for Bruno Mars to take a stance in the Gaza genocide.
Troubled times seem to be ahead for the MM2H scheme with agencies reporting a 90% drop in interest after new rules require applicants to make larger bank deposits and property purchases. Andy Davison, Founder & CEO of The Expat Group Media shares his thoughts on the revised rules.
It's been a sad weekend for the Malayan tiger, with the discovery of a tiger's carcass in Kelantan, and the arrests of poachers in Pahang who were keeping the remains of a slain tiger. Dr Mark Rayan Darmaraj, the country director of the Wildlife Conservation Society Malaysia Programme talks to us about what might have cause the tiger's death, and what he thought about the arrests.
Our top story: We reflect on the life and legacy of the late Syed Husin Ali with Juliet Chin, Activist and Former ISA Detainee.

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The first US presidential debate between incumbent President Joe Biden and his Republican rival Donald Trump has wrapped, with Trump coming out the winner.
Today marks the 100th anniversary of the Johor-Singapore Causeway, which was built to ease pressure on train and ferry services due to the rapid movement of people and goods. Francis Hutchinson, Coordinator of the Malaysia Studies Programme at ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute shares his thoughts on the economic importance of the link, and how connectivity between Malaysia and Singapore may continue to evolve.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature's latest Red List of Threatened Species has been released and includes over 163,000 species of animals, fungi and plants - with 28% of them threatened with extinction, including our own Bornean pgymy elephants. Dr. Nurzhafarina Othman, a Senior Lecturer at Universiti Malaysia Sabah, shares her thoughts on the critical actions needed to protect our Bornean elephants.
The primatologist Mariani ‘Bam’ Ramli, who is the founder and president of the Gibbon Conservation Society, has won the World Female Ranger Award for Resilience. On top of that, she was also newly appointed as a World Female Ranger Week Ambassador. We hear from Bam herself on what the award means to her and her team.
Our top story: The Ministry of Education is seeking to boost the spirit and motivation of teachers to prevent them from retiring early. We look into the issue with Shahnaz al-Sadat, Chairperson of LeapEd Services.

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On Mini Popek Popek, we highlight the biggest stories from the Dewan Rakyat. Today, we cover updates on Malaysia-Russia ties, as well as the issue of pornographic content on platforms like Facebook and Telegram.
Datuk Seri Ramlan Harun's appointment as the new chairperson of the Election Commission, which has recived criticism from civil society and government backbenchers. Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng and Thomas Fann of Projek SAMA share their contrasting views on the appointment.
The Malaysian Football League has docked three hit Selangor FC with a RM100,000 fine, for backing out of the Charity Shield match with Johor Darul Ta'zim. Not only were the club's members unhappy, so was Selangor Sultan Sharafudin Idris Shah Alhaj. Sports commentator Keeshaanan Sundaresan weighs in on the move.
Penalties for illegal e-waste importers will now increase to a maximum of RM10 million, as compared to the previous figure of RM500,000, as announced by Minister of Natural Resrouces and Environmental Sustainability, Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad. To get a clearer picture of how serious this problem is, we reached out to Wong Si Peng, Events & Projects Officer from the C4 Centre.
Our top story: Civil societies are worried over the government's reported move to licence social media platforms and how this will affect, in a larger sense, freedom of speech in Malaysia. We speak to Wathshlah Naidu, Executive Director at the Centre for Independent Journalism for her thoughts.

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Mini Popek Popek Parlimen, where we cover highlights from the Dewan Rakyat. Today, the Higher Education Ministry's efforts to create alternative pathways for cardiothoracic specialisation, and the Education Ministry's efforts to address student absenteeism.
Free commemorative tote bags that were given out to customers who visited the Apple Store in TRX Exchange Mall on its opening day are now being resold at prices ranging from RM250 to RM10,000.
A recently published study reveals that protecting 1.2% of the world's land reserves could sufficiently avert the most imminent extinctions of plants and animals. Surin Suksuwan, a member of the IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas tells us why this matters.
Police have launched a sedition probe into activist Mukmin Nantang over his recent comments on the controversial Bajau Laut evictions in Semporna, Sabah. Sevan Doraisamy, executive director of SUARAM, shares his thoughts on how the situation is unfolding.
Our top story: WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange secures his freedom after pleading guilty to a single felony charge for publishing U.S. military secrets in a deal with Justice Department prosecutors. We dive into this story with Karim Bettache, Professor of Global Political Economy, Chinese University of Hong Kong.

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For Mini Popek Popek Parlimen, we covered Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim addressing several pressing issues. These included Blackrock’s presence in Malaysia, the rationale for MAHB partnering with GIP, and Malaysia’s decline in the World Competitiveness Ranking.
Malaysian netizens are not happy with the official attire for the Malaysian contingent at the Paris Olympics, which boasts tiger stripes and golden accents. Azura Rahman, former host of BFM’s Style File and Ticket To Ride, shares her thoughts.
At a public hearing yesterday, the Save the Vivekananda Ashram Brickfields Action Community objected to DBKL's proposed rezoning of the Vivekananda Ashram as a Major Commercial Zone. Raja Singham, a member of the community, shares their perspective.
Malaysia has been upgraded to Tier 2 in the US State Department’s 2024 Trafficking in Persons Report for strides in addressing human trafficking. However, local activists have critiques about the report. We hear from Adrian Pereira, Executive Director of the North South Initiative.
Our top story: We discuss the de-gazettement of the Shah Alam Community Forest, which has stirred controversy among environmental groups. For this, we speak to Alicia Teoh, Founder and Honorary Secretary of the Shah Alam Community Forest Society.

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Mini Popek Popek Parlimen is back to cover highlights from the Dewan Rakyat! Today we cover: Langkawi possibly becoming a Muslim-friendly tourist destination, frustrations over the ongoing legal battle involving Sulu claims to Sabah, and accusations against Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul for breaking house rules.
An 8-year-old Pekingese dog with an untrimmed fur coat, a flippy-floppy tongue, and a right leg with muscular defects has officially been crowned the world's ugliest dog! Kavindran Ganasen, co-founder of Lost Animal Souls Shelter, shares his thoughts.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke has warned driving schools to stop giving out 'kopi-o' licenses, threatening to revoke their licenses if caught.
The upcoming Sungai Bakap by-election will see a straight fight between 56-year-old logistics executive Abidin Ismail from PAS and 60-year-old former lecturer and public school teacher Joohari Ariffin from PKR. Oh Ei-Sun, Political Scientist and Principal Advisor at the Pacific Research Centre weighs in.
Our top story: We discuss whether Malaysia's position as ASEAN chair can help address the Myanmar civil war, which is currently in its fourth year. For this, we speak to Lilianne Fan, Director of Geutanyoe Malaysia and Secretariat of the Malaysian Advisory on Myanmar (MAGM).

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The Freedom Film Network has responded to the Home Ministry's updated film censorship guidelines which aim to crack down on content deemed inappropriate. Deborah Augustin, Campaign and Strategy Lead at the Freedom Film Network, shares her thoughts on the new guidelines.
The Iberian lynx was deemed critically endangered just over 20 years ago, but the latest numbers show that its population has recovered in Spain and Portugal. Lam Wai Yee, Country Director of Panthera Malaysia, talks about efforts to conserve our own wild cat species, the tiger.
Malaysia and China have signed an MOU to recognize the lion dance in UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage list. Dr. Florence Kuek, Senior Lecturer at the Chinese Studies Department at Universiti Malaya, shares her thoughts on the significance of this nomination.
Activists continue to pile on pressure about the American multinational investment firm BlackRock’s reported involvement in MAHB's privatization deal. Shanmugam, Contributing Editor of The Edge, weighs in on the deal and whether it benefits Malaysia, if at all.
Our top story: Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s visit sets a new precedent for Malaysia-China relations. We dive into the strategic importance of his visit and what it means for China's broader goals, Malaysia's regional development, the 'One China Policy,' and territorial disputes in the South China Sea.

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The recent campaign from environmental activist group Just Stop Oil, where they left a part of Stonehenge covered in orange powder paint. We reached out to Shaq Koyok, an indigenous artist and environmental activist, for his thoughts on guerilla activism.
A baby goldfish was found in a stream at Bukit Kiara. The problem is, that it is not a native species there, so this can cause huge problems to the ecosystem of the fishes in that area. We speak to Dr Chen Pelf Nyok, the Co-Founder & Executive Director of the Turtle Conservation Society of Malaysia for her comment.
Bowler Sin Li Jane makes history at the US Women’s Open, claiming the title with a 226-214 win against Latvian Diana Zavjalova. Li Jane herself shares what her win means to her.
Malaysian mothers are asking for citizenship amendments to be applied retroactively. The current bill is not, meaning children born overseas to Malaysian mothers will not benefit from this change, and will remain non-citizens until their application is approved by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Uproar over the detainment of students from an alternative school in Sabah, following their involvement in a protest over Sabah's water woes.

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Two Malaysians have been shortlisted for the Kofi Annan NextGen Democracy Prize, which celebrates youth leaders for their commitment to the advancement of democracy. We hear from Tharma Pillai, co-founder of Undi18, who was one of the two shortlisted candates.
Thailand's Senate has passed a marriage equality bill, making it the first country in Southeast Asia to recognise same-sex marriage. Henry Koh, Executive Director of ILGA Asia comments on the move.
Malaysia has slid down in the World Competitiveness Rankings, which evaluates how well countries support the success and competitiveness of businesses. Professor Dr Hafezali Iqbal Hussin, Head of Research at the Faculty of Business and Law at Taylors University weighs in on why this is significant, and what we have to prioritise in terms of supporting businesses.
The Malaysian Craft Council (MCC), the National Writers Association of Malaysia (Pena), and Pusaka, were recently recognised by UNESCO under the domain of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Paris. Nik Faiz Nik Amin, President of the Malaysian Craft Council comments on the significance of this accreditation by UNESCO.
Our top story: With the recent US Senate subcommittee investigation into Boeing, we get into the planemaker's recent controversies with Shantanu Gangakhedkar, an aviation consultant with Frost & Sullivan.

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Today's countdown covers:

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dissolved his war cabinet, following the departure of centrist former general Benny Gantz from the Israeli government. Saul Takahashi, Professor of Human Rights and Peace Studies, Osaka Jogakuin University weighs in on what this means, in regard to the Gaza genocide.
After diesel subsidy rationalisations, bus fares and pasar malam traders have been mulling raising their rates to compensate for higher operational costs. Economist Dr Geoffrey Williams comments on businesses raising prices and how consumers should respond.
A new report from the Malaysianist has put the spotlight on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s war against the ultra-rich and crony capitalism as they rise in numbers. Emmanuel Samarathisa, founder of The Malaysianist, tells us what Malaysia's standing in wealth reports and crony capitalism indexes mean for wealth accumuluation in Malaysia.
The fourth global coral bleaching event is upon us. We hear how coral reefs in Malaysia are doing from marine biologist Alvin Chelliah. Then, Reef Check CEO Julian Hyde shares his advice on what the public can do to help.
Our top story: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced Malaysia's decision to apply for membership in the BRICS group. We speak to Chee Yoke Ling, on what's to come with the membership.

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Today's countdown covers:

World Blood Donor Day, which falls on June 14th annually. We discuss the continued need for blood donations, and the importance of raising awareness and getting new regular donors.
The serious problem of child labour in Sabah oil palm plantations, and a new 18 month programme launched by the European Union, International Labour Organization (ILO), and UNICEF to protect the rights of children in Tawau's oil palm plantations.
Sarawak committing RM1 billion over the course of two years to compete with Kedah as Malaysia’s rice bowl, and to ensure food security for the territory.
The conversation around the proposed PJ Smart Tunnel - some experts think it's a solution to congestion in parts of Petaling Jaya, while residents argue that there are better ways to address this.
The US has returned another RM720 million in 1MDB-linked funds: we explore what this means for the ongoing attempts to recoup the country's monies.

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Today's countdown includes:

Popular spicy noodles hailing from South Korea, Samyang, recalled from shelves in Denmark, after their food and safety agency said the capsaicin can cause acute poisoning.
A proposal for Singapore to send their teachers to Malaysia. We hear thoughts from Shahnaz Al Sadat, chairperson of LeapEd Services.
Level-playing field tipped in Sungai Bakap by-election, as announcements of "election goodies" sweep through the state. Dr Syaza Shukri, associate professor at the International Islamic University of Malaysia weighs in on this.
Murdered child, Zayn Rayyan's parents has been charged with child negligience. We reach out to family lawyer Rajashree Suppiah, to help us understand what these charges mean.
Regent of Johor, Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, has called for a better deal for the state of Johor, in the Federation.

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Today's countdown includes:

Singapore's plan to appeal to tourists from Malaysia, with nature-based experiences and attractions. We hear thoughts from Andrew Sebastian, Founder & CEO of Ecotourism and Conservation Society of Malaysia.
Malaysia's exit in the World Cup 2024, despite winning with a score of 3-1 against Taiwan. Sports journalist T Avinesh, weighs in.
MACC justifying their probe into two lawyers after facing heavy criticism by rights group Lawyers For Liberty, who characterised the investigation as harassment. We hear from Lawyer Kee Hui Yee, about what's at stake in this case.
Six Bersatu MPs about to have their seats vacated. Danesh Prakash Chako, Director, Tindak Malaysia shares whether the anti-hopping law is sufficient.
And our top story: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announces that he will hold the ultra-rich accountable.

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Today's countdown includes:

The surge of far-right parties in the European Parliament elections. For this, we hear from Patrick Diamond, associate professor of public policy, Queen Mary University of London, to help us make sense of headlines coming out of this and what's driving Europeans to vote for far-right parties.
It's Barbie's 65th birthday this year, and Mattel has released nine new Barbie dolls as part of the celebration. These dolls depict some of the world's most celebrated female atheletes. We hear thoughts from gender equality advocate Yu Ren Chung, on how Barbies could have an impact on young kids, especially girls.
A protest that happened recently at the US Independence Day dinner in Kuala Lumpur. It was organised by Gegar Amerika, to protest American support for Israel amid the ongoing genocide in Gaza. We hear from the spokesperson of the group, Amir Iskandar about what the protest entails.
More updates on the situation in Sabah, after videos of squatter houses being on fire in Kampung Kalansanan.
A domestic worker was rescued after she managed to throw a note off her balcony, where she was made to stay, with only a pillow and a mattress.

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Last week, North Korea sent over 3,500 balloons – or “gifts of sincerity” – containing rubbish and manure across the border to their southern neighbour. In defiance of the warning, an NGO, the Fighters for Free North Korea, went ahead and sent 10 balloons containing 200,000 leaflets and 5,000 USBs. Dr Hoo Chiew Ping, senior lecturer at UKM tells us about the history of balloon campaigns.
We celebrate the Coral Triangle, the world's epicentre of marine biodiversity which stretches across Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Solomon Islands, and Timor-Leste, which is also under threat of coral bleaching. Natasha Zulaikha, a conservation scientist from Coralku, tells us what the environmental situation is in the Coral Triangle.
The Institutional Reform Ministry’s bi-partisan delegation to Australia in their effort to study models of separation of power between the Attorney General and the Public Prosecutor. Aira Azhari, Senior Manager for Advocacy and Events from the Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs, explains why this is being pursued.
The government has officially announced the new price of diesel, after doing away with blanket subsidies. We hear from Carmelo Ferlito, CEO of the Center for Market Education who spoke on Morning Run about his impressions of the move.
Our top story: Bersih’s has called out Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s administration for not making any progress on electoral reforms since taking office, grading them with an 'F'. We speak to Wong Yan Ke, deputy chairman of Bersih on the organisation's criticisms towards the Madani government.

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Today's countdown includes:

PichaEats, a social enterprise that sells meals cooked by refugees, was supposed to cater an event at a local university for 500 people, only to find out the order had been a scam. We hear from Luqman Hakim, co-owner of Cakies, a bakery in TTDI, for how caterers deal with situations like this.
A video of divers touching turtles and spearhunting fish while swimming in the seas in Sabah, has received heavy backlash on social media. We hear from Julian Hyde, the General Manager of Reef Check Malaysia to weigh in on the incident.
More updates on the eviction of the Bajau Laut community, which has caused outrage amongst civil society organisations and the public, with Pusat Komas calling for answers on the issue. We hear from Datuk Dr Jaujan Hj Sambakong, ADUN of Sulabayan.
The Kelantan government is making updates to their Entertainment Bill, with fines being increased exponentially and new clauses including offences that support or normalise LGBTQ activities, disrupt racial harmony and unity, and insult religion.
The government has announced their plans to introduce a law for plastic disposal and pollution.

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Today's countdown includes:

The Tokyo Metropolitan government is set to launch its own dating app this summer as part of the government’s efforts to promote marriage and counter plunging birth rates.
Following X's new policies allowing X-rated content, Malaysia is looking for a way to regulate the platform in accordance to the country's laws. Associate Professor Dr Sabariah Mohamed Salleh, Head of Programme at the Centre for Research in Media and Communication comments on the decision.
The World Health Organisation has announced the first fatality from the H5N2 bird flu involving a 59-year old man in Mexico City. Professor Dr Raina MacIntyre, Epidemiologist and Head of the Biosecurity Program at Kirby Institute in New South Wales sheds light on what we know so far.
With cases of underage sexual offences on the rise, experts are calling for more holistic approaches to address this complicated issue. Salma Farhanah Rashid from the Women's Centre for Change shares how we should respond to the needs of both victims and perpetrators alike.
A Bajau Laut community tragically lose their livelihoods after their homes were demolished and burned down by authorities. We speak to Wan Shakila Adiela Wan Azmi, a member of Borneo Komrad for updates on the situation.

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We talk about artificial intelligence a lot these days, due to its emerging role as a helper of sorts, in doing the more mundane tasks for us. Their prevalence has been a core topic of conversation within the accountancy industry, so we thought we'd explore the ways how much AI has, and will, transform the industry, and what the future of accountacy looks like.

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Today's countdown includes:

We're celebrating World Environment Day by putting a spotlight on the impact of our mangrove conservation efforts. For this, we hear thoughts from Dr Ahmad Aldrie Amir, a senior lecturer at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia and coordinator of the Malaysian Mangrove Research Alliance and Network.
With the establishment of Persatuan Burung Kakak Tua Perak, the state government is pushing for parrot-owners to join the association and apply for proper licenses to own the pet. Elizabeth John, Communications Manager from TRAFFIC Southeast Asia sheds light on what the considerations
17,000 Bangladeshi workers en route to Malaysia are now stranded after failing to make it in time for the deadline for foreign workers to enter the country. Alex Ong, a labour rights activist and Malaysian coordinator of Migrant Care, comments on the situation, and the issue of ethical reporting.
Water cuts in the Klang Valley are currently underway for Air Selangor to carry out maintenance and replacement works. S. Piarapakaran, President of the Association of Water and Energy Research Malaysia and CEO of the Centre for Water and Energy Sustainability comments on whether the 182 water tankers are sufficient to get us through the cut.
Our top story: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), lost its national majority, after facing unexpected defeats in various key states. We dive into this with Subin Dennis a researcher with the Tricontinental Institute for Social Research, economist and activist based in New Delhi.

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Has hardcore poverty really been eradicated in Sabah? Some reports are definitely saying so, but more specifically, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it was a done deal, and hardocre poverty in Sabah had been eradicated in 2 months. at a Kaamatan event. So we hear thoughts from Dr Teo Sue Ann, Director of the MySDG Centre for Social Inclusion.
Four elephants have died, in Kluang Johor, and there are suspicions that this was the result of a human-animal conflict, as this is happening after several complaints were made to PERHILITAN that these animals have been destroying crops. For this, Wong Ee Phin, from the Management and Ecology of Malaysian Elephants weighs in.
PKR is representing the unity government at the Sungai Bakap by-elections. Syaza Shukri, an Associate Professor in political science from IIUM shares her response to this.
Zayn Rayyan's parents have been remanded by the police. Srividhya Ganapathy, co-chairperson of the CRIB Foundation shares her thoughts on how to respect the dignity of the child victim, as well as his siblings, in investigating and reporting.
Our top story: The prosecution rests in the 1MDB case against Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

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Today's countdown includes:

Donald Trump has been found guily of falsifying documents to cover up a payment to a porn star ahead of the 2016 election, making him the first former US president to be convicted of a crime. The conviction comes months after the US elections. We hear a clip from an interview conducted by Morning Run with John Zogby, founder of Zogby Strategies.
Chinese actress Fan Bingbing is set to be Melaka's tourism ambassador, sparking some criticism, with some pointing to her tax evasion scandal back in 2018. Nigel Wong, president of the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents weighed in on this.
A report by Kenanga Investment Bank has revealed that Media Chinese’s shares dropped in 2024. It's been said that they will be scalling down their workforce, which seems to be in line with their intention to integrate AI to streamline operations. We spoke to Woon Tai Hai, Chairman of the Research Committee of the National Tech Association of Malaysia on this.
A disabled e-hailing driver, who was assaulted by an escort of Johor’s crown prince has allegedly been pressured to settle the case, after he made a report that prompted a police investigation. We speak to lawyer, Latheefa Koya on what the law says about "settling" criminal cases.
Our top story: A Year 5 student has now been pronounced as disabled, after a teacher forced him to stand in the searing heat as punishment.

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Today's countdown includes:

This year's theme for Sabah's harvest festival, better known as Pesta Ka'amatan is "Kaamatan Beyond Food Security". We hear about the celebrations from Ariff Adi Putra, a research associate at the Institute for Development Studies - and from Kapayan Assemblyperson Jennie Lasimbang.
Foreign cable-laying ships will now be officially exempted from the cabotage policy. In addition, the exemption extends to ships transporting cargo between Sarawak and Sabah, Labuan and the Peninsular. We hear Dr Rais Hussain, former Chairman of MDEC, on how Malaysian's flip-flop treatment of the policy has impacted the country's economic prospects.
Amnesty's annual report reveals 2023 had the highest number of executions in the past decade, increasing by 31% from 2022, with the biggest culprits being Iran, Saudi Arabia, Somalia and Iran. We hear from Tham Jia Vern, a criminal justice policy researcher from HAYAT for her insights on where Malaysia stands on this front.
A global study reveals that Malaysia tops a list of countries that consumes the most microplastics. We reached out to two Professors from the University of Nottingham Malaysia; Kang Nee Ting, Head of the School of Pharmacy, as well as Christopher Gibbins from the School of Environmental and Geographical Sciences to help us understand the microplastics that plague the nation.
Our top story: Social Protection Contributors Advisory Association of Malaysia has criticised the government’s handling of EPF withdrawals, comparing it to “stealing from the poor to benefit the rich”. Professor Dr Ahmed Razman Abdul Latiff, an economic analyst from the Putra Business School weighs in on the pushback.

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Today's countdown includes:

We discuss a shopping trolley being hurled from a high-rise in Bangsar and the dangers that come from it.
Local scarf brand Lima Segi is under fire for accusations of plagiarising the keffiyeh-inspired designs of New York-based Palestinian designer, Sarah Musa. We hear some thoughts on cultural appropriation of the keffiyeh, and from Azura Rahman, formerly the host of BFM’s Style File and Ticket To Ride.
Following the storm that brought trees down across KL and PJ, representatives of resident associations and Kawasan Rukun Tetangga are upset with DBKL for cutting down trees without engaging with them first. Terrence Tan, an MBPJ councillor weighs in on what should be done to address these concerns.
A court has deemed Air Asia’s retrenchment of two engineers based on their higher salaries as “unfair and improper". Lawyer Lim Zi Han helps us understand the legalities involved in the case.
Our top story: Following Bangi MP Ong Kian Ming's suggestions on who should fill the chair of the Election Commission, we discuss the names he's put forth, and how they fit into the bigger picture of electoral reform.

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With the official closure of ICQ after 28 years, we reminisce on the instant messaging apps of the early internet era.
TNB and MACC team up to pull the plug on illegal bitcoin mining and corruption. Harpreet Singh, CEO of Blocklime, a company that deals in blockchain solutions weighs in on the crackdown.
The Postnormal Times Madani Exhibition at Berjaya Times Square was launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Sunday. Scott Jordan, Assistant Director of the Centre for Postnormal Policy & Future Studies helps us understand what the postnormal times are, and how it intertwines with Anwar's Madani policy approach.
A storm wreaks havoc at Universiti Malaya, causing an estimated RM1 million in property damages. Lai Yue Yi, a representative from the Universiti Malaya Association of New Youth recounts the situation during the storm, and provides update about the cleanup process.
Our top story: We speak to Premesh Chandran, co-founder of Asia Mobility, about the headlining controversies surrounding the company, in light of claims of cronyism and corruption.

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Google's AI-powered blunder has been telling people to eat rocks, mix glue into pizza sauce, and smoke during pregnancy. With Google scrambling to fix the situation, we reached out to Dr Zhi Yuan Chan, Associate Professor and Head of the School for Computer Science at the University of Nottingham Malaysia to comment on how AI is changing our search for information online.
Last week, the Home Ministry unveiled the updated film censorship guidelines built on public order and safety; religion and morality; and sociocultural perspective. Filmmaker, Badrul Hisham Ismail shares his thoughts on the changes.
Corruption charges plague the stability of Perlis state government, as Mohd Syafeed Mohd Shukri, the son of the Perlis Menteri Besar, Shukri Ramli, is charged with the submission of a fake claim amounting to more than RM19,000. Aizat Sharif, a journalist based in Perlis shares his insights into the situation.
Following the passing of Nor Zamri Latiff, the incumbent Sungai Bakap ADUN, the state seat is set to be contested in a by-election soon. Predeep Nambiar, the Northern Region Bureau Chief from FMT shares his thoughts on the developments that Sungai Bakap can expected.
Our top story: On SPM results day, we interview Felicia Yoon, co-founder of Arus Academy about this year's improved SPM results, and the preparations and challenges that students face in the run-up to the major exam.

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Make-a-Wish grants their thousandth wish to nine-year old Ayra Medina, who wished to be a mermaid princess. Irene Tan, CEO of Make-a-Wish Malaysia talks to us about what makes Ayra's wish special.
Phileo Damansara MRT is finally getting a proper pedestrian walkway, thanks to Petaling Jaya MP Lee Chean Chung and BCMY, a grassroots organisation of commuter cyclists and urbanists. Rajiv Rishyakaran, Bukit Gasing ADUN explains the who goes into designing a usable walkway.
With Malaysia’s aspirations to become a regional data hub, should we open the door for more data centre projects? The answer, according to analysts and industry players, is yes! Associate Professor Dato’ Husin Jazri, who is Director of the Global Centre for Cyber Safety from Taylor’s University weighs in on whether Malaysia is ready to realise its aspirations to become a highly-sought after data hub.
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak surprised Britain's political players and observers after calling for an early election. Some say the timing of the announcement is part of Sunak's election campaign strategy. Patrick Diamond, Associate Professor of Public Policy at Queen Mary University of London shed lights on what the sentiment is like in the UK, and issues that may come up during the campaign.
Our top story: Mala Vello, a Malaysian victim of human trafficking who has been trapped in Nepal for the past 12-years, is fighting to come back home to her family. We speak to Onysha Boak, a programme officer with Project Liber8, on Mala's situation, and what we can do to bring her home.

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We talk about a Michelin-star eatery in New York run by a someone who has never even stepped foot in Southeast Asia!
An incident of severe turbulence on a Singapore Airlines flight caused the tragic death of one passenger, and injured several others. Shantanu Gangakhedkar, an aviation consultant for Frost & Sullivan helps us understand what turbulence is, and how to stay safe when it happens.
MAHB's privatisation plan with a RM12.3 billion price tag that's being led by a four-member consortium consisting of Khazanah, EPF, Abu Dhabi-based ADIA and New York-based GIP. With critics unconvinced with the proposal, we ask Emmanuel Samarathisa, journalist and founder of The Malaysianist about the concerns raised, and what MAHB's ideal partner looks like.
In the latest update of the government's shift from blanket subsidies to a targeted system, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has announced subsidy cuts for diesel fuel, with expectations that it will save up to 4 billion Ringgit of government finances. We hear what Geoffrey Williams, an economist and founder of Williams Business Consultancy, has to say about whether this would raise business costs, and if it really benefits the people.
Our top story: We speak to Datuk Roger Chin, Immiediate Past President of the Sabah Law Society about Sabah's 40% special grant, and the legal challenges that have been brought up by the Sabah government in the process of appealing for this demand.

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Huge pushback from several quarters on the dance party that happened recently on KTM's rental service coach. KTM has said they would "improve" their guidelines.
Climate change and extreme weather conditions putting this year's durian crops behind schedule.
A group of students have been fined for cooking using a gas stove at a petrol station in Genting. Khoo Gaik Cheng, Associate Professor of the School of Media, Languages and Cultures at the University of Nottingham Malaysia weighs in on how this would impact our durian exports.
A Perak family who has been stateless for generations, has officially been granted Malaysian citizenship. We hear thoughts from Professor Datuk Noor Aziah Mohd Awal, Commissioner of Suhakam.
The International Criminal Court has applied for arrest warrants against top Israeli and Hamas leaders for alleged war crimes. This has prompted criticism from both parties, as well as US president Joe Biden, who claimed that there is no equivalence between Israel and Hamas.

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Singaporean comedian Sharul Channa's show in Malaysia was cancelled, after police reports were made against her, over a video of her show back in 2018. In the video, she was seen to be making jokes that alluded to 3R issues. We hear from Phoon Chi Ho, the chief executive of Laugh Labs Entertainment and the organiser of the event Sharul was supposed to performed at.
The government has announced that the Online Safety Bill is about 60% complete now. The bill aims to ensure platform providers to adhere to SOPs and help authorities when they conduct investigations related to online security.
FIFA is considering the suspension of Israeli teams from their events, after the Palestinian Football Association said the Israeli team had violated FIFA statutes. Haresh Deol, editor of TwentyTwo13 weighs in on this.
The Health Minister has announced a grading system for sugary drinks, in an attempt to reduce sugar consumption. This is following the result of The National Health and Morbidity Survey 2023, which revealed that diabetes is one of the leading causes of death in the country.
Iran president Ebrahim Raisi has died after a helicopter crash, in the Varzaqan region, when he was returning with Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian and several others from a ceremony to inaugurate a dam on Iran’s border with Azerbaijan.

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After a small town in England is finding apostrophes missing from street signs, a NYT article has brought up scepticism on the need of apostrophes in modern times. We hear a clip from Andrew van der Spuy, a Senior Lecturer in Linguistics from the University of the Witwaterstrand speaking to eNews Channel Africa, about whether apostrophes really matter, and if it can be considered an endangered species.
UTM has gotten backlash for denying the enrolment of an autistic person into their chemical industry degree programme. On this, we received a voice note from an autistic member of SIUMAN Collective, who is also an Augmentative and Alternative Communication user, on the question of inclusivity for persons with disabilities in higher education.
Following the release of the 2023 Global Adult Tobacco Survey showing e-cigarette use among young adults, the Health Ministry is committed to put the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024. We hear a clip from the Bigger Picture's interview with Assistant Professor Dr Farhan Rusli, a Public Health Medicine Specialist from IIUM on how enforcment should look like.
An attack on a police station in Ulu Tiram, Johor in the name of Jemaah Islamiyah has. Dina Zaman, co-founder of Iman Research, comments on the deadly incident, the rise of extremist groups, and the influence of geopolitical events in shaping radical sentiments.
Experts are psuhing for better media literacy to navigate today's vast information scenario. We interview Darshini Kandasamy, co-foudner of Malaysian Information Education (MILE) and CEO of Between the Lines, about how we can adapt.

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Today's countdown includes:

Two ancient Malay manuscripts — The Genealogical History of Kedah State and the Royal Correspondence of Baginda Omar — has been listed in UNESCO's Memory of The World registry for Asia and the Pacific. Ros Mahwati Ahmad Zakaria, the Head of the Malay Manuscript Research Center at ATMA UKM helps us understand the significance of the manuscript, and their recognition.
Is Thailand, the top holiday destination for Malaysians? Last year, 4.56 million Malaysians spent over RM4.6 billion in Thailand. Hannah Pearson, founder of Pear Anderson comments on what draws tourists to Thailand, and how Malaysia can compete.
We discuss the #CelebrityBlockout, where social media users are calling for a mass block on celebrities and influential people who are not speaking up against the atrocities in Gaza.
A crash victim of the 2021 Kelana Jaya LRT collision who is seeking RM113,000 in damages from Prasarana and Rapid Rail, will only be getting a trial hearing in 2028. Jeremy Balang, a lawyer who specialises in medical and personal injury, tells us what victims of similar incidents can legitimately claim.
And our top story of the day: Sarawak's push to embrace English as a medium for math and science subjects in secondary schools, contrary to how the dual-language programme is hotly-debated here in the Peninsula. For this, we speak to Associate Professor Dr Adelina Asmawi, the Head of the Department of Language and Literacy Education at the Faculty of Education in Universiti Malaya.

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Today's countdown includes:

Lee Hsien-Loong's official resignation as Prime Minister of Singapore.
Sabah's crocodile-hunting licence, which was introduced back in 2017 to curb the increasing crocodile populations, has not been popular with locals. So, we get into why that is, and what it takes to get a crocodile-product industry going. 3. Sarawak is being urged to preserve the culture and histories of the Sihan, Ukit and Lahanan communities of Sarawak’s Belaga district which are among the rarest ethnic groups in the region dating back over a thousand years. Yet, these communities are shrinking year by year.
Data leaked to a journalist consortium reveals that 300 Malaysian business-owners and corporate players own holdings in Dubai’s property market, worth up to RM710 million. Koh Jun Lin, Deputy News Editor of MalaysiaKini comments on the media outlet's role in uncovering this leak.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's meeting with Hamas leaders, Ismail Haniyah and Khalid Mashal during his visit to Qatar has raised eyebrows, particularly from US analysts who say ,"Malaysia is playing a dangerous game.". We discuss the optics of Anwar's meeting with Julia Roknifard, Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Nottingham

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Today's countdown includes:

The number of Malaysians looking for jobs in Singapore from January to March this year has gone up from 28,000 to over 46,000. We look back at a conversation we had with Joelle Pang, General Manager of FastCo Malaysia, on whether Malaysians are set on staying in Singapore for work, or if they do consider returning home.
Tan Sri Azam Baki's appointment as the chief commissioner of MACC, has been criticised by C4, the Center to Combat Corruption and Cronyism. Pushpan Murugiah, the CEO of C4 weighs in on how this will impact MACC's credibility, and the delay in expediting an alternative process to the appointment process.
Brickbats for Pahang ruling government's appointment of five assemblypersons following the amendment of the state constitution in 2020. Ooi Kok Hin, Executive Director of Bersih comments on whether Pahang's unity government reneged on a promise, sacrificing broader representation for policial expediency.
Craun Research, a government agency which specialises in crop research, has developed a rice alternative from sago starch. Professor Datin Sri Paduka Dr Fatimah Mohamed Arshad, Research Fellow at the Institute of Agricultural and Food Policy Studies of UPM comments on whether Sarawaks’s sago rice will be more widely accepted.
Petaling Jaya MP Lee Chean Chung's call for the MBPJ to appoint arborists, in light of recent incidents of trees uprooting in public spaces and endangering lives. We interview Terrence Tan Teck Seng to understand how this decision can be best implemented.

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Today's countdown includes:

Following a severe geomagnetic solar storm, an Aurora Australis lights up the skies of the southern hemispheres in Tasmania, Victoria, South Australia and New Zealand. Dr Chong Hon Yew, an astronomer at the Penang Astronomical Society tells us how these lights emerge, and the great Carrington Event of 1859.
Malaysians looking to get an Australian student visa now need to show they've got at least 29,710 Aussie dollars, or over RM100,000 in savings. This is the second change in the past seven months of the Australian government increasing saving requirements, affecting around 15,000 Malaysians who are already studying or planning to study Down Under.
Grab Drivers Malaysia Assocaition is pushing back on the growing popularity of bidding on e-hailing apps, raising concerns about fair prices. We reached out to Muhammad Shaani Abdullah, the honorary secretary of the Malaysian Digital Economy Consumers Association, to comment on this.
On its 54th anniversary: What can we learn from the tragedy of May 13th, 1969? Aizat Shamsuddin, a security analyst and founder of INITIATE.my shares his thoughts on how learning from the tragedy can strengthen national unity.
We take a look at Pakatan Harapan's win in the Kuala Kubu Bharu by-elections with Shazwan Mustafa Kamal, Associate Director of Vriens & Partners.

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Today's countdown includes:

A debate on whether the posting of book excerpts on social media violates copyright laws. This is coming after an X user posted a criticism of Daiyan Trisha's new book, along with pictures taken from the pages of the book. This prompted the publisher to demand it to be taken down, saying it violated copyright laws. Syamsuriatna Ishak, a former lawyer, tells us whether there are grounds for legal action.
With seven Bersatu lawmakers switching allegiance to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the unity government, more by-elections may be on the cards. Wong Chin Huat comments on what this means for Bersatu moving forward.
Ahead of the Kuala Kubu Bharu by-elections, we hear messages from Parti Rakyat Malaysia candidate, Hafizah Zainuddin and Pakatan candidate Pang Sock Tao.
The passing of Dewan Negara president, Datuk Mutang Tunggal at the age of 69-years old, who was the first Dayak to hold the position.
The Madani village adoption programme, which was tabled with a RM100 million allocation, is being touted as the best solution to resolve issues faced by rural communities. For this, we speak in-depth with Maalini Ramalo, Director of Social Protection, Development of Human Resources for Rural Areas.

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Today's countdown includes:

The Malaysian Bar points out that Malaysia has not fully incorporated prohibitions against discrimination against disabilities. We reached out to Meera Samanther, co-chairperson of the Bar Council's Ad-Hoc Committee on Persons with Disabilities to understand why pushing for this provision is important.
The launch of Freedom Fund 2.0 by citizen action group Engage, who plan to help Clare Rewcastle-Brown through her defamation suit. Thomas Fann, chairman of ENGAGE, helps us understand how the fund will help.
Attacks on three national footballers have raised alarms across the country. Police however, say the incidents are unrelated and the public has been told not to speculate. Haresh Deol, editor of Twentytwo13 comments on these incidents, and Selangors decision to pull out from the Charity Shield match.
Malaysia is apparently planning to gift orangutans to boost relations, and show-off the country's commitment to conservation. Although, NGOs have raised obvious concerns in light of the critically endangered status of orangutans. So John Payne, Executive Director of the PONGO Alliance, weighs in on the suggestion.
UNICEF's 'Living on the Edge' study has shed light on the prevalence of poverty among women, children and those with disabilities. We get into the findings of the report with Lee Min Hui, Senior Analyst in Social Policy and National Integration at ISIS Malaysia.

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Today's countdown includes:

Bersih rebukes government over broken promises, amidst the appointment of Datuk Sapdin Ibrahim as the newest member of the Election Commission without open and transparent process. Wong Yan Ke, Deputy Chairperson of Bersih for his thoughts.
An uprooted tree in KL causes the death of a 47-year old man, two injuries, and disruption to the KL Monorail track. Zailani Jamil, President of the Malaysian Society of Arborists comments on the importance of constant inspection of trees.
A rise in statutory rape cases involving minors is raising concerns, in light of the fact that children aged 10-and-below can't be held criminally liable. We hear from Dr. Farah Nini Dusuki, the Children’s Commissioner of SUHAKAM for how cases are approached if not through the legal system. Then, child psychologist, Katyana Azman weighs in on claims that early exposure to pornography is causing these crimes.
Israel's invasion of Rafah draws eyes from around the world, as the last entry and exit point for aid delivery and evacuations falls under the control of Israel. We reach out to Dr Ferooze Ali, Senior Fellow of the Asia Middle East Center for Research & Dialogue to understand if this will impact peace deal negotiations.
The newly launched National Anti-Corruption Strategy is set to boost the country's integrity. We dive into the plan with Pushpan Murugiah, CEO of the Centre to Combat Corruption and Cronyism.

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Today's countdown includes:

A PPR in Bestari Jaya will finally be developed in hopes to resolve the longstanding housing crisis faced by 245 families across five estates since 1998, despite being approved back in 2018. Sr Dr Ainoriza Mohd Aini, a Senior Lecturer from the Faculty of Built Environment of UM comments on why PPR's typically take so long to be developed after approval.
Local fast food outlet, Darsa Fried Chicken under fire for racial comments made by an admin of the restaurant's social media.
Investigations into a Bloomberg journalist for his involvement in a report about the alleged development of a casino in Forest City. Zaharom Nain, Professor of Communications and Multimedia aat University of Nottingham Malaysia weighs in on the investigation.
The Malaysian government has recieved brickbats over the participation of arms dealers with direct involment in the Palestinian genocide at a national security exhibition. Nur Hafizah Shamsudin, a representative of Sekretariat Solidariti Palestine comments on this.
With the Kuala Kubu Bharu by-elections coming closer, we look into the discourse surrounding the Indian voter base. For this, we speak in-depth with former Klang MP, Charles Santiago.

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Today's countdown includes:

Malaysian-born and Oscar-winning actress, Tan Seri Michelle Yeoh was awarded the US Presidential Medal of Freedom by US President Joe Biden. Should we celebrate or scrutinise?
Kuala Lumpur's iconic Coliseum cinema is now up for sale. Cha-Ly Koh, CEO and Founder of Urbanmetry shares her insights on the value of heritage sites like this being put up on the market.
The Perak-Penang water project is on track, set to solve the ongoing water crisis in Penang. S. Piarapakaran, President of the Association of Water and Energy Research Malaysia to discuss the implications of this deal for both states.
Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Nor issues a rare apology to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Cabinet ministers for making inappropriate remarks in his political capacity. Predeep Nambiar, the Northern Region Bureau Chief from FMT weighs in on the measured strategy of Sanusi's apology.
Our top story! The US Treasury is set to visit Malaysia, seeking to discuss sanctions to combat funding Iran and its proxy groups through Malaysian financial channels. We dive into this story with Bunn Nagara.

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Today's countdown includes:

A raid on a convenience store and subsequent seizure of ice cream products with the label "No Palm Oil."
The Health Ministry asking for AstraZeneca to clarify Covid-19 vaccine side effects.
World Press Freedom Day, and our unfortunate slide in the world rankings to the 34th spot.
Government moving to one single agency to manage and control our borders.
Our top story! The noise surrounding vernacular schools, amidst the Kuala Kubu Baru by-elections.

For these stories, we spoke with Azrul Mohd Khalib, CEO for Galen Centre; Zaharom Nain, Professor of Communication & Multimedia, University of Nottingham Malaysia; Premesh Chandran, Former CEO of Malaysiakini and Munira Mustaffa, executive director of Chasseur Group.

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If you're thinking about becoming more eco-friendly in your electricity consumption, the Green Electricity Tariff might be the solution. Essentially, it gives people the option to purchase a low carbon electricity supply without having to install their own solar rooftop or other renewable energy installations. Visit myTNB Portal at www.mytnb.com.my/ to subscribe to GET. It's easy to go green with GET! Go Green, Go GET for a better, brighter tomorrow.

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Today's countdown includes:

More details on the revamped Public Service Remuneration System, including a pay hike of more than 13%, and a minimum salary of RM2000 for civil servants.
An application for Kelantan's Wayang Kulit to be recognised on UNESCO's list of intangible cultural heritage.
Terengganu considering a proposal for public caning as a punishment for offences committed under Syariah law.
The Perlis MB being investigated by MACC for alleged abuse of power.
Our top story! The demands emerging from the Labour Day march, for better workers' rights, among other issues.

For these stories, we spoke with Eddin Khoo, founder and director of Pusaka; Nizam Bashir, syariah lawyer; Dr Azmi Hassan, Senior Fellow at the Nusantara Academy of Strategic Research; and Dr Michael Jeyakumar Devaraj, Chairperson of Parti Sosialis Malaysia.

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Today's countdown are:

The Education Ministry is currently exploring solutions to reduce congestion and ultimately improve the quality of education for students in 86 high-density schools across the country.
A suggestion to give unlicensed old folk's homes a grace period of two years to comply with regulations has come up amidst a case of abuse at an unlicensed home in Kedah. Chai Sen Tyng, Senior Research Officer from MYAgeing at UPM comments on the prevalence of the issue, and whether the suggestion can bring about improvements.
QSR Brands Holdings, which owns and operates the KFC fast food franchise in the country, has purportedly suspended 108 outlets nationwide. Lawyer, Leow Ho Eng, shares his thoughts on what happens to affected employees.
Bersatu activist Chegubard was charged under the Sedition Act for a Facebook post regarding the rumoured Forest City casino. Zaid Malek, Director of Lawyers For Liberty adds to the discussion.
Our top story! A motorcyclist has been granted RM721,000 for damages to his motorcycle and injuries sustained, after his bike hit a pothole three years ago. We take a deep dive into the legalities of the case with lawyer, Salim Bashir.

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Today's countdown are:

The significance of World Dance Day, in which we have Professor Dr Joseph Gonzales, choreographer and Artistic Director of ASK Dance Company to share his hopes.
The underreporting from male victims when it comes to love scams. For this, we hear from industrial psychologist Victor Goh.
Public outrage to Penang's water tariff hike. Professor Dato’ Dr Chan Ngai Weng, Honorary Professor of Environmental Management at USM shares his thoughts with us.
Deputy Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Fadillah Yusof suggested allowing business folk to migrate to Sarawak as they are willing to deposit RM2 million into a state-owned bank, or purchase property valued at no less than RM1.5 million.
Our top story! Bersih questions Selangor government’s open house in Kuala Kubu Baharu.

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Today's countdown are:

A World Bank report reveals that 42% of Malaysian students failed to achieve proficiency in reading by the end of Standard 5. Chan Soon Seng, CEO of Teach For Malaysia, talks about the important role that teachers play to address this issue.
Prime Minister Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim says the revised Public Service Remuneration System, or the SSPA, will be the best ever introduced.
The United States has officially passed legislation to ban social media platform TikTok unless it divests from its Chinese parent company, Bytedance. We asked Dr Benjamin Loh, Senior Lecturer at School of Media and Communication of Taylor's University, if this will have global implications on freedom of speech.
The MACC has confirmed that an investigation into Mahathir’s two sons earlier this year is part of a broader probe into the former leader for corruption. Pushpan Murugiah, CEO of the Center to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4) provides commentary.
Our top story! Analysts warn that Sabah's representatives may lose support if they're not serious about demanding 40% of the federal government’s annual net revenue, as outlined in the constitution. We discuss this in-depth with Ariff Adi Putera Anwar, Research Associate, Institute for Development Studies (Sabah).

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Today's top 5 stories are:

A decline in students sitting for their SPM this year has been attributed to the abolishment of UPSR and PT3 examinations.
The Unity government has announced DAP's Pang Sock Tao as their candidate in the KKB by-elections.
Two men who illegally possessed 50 rhinoceros horns have pleaded not guilty and opted for a court proceeding, which is Malaysia's first open trial regarding the smuggling of this animal's horns.
An American professor who diffused pro-Israel statements in his talk in Universiti Malaya has been denounced by many Malaysians.
Our top story! The ongoing Supermax family saga.

For these stories, we heard from Shahnaz al-Sadat, chairperson of LeapEd Services; Dr Syaza Shukri, associate professor of political science from IIUM; Elizabeth John, communications manager of TRAFFIC Southeast Asia; and Bunn Nagara, Director and Senior Fellow of the BRI Caucus and Honorary Fellow at the Perak Academy.

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Today's top 5 stories are:

A 10-year prison sentence has been handed out to the woman who scalded a man with Down's Syndrome.
The Consumers' Association of Penang (CAP) has called for the government to abolish 24-hour eateries due to Malaysians' health issues, especially obesity.
According to a study by Ilham Centre, Malaysian youths are uninterested in joining political parties even though they are drawn to political matters on social media.
UN Special Rapporteurs for human rights noted that many Bangladeshi workers in Malaysia are exploited, and urge both countries' governments to take action to curb this issue.
And our top story today: Amnesty International's report indicates that Anwar's administration did not fulfill its commitment to reforms, citing the deficiency in seven key areas such as freedom of assembly and the death penalty.

For these stories, we heard from advisor of the Malaysian Down Syndrome Association Hanizan Hussin; nutritionist content creator Lee Zhi Ling; vice president of MUDA Zaidel Baharuddin; and former Klang MP Charles Santiago.

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Today's top 5 stories are:

Some questions being raised on the one-month jail sentence of an elderly man who stole essential goods from a supermarket.
A picket happening in Perak by employees of a cement plant company.
An outbreak of mass hysteria among 50 students at a secondary school in Negeri Sembilan.
The collusion of two Malaysian navy helicopters in mid-air during a parade rehearsal, which killed all 10 crew members on board.
And our top story today: Activists pushing back against the exploration project at the Langkasuka Basin, citing harm to marine biodiversity.

For these stories, we heard from advocate and solicitor Andrew Khoo, the secretary general of National Union of Bank Employees; J Solomon, as well as Dr Robert Bartholomew, Medical Sociologist from the Department of Psychatric Medicine at the University of Auckland, and Climate and Energy campaigner from Greenpeace Malaysia; Hamizah Shamsudden.

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Today's top 5 stories are:

Malaysian students opting to study locally instead of abroad due to the weakening ringgit.
The Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari has announced that the government is prepared to send armed troops to the Middle East to ensure the safety of our students there.
"Cari-Cari Salah", a Dangdut song addressing religious hypocrisy, was released last Friday. Its lyrics were inspired by an illustration by political cartoonist Zunar, who is also the song's lyricist.
The passing of Hanif Omar, the longest-serving Inspector-General of Police.
And our top story today: Blanket fuel subsidies, no longer.

For these stories, we heard from Professor Tajuddin Mohd Rasdi, Education Activist and Professor of Architecture at UCSI; Ridzwan Rahmat, the principal defence analyst at Janes; Zunar, political cartoonist; and Tony Emmanuel, editor and journalist at Trustee National Press Club Malaysia.

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Today's top 5 stories are:

The Women's Ministry revelation that there have been a rise in reports of sexual harassment cases filed by men.
Flea market traders in Pasar Karat being asked to move after concerns of traffic congestion and fire hazard are brought up. The traders have refused, over worries that relocating will affect their businesses.
Mentega Terbang’s director fails in his bid to lift a gag order on him.
NGOs have called for open court proceedings on Najib's house arrest bid, following the court decision to hold these proceedings in the chamber.
And our top story today: The discontinuation of the Petaling Jaya Dispersal Link project.

For these stories, we heard from Dr Anasuya Jegathevi Jegathesan, Dean of Psychology and Social Sciences in University of Cyberjaya; Jia-Ping Lee, Director of Pollin 8; Zikri Rahman, Research Fellow for ArtsEquator's Southeast Asian Arts Censorship Database Project; and lawyer New Sin Yew.

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Today's top 5 stories are:

Volcanic ash clouds in Mount Ruang in Indonesia have led to the cancellation of several flights from Kuala Lumpur to Sabah and Sarawak
The passing of Tan Sri Joseph Kurup, one of the founding members of Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah.
Local film, Maryam Pagi Ke Malam, wins two international awards at the 21st Asian Film Festival in Rome, Italy.
A single mother in Terengganu is sentenced to whipping for khalwat.
And our top story today: The restructuring of the Employees Provident Fund, which will see a new account called Acount 3 being formed, allowing members to withdraw at any time.

For these stories, we heard from Joseph Sipalan, the Asia Correspondent to South China Morning Post; Rozana Isa, Executive Director of Sisters in Islam, as well as the folks from the film Maryam Pagi Ke Malam: Film director Badrul Hisham Ismail and executive producer, Mohamad Lutfi Hakim Mohamad Ariff.

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Today's top 5 stories are:

The former Federated Malay States Survey Department building, which is a heritage site in Kuala Lumpur is collapsing, yet there are no funds to refurbish it.
According to a report done by real estate technology group Juwai IQI, millennials are the biggest renter group in 2023, followed by Gen Zs. However, baby boomers are the ones who paid the highest average rent.
Five men who were campaigning for the boycott of McDonalds have been arrested for threatening and provoking customers in Sungai Isap, Kuantan.
Bersatu wants Perikatan Nasional to field a Malay candidate in the Kuala Kubu Bharu by-election, saying that it would be welcomed by supporters of the party in Hulu Selangor.
Our top story: The annual Forbes Top 50 richest Malaysians is out. We look into the implications of these people's wealth and their influence on different sectors in Malaysia.

For these stories, we heard from Associate Professor Keith Tan Kay Hin from the School of Architecture at Taylor’s University; Chan Ai Cheng, Immediate Past President of the Malaysian Institute of Estate Agents (MIEA); Nazari Ismail, the chairperson of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanction (BDS) Movement; and Shazwan Mustafa Kamal, Director of Vriens & Partners.

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Today's top 5 stories are:

The increased use of air-conditioners amidst the country's heatwave, which has led to complaints of high electricity bills.
The discovery of tadalafil, an aphrodisiac to treat erectile dysfunction, in ginseng candies manufactured in Malaysia. The issue here is that tadalafil is only supposed to be prescribed by medical professionals.
The issue of under-enrollment of students in more than 3000 schools in Malaysia.
EPF introducing a third account, which allows users to contribute 10 percent of their monthly contributions, and withdraw them at anytime.
Our top story: Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announcement that he will step down from office next month, to be succeeded by the current Deputy Prime Minister, Lawrence Wong.

For these stories, we heard from Ko Chuan Zhen, the CEO of Plus Xnergy; Chong Wai Yip, a teacher in SJKC Papan in Perak; Suraya Zainudin, founder of ringgitohringgit.com; and Professor Chai Lay Ching, a researcher in food safety from Sunway University.

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Higher education institutions play a pivotal role in shaping the future of academia. We hear Professor Sibrandes Poppema, President of Sunway University and Phil Baty, Chief Global Affairs Officer from Times Higher Education (THE) about the complexities of globalised learning. From forging transnational partnerships, to adapting to technological innovations, we explore how Sunway University and THE is putting Malaysian education on the world map.

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Today's top 5 stories are:

Sabah's Sogindai stones potentially becoming tourist landmarks. For context, Kadazandusun tribes used these stones a century ago, to dry their headhunting trophies which is why locals believe it to be haunted.
The death of an elephant calf in a road accident at the Gerik-Jeli road, after it was hit by an SUV.
The calls for Visa-free travel between Malaysia and China to be extended.
10 river basins in Sarawak are set to be transformed into hydroelectric power generation sources.
Our top story: Iran carried out strikes against Israeli territory in response to the suspected Israeli attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus earlier this month.

For these stories, we heard from Angelica Suimin, a member of the Kadazan-dusun community; Jia Cherng, an elephant movement researcher from the Management and Ecology of Malaysian Elephants (MEME); Nigel Wong, Honorary Treasurer and Spokesperson of the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA); and Peter Kallang, chairman and founding member of SAVE Rivers.

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Today's top 5 stories are:

The government's consideration of an e-filing system for those who want to report sexual harassment.
Kuala Lumpur climbing the ranks in the list of Smart Cities in the world.
The passing of O.J. Simpson, former NFL athlete. We looked back at his trial in 1995, where he was acquitted of murdering his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend, Ron Goldman.
The government’s plans on expediting facilities in the third class ward of the Hospital Kuala Lumpur.
Our top story: Calls from Undi 18 for the EC Chairperson to be someone who is independent, competent and reform-minded.

For these stories, we heard from lawyer Goh Siu Lin; Murali Ram, Director of Arup Advisory Malaysia and Azrul Khalib, CEO of Galen Centre for Health and Social Policy.

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Today's top 5 stories are:

How some people will be celebrating Raya away from home. This is coming from TikTok user @cikguding who asked people to share their reasons for not returning home.
A recently released annual survey by ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute has found that elites in Southeast Asia have a relatively low level of concern for the political crisis in Myanmar.
The issue of academic fraud, after Malaysian Academic Movement, or Gerak called for a a collective effort involving educators, university leaders, and the government to uphold academic excellence and denounce fraudulent practices.
Asean+3 Macroeconomic Research Office has announced that Malaysia might be on its way to becoming a high-income nation.
Our top story: The Ministry of Communications is looking into enacting a Music Act to ensure that the arts will have their own legislation to protect the welfare of musicians.

For these stories, we heard from Debbie Stothard, founder of Altsean-Burma; Professor Zaharom Nain, exco member of Gerak and Lee Heng Guie, Executive Director of the Socio-Economic Research Centre.

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Today's top 5 stories are:

University Malaya recently released a dress code for students, which has been met with criticism from members of the Universiti Malaya Association of New Youth (UMANY).
As Malaysia is struck by extreme temperatures, cases of heatstroke rise, claiming the lives of two and incapacitating many others. We discuss how we can handle the heat.
Sabah's state government plans to relocate residents of Pulau Gaya to the mainland in an effort to further boost tourism to the island.
Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul suggested tapioca as an alternative to rice as Malaysians' main diet, in light of Malaysia's rice shortage problems.
Our top story: We discuss driving safe during the festive season, and how best to plan for travels.

For these stories, we heard from Lai Yue Yi, Vice President of UMANY; Dr Teoh Aik Poey, Emergency Physician; Adi Putera Anwar, Research Associate at the Institute for Development Studies in Sabah; and Ramana K. Naidu, CEO of Famox Group of Companies.

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Today's top 5 stories are:

Amazon scrapping its grab-and-go supermarket model, where customers can get an item, have it be scanned by AI sensors, and Just Walk Out. This is following reports that in actuality, 1,000 Indian workers were watching customers as they shopped, to make sure checkouts were accurate. Amazon, however, has said that their workers only validated a small amount of visits, when its AI couldn't make a determination.
Kelantan recording nearly 600 fires in the first 3 months of this year.
Popek Popek Senate (the cousin of Popek Popek Parlimen), our coverage of the recently concluded Dewan Negara, which approved 17 bills.
The arrest of Umno Youth Chief Dr Akmal Saleh, who is being probed under the Sedition Act. This comes after two police reports were lodged against him for a controversial speech he made regarding KK Mart's socks.
Our top story: Mussels found in a resort town in Port Dickson has been reported to be contaminated by dangerous biotoxins, following eight cases of food poisoning.

For these stories, we heard from Ahmad Afandi, Senior Analyst from ISIS Malaysia and Ryan Chua of Pusat KOMAS.

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Today's top 5 stories are:

A deadly 7.2-magnitude earthquake hits Taiwan, making it the country's most devastating natural disaster in 25 years.
It's that time of the year for Raya ads that pull at our heartstrings. This year, RHB Bank delivers with a short film telling the real-life story of lawyer, Ahmad Zaharil Muhaiyar who defended a woman accused of stealing a pencil case for her son.
The government is launching a power separation initiative of the Attorney General and Public Prosecutor which will be phased in through empirical studies in Canada, Australia and the UK.
PKR celebrates the 25th anniversary of the party's formation, featuring clips from the Breakfast Grille's interview with PKR Vice-President, Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.
Our top story: The police's 'no report, no probe' stance comes under question.

For these stories, we heard from Erin Hale, a freelance journalist based in Taiwan; Aira Azhari, Senior Manager at IDEAS; and Dr Wong Chin Huat, Professor of Political Science at Sunway University.

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Today's top 5 stories are:

Adidas banning fans from putting the number '44' on their jerseys, due to it resembling the symbol used by the Nazi's SS units during WWII.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's decision for government institutions to use imported white rice, to ensure local rice supply for the public. This is amidst supply shortage issues.
Former student of MRSM Tumpat being sued RM3 million in defamation, after accusing a teacher of paedophilia.
Tan Sri Robert Tan has pleaded not guilty to a charge of cheating the Finance Ministry to secure a RM3.9 billion contract for his company Spanco.
Our top story: The Dewan Rakyat passes the Cyber Security Bill 2024, aimed to enhance national cybersecurity through compliance with specific measures, standards and processes in managing cybersecurity threats.

For these stories, we heard from Sean Ng, co-founder, Oblique; Professor Fatimah Mohamed Arshad, research fellow at the Institute of Agricultural and Food Policy Studies of UPM; civil rights lawyer, Azira Aziz as well as Emmanuel Samarathisa, journalist and founder of The Malaysianist, and activist Ain Husniza.

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Today's top 5 stories are:

The possibility of Sarawak using the Cambridge syllabus assessment for Primary 6 students starting from 2026.
The controversy surrounding the Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek appearing to reject the use of the word 'kafir' to refer to non-Muslims.
A third Molotov cocktail thrown at a KK Mart outlet, this time in Kuching.
The Prime Minister warning governmental agencies and departments that they're under close watch, following recent headlines about corruption.
A look ahead to the Kuala Kubu Bharu by-elections, widely seen as a bellwether for national politics, and the unity government.

For these stories, we heard from Shahnaz al-Sadat, Chairperson of LeapEd Services, Associate Professor Dr Surinderpal Kaur, Dean of the Faculty of Languages and Linguistics at University Malaya, Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii, Sudhagaran Stanley, Anti-Corruption & Good Governance Consultant, and Ben Suffian from Merdeka Center.

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Today's top 5 stories are:

In a move to protect marine life, whales in the southern Pacific have been granted personhood, led by the indigenous marine conservation group, Hinemoana Halo Ocean Initiative.
Disputes over leadership in the Women's Aid Organisation has triggered mass resignations among Excos in protest.
PADU registrations reach 41% of the adult population in Selangor, with the highest ratio observed in Perlis, Kelantan, Terengganu and Negeri Sembilan.
The Shah Alam City Council's proposal to mobilize a volunteer task force to capture 500 stray dogs faces opposition from both activists and the general public.
Activists are urging a halt to construction work cutting through part of Bukit Cherakah amid a final appeal to challenge the de-gazettement of the forest reserve.

For these stories, we heard from Dr Jillian Ooi, Marine Ecologist & Senior Lecturer in Universiti Malaya; Kiu Jia Yaw, Co-Deputy Chair of the Bar Council Environment & Climate Change Committee; Majidah Hashim, Executive Committee Member at the Women's Aid Organisation; Datuk Seri Mohammad Uzir Mahiddin, Chief Statistician of the Department of Statistics; and Rajesh Nagarajan, animal rights lawyer.

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Today's top 5 stories are:

A new study that looks at whether generative AI tools are helpful for students in academia, and found that different types of students are more likely to use it than others.
A significant uptick in provocative content on social media, compared to last year, driven by 3R issues.
A rise in e-cigarette poisoning cases, with experts raising the alarm that children and teenagers are more heavily affected, partly due to accessibility and a lack of safety protocols.
A look once more on the advantages and possibilities (but also possible things to be wary of) with the Belt and Road Initiative, on the 50th anniversary of Malaysia-China bilateral ties.
The issues behind the Malaysian Medical Council not recognising the parallel pathway programme for cardiothoracic specialists, from the Fellow of Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh in Cardiothoracic Surgery

For these stories, we heard from Prema Ponnudurai, Head of School of Media and Communication at Taylor’s University, Mediha Mahmood, CEO of the Content Forum, Mohamad Haniki Nik Mohamed, Chief Coordinator of Certified Smoking Cessation Service Providers, Dr Farhan Rusli, Public Medicine Specialist, Angeline Tan, Researcher in the Foreign Policy and Security Studies Programme at ISIS Malaysia, and Dr Timothy Cheng, Vice Chairman, Malaysian Medical Association (SCHOMOS).

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Today's top 5 stories are:

Our mini Popek Popek Parlimen, where we cover updates from the Dewan Rakyat. Today's main topics: renewable energy project between UAE company Masdar and MIDA, taxes and e-invoice, and the implementation of the Malaysian Checkpoint and Border Agency (MCBA).
Last Friday, southern Thailand witnessed multiple bombings and arson attacks by insurgents who have been in conflict with the government for decades. This incident happened 20 years after the Tak Bai Massacre, where 85 villagers from south of Thailand were killed by Thai authorities.
AirAsia announces 22,000 fixed-fare seats for citizens who are returning to East Malaysia to celebrate Hari Raya, but not all flyers are benefitting off this initiative.
Onion prices are expected to rise with ongoing supply issues, and the government is looking at India to import 100,000 tonnes of this vegetable ahead of the Hari Raya celebrations, as onions are a staple ingredient in many dishes.
And today's top story: the interest in STEM studies and wages has been at a consistent low in Malaysia, which is detrimental to the growth of our country. We discuss how companies can recruit and retain engineers through higher wages and better working conditions.

For these stories, we heard from Bunn Nagara, Director and Senior Fellow at the BRI Caucus for Asia-Pacific and Honorary Fellow at the Perak Academy, Luqman Zulkifli, Mohd Fauzain Izzuddin Ahmad Fauzi, and Datuk Wira Dr Ameer Ali Mydin, Managing Director of Mydin.

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Today's top 5 stories are:

Our mini Popek Popek Parlimen, where we cover updates from the Dewan Rakyat. Today, we look at the possible impact of the the SST increase, the decline in STEM interest from students as well as discussions on the low registration rate of PADU, particularly among non-Malays.
Calls to reconsider the amendments to the citizenship law, ahead of its second reading in parliament tomorrow. Civil society groups have labelled these amendments as regressive.
The introduction of artificial intelligence in primary schools curriculums starting in 2027.
Suggestions to increase student quota for Indians in Matriculation.
And today's top story: The UN Security Council has adopted a resolution demanding a ceasefire in Gaza during Ramadan.

For these stories, we heard from Maalini Ramalo, director of Social Protection for the Development of Human Resources for Rural Areas, Danutcha Catriona Singh, the managing director of the SOLS Foundation. We also heard from Paniirselvam Jayarama, assistant director of the Constituency Coordination Department of APPGM-SDG and Senator Dato’ Sivaraj Chandran.

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Today's top 5 stories are:

Our mini Popek Popek Parlimen, where we bring you updates from parliament, including: improving internet services nationwide, the distribution of essential goods and subsidies, and the proposal of enlisting students and youths who are not enrolled in university in PLKN.
ISIS-K launched a terrorist attack near Moscow, which has led to 137 casualties.
Vivekananda Ashram is in jeopardy after losing its heritage status in the draft KLLP 2040, as interested parties may want to redevelop the land.
A math teacher is being investigated by the police for sexually assaulting a secondary school student.
And our top story! McDonald's Malaysia has withdrawn their defamation suit against BDS Malaysia, after "positive outcomes" from their mediation talks.

For these stories, we heard from Julia Roknifard from the School of Politics, History and International Relations of University of Nottingham Malaysia, chairman of Save Kuala Lumpur Datuk M. Ali, and lawyer and co-chairperson of CRIB Foundation Ajeet Kaur.

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Today's top 5 stories are:

The United Nations General Assembly has adopted the first global resolution on Artificial Intelligence, to encourage countries to safeguard human rights, protect personal data and monitor AI for risks
A look ahead of tomorrow's annual Earth Hour event!
The shifting demographic in Chinese vernacular schools, following a Chinese school in Negeri Sembilan seeing more Malay student enrollment.
Bersih Chairperson Faisal Aziz alluding that Bersih 6.0 may happen sooner than we think.
And our top story: The nationwide water shortage crisis!

For these stories, we heard from Dr Sia Chin Chin, Senior Lecturer at the School of Law and Governance at Taylor’s University, Woon Tai Hai, advisor to the National Tech Association, Dora Hashim, Senior Communications Manager at WWF-Malaysia, Chong Wai Yip, a teacher in SJKC Papan Ipoh.

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For many Malaysians, student loans are an essential tool for pursuing higher education, and essentially, achieveing their dreams. But many struggle to repay their loans after graduating, due to financial difficulties. In this interview, we speak to Joe Hanni Mohamad, General Manager at PTPTN, about the repayment incentives and services that PTPTN offer, designed to make the the repayment process more manageable and flexible.

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Today's top 5 stories are:

Our mini Popek Popek Parlimen, where we look at talks on hosting the Commonwealth Games, complaints on police personnel, and foundlings' citizenship.
Hari Raya is fast approaching and parents are worried that celebrations will be dimmed in the face of rising costs, especially when the school year just started earlier this month. We discuss how families can deal with overlapping costs.
The Subang Airport Regeneration Plan commences with the expansion of the city airport, which will bring with it 8000 new jobs by 2030.
Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Abdul Karim commented on the Agong's new role as the honorary commissioner chief of police due to possible legal implications that may expose the Agong to prosecution, under the Rome Statute and the International Criminal Court.
Our top story: We're joined by PSM's Deputy Chairperson, to discuss his thoughts on the Progressive Wage Policy - of which the pilot project is expected to launch in June this year.

For these stories, we heard from founder and blogger of RinggitOhRinggit Suraya Zainuddin, head of KLIA Aeropolis Randhill Singh, and lawyer Fahri Azzat.

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Today's top 5 stories are:

Our mini Popek Popek Parlimen, where we bring you updates from the Dewan Rakyat. Today's main topics: the Progressive Wage Policy, the reparation of potholes and damaged roads, and PADU registrations.
Ipoh white coffee is ranked 10th most popular coffee in the world! We dive into the history and cultural significance of our local brew from Ipoh.
A proposed reactivation of ferry services between Peninsular and Borneo, which may improve tourism and travels between these two parts of Malaysia.
Police probes into a news anchor's claims of being treated rudely by two policemen, which sparks discussion on how criticism towards public authorities should be handled.
Our top story: Malaysia's aggregated household debt reaches a whopping RM 1.53 trillion, which may severely impact consumption and the future of our economy.

For these stories, we heard from food historian, Nadge Ariffin, and lawyer, Kee Shu Min.

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Today's top 5 stories are:

Our mini Popek Popek Parlimen, where we bring you updates from the Dewan Rakyat. Today's main topics: supply of local white rice, late salary payments and EPF contributions.
Food wastage and single-use plastics during Ramadan: how will it affect us, and how we can decrease these practices as consumers.
Two kopitiams in Penang going viral for imposing a RM2 fee for customers who do not order drinks.
The impact of the amended Akta Universiti dan Kolej Universiti 1971 (AUKU) on university students.
The Minister of Education's announcement to implement an early detection assessment for Year One students, to improve their mastery of reading, writing and counting skills.

For these stories, we heard from Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, PR and communications manager at The Lost Food Project Gayathri Liew, and President of IIUM Student Union Aliff Naif.

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Today's top 5 stories are:

Our mini Popek Popek Parlimen, where we bring you updates from the Dewan Rakyat. Today's main topics: The Kawasan Rukun Tetangga initiatives as well as plans to revert to the pre-covid school calendar.
A ruling by the Federal Court of medical negligence, which have raised concerns of practitioners resorting to "defensive medicine".
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek's warning that teachers and school staff will be sacked if they are found guilty of sexual harassment. This is in line with her ministry's rolling out of the Safe Schools Programme, which will see guidelines to prevent sexual harassment cases in schools.
The Malaysian Bar's motion to challenge former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's reduced sentence.
KK Mart faces a boycott, following their sale of socks bearing the word Allah went viral online.

For these stories, we heard from Manvir Victor, Chairman of the Patient for Patients Safety Malaysia, child psychologist, Katyana Azman, and lawyer Lim Wei Jiet.

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Today's top 5 stories are:

The Russian presidential elections, and we're spotlighting a few things, including Vladimir Putin's likely win, online voting being a first for the Russians as well as political and cultural interests of Russians (and why it's significant to our region.)
The issue of overcrowding in SK Cyberjaya, which has culminated in a relocation of students to nearby schools.
Gua Lepak, a popular food court eatery operating within Batu Caves, being given an eviction notice. Apparently, they have been operating without legal authorisation.
Eight districts in Sabah have been identified to have hardcore poverty rates exceeding the national average.
And today's top story: The extreme climate situation in Sabah and Sarawak.

For these stories, we heard from Datin Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim, Chairperson, Parent Action Group for Education, Dr Lim Teck Wyn, Adjunct Professor of Ecology at University of Nottingham Malaysia and also Kapayan Assemblyperson, Jannie Lasimbang.

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Today's top 5 stories are:

Parliamentary updates, in which the MPs discussed the sale of dates from Israel, hardcore poverty and what it means to "eradicate" it as well as the issue of individuals smoking in prohibited public areas.
The Education Ministry's announcement of an initiative to improve students' mastery of Bahasa Malaysia by reading Malay newspapers.
Updates from the government on how they plan on helping individuals in the transport and film industry to contribute to Socso.
The hot weather in Malaysia, and in tangent, Papar being declared a drought disaster area, as it faces water supply issues.
The United States passes a bill that could see TikTok being banned in the States.

For these stories, we heard from Associate Professor Dr Adelina Asmawi, Department of Language and Literacy Education of Universiti Malaya and Mohamad Haron Othman, Head of Self Employment Social Security Scheme Division at PERKESO.

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Today's top 5 stories are:

Our Mini Popek Popek Parliament, looking at the Parliamentary Services Act, Kampung Baru's development plan, and protecting our children on social media.
Concerns surrounding vegetable price hikes due to a production decline in the agriculture sector. This is brought on by the lack of foreign labour, after the government announced that the unused foreign labour quota will be cancelled
Vendors at the bazaars being forced to hike up their prices due to the increase cost of raw goods.
Mavcom's announcement of a revised passenger service charge, for both domestic and international flights.
And our top story: PM Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's trip to Germany. What does this spell for the future of Malaysia in terms of investment?

For these stories, we heard from co-founder of Agridata Portal and owner of D&H Plantation Shahrizal Denci, nasi ayam goreng kunyit food vendor Khairul Azhar, founder of Pear Anderson Hannah Pearson, and former Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industry Ong Kian Ming.

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Today's top 5 stories are:

Our updates from Dewan Rakyat, where we discuss issues with overcrowding in immigration depots, the Media Accreditation Card, and adaptation measures for climate change.
A Mother’s Day photo of British Royal Kate Middleton breaks the internet amidst rumours of her absence from the public eye.
Sugar in the workplace? No more! The government is calling for a nationwide campaign against sugar to battle high rates of diabetes, specifically among the working force.
CTOS files an appeal after being sued for defamation due to an inaccurate credit rating, which brings into question whether CTOS can provide credit ratings which affect the livelihood of citizens.
And our top story: the highly contested citizenship amendment, and what it will entail for Malaysian mothers, their children, and foundlings.

For these stories, we heard from public health medicine specialist Dr Anza Elias, Director of Wealth Vantage Advisory Idham Idris, Intellectual Property and Information Technology lawyer Foong Cheng Leong, and President of Family Frontiers Suri Kempe.

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Today's top 5 stories are:

A mini sampler of today's parliament session, which involves discussion on foreign workers "causing unnecessary competition among locals", medicine prices as well as an outlook on our tourism this year.
An overview of the Women's March that happened during the weekend, which has culminated in the organisers being summoned by the police, over conduct during the march. For this, we heard from Ruhaishah Zulkifli, Communications & Media Officer at KRYSS.
The Oscar results are out, and so we bring back the Popcorn Culture gang to talk about the biggest snub and surprises.
The government's announcement of shorter working hours for female civil servants, to allow for more family time (which has received quite a bit of pushback online).
And for our top story, the Perikatan Nasional convention, and their desire to bring on more non-Malay votes.

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Today's top 5 stories are:

A theory that sexist textbooks are contributing to the gender gap.
The Kelantan state assembly's reintroduction of 16 provisions to the state's Syariah Criminal Court, freshly after they were struck down by the Federal Court.
Goodyear's closure of its Shah Alam factory: what does it indicate about our economy?
Remembering MH370, 10 years on.
A discussion of women's issues and rights in Southeast Asia, in conjunction with International Women's Day.

For these stories, we heard from Professor M Niaz Asadullah, lawyer Fahri Azzat, Dr. Shankaran Nambiar from MIER, independent investigator Blaine Gibson, and Misun Woo of APWLD.

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Today's top 5 stories are:

Our parliament update, and today's include an announcement on the new inclusive bumiputera plan, upgrades on our public transportation as well as a discussion on Menu Rahmah for bazaars.
The Auditor General's office report on the financial statements of the federal agencies.
Progress on the MA63, with nine demands resolved.
Selat Klang assemblyman Abdul Rashid Asari from Bersatu saying he was backing Selangor Menteri Besar Dato Seri Amirudin Shari. What does this mean for Bersatu?
Our top story! The Swifty Power, and how Malaysia can become a destination for music events and festivals.

For these stories, we heard from Alissa Rode, Research Manager for Public Finance Unit, IDEAS, Dr. Oh Ei Sun, principal adviser at the Pacific Research Center of Malaysia and Shazwan Mustafa Kamal, Director of Vriens & Partners.

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Today's top 5 stories are:

Some updates from the Dewan Rakyat, including discussions on Sabah's water issues, the when's and the what's surrounding the tabling of the Social Work Profession Bill and criticisms on the government's non-pensionable permanent employment scheme.
The waters around the Mersing Islands being gazetted to protect our sea cows.
Calls to pause changes to our citizenship act by former Former Deputy Minister of Law and Institutional Reform, Ramkarpal Singh, who said the amendments to the act are illogical and unreasonable.
A report by Human Rights Watch that promises made to reform policies for migrants and refugees have not been fulfilled.
And our top story, the bilateral relations between Malaysia and Australia, following the Prime Minister's visit to Melbourne.

For these stories, we heard from Jillian Ooi, Azira Aziz as well as HRW researcher Shayna Bauchner.

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Today's top 5 stories are:

A bite-sized version of Popek Popek Parlimen, which included discussions to bolster our TVET programs and a suggestion to implement a special salary scheme for graduates.
The proposal for home detentions to reduce prison overcrowding, and the ensuing comments about former Prime Minister Najib Razak being "let off the hook."
The derogatory use of "Orang Ulu" in Parliament. Then, we talk about MPs in parliament using "Orang Ulu" in a derogatory way.
Shortened media card validity for online journalists
Toh Puan Naimah Khalid arguing that the provision used to charge her for asset declaration with MACC was invalid.

For these stories, we heard from Thomas Fann of Projek SAMA, Haresh Deol from Twentytwo13, and Dato' Vignesh Kumar.

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We take a look at today's top 5 stories, beginning with Popek Popek Parliament where we recount issues such as OKUs in the public sector, humanitarian aid and online scams. Following close up is the ongoing boycott on Starbucks, as well as the permit issue faced by the Women's March Malaysia. Our top two picks are EPF's announcements on dividends and statistics on people who are covered by this retirement scheme, and the Bumiputera Economic Congress.

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Selangor ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah expressed disappointment with PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang's remarks on the monarchy after the Federal Court struck down several provisions in a Kelantan shariah criminal enactment. In his post, Hadi claims the Constitution has colonial roots meant to weaken Islam. We speak to Azmil Mohd Tayeb about the complex relationship between Islamist politics and the Malaysian Constitution.

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In today's sitting of parliament, the Ministry of Health explained the of the Madani Medical Scheme due to financial constraints. The Minister of Finance II Datuk Seri also spoke about the reason behind the declining ringgit, and shared the ways we could potentially recover by this year.

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Wendy's has announced that they are going to be implementing surge pricing in selected locations next year, which has predictably prompted outcry and accusations of predatory pricing. We discuss how this differs from surge pricing in transportation and cinemas, and whether this might be the way of the future.

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On the second day of the Parliamentary sitting, the agenda included labour shortages afflicting the palm oil industry, avoiding presumptions on the impact of abolishing the government servant pension scheme, as well as the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security's efforts to develop home-grown shallots. Then, we get into the chaos that ensued after Tasek Gelugor MP, Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan's claimed that shady individuals are bribing him to publicly state his support for the Prime Minister.

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A tweet by @mysteriouskats poses the question: Can an online relationship forged on social media be as meaningful and rich, as the friendships we make in real life? We discuss it from the perspective of shared interests and intellectual connections, and hear from listeners about how they feel!

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Parliament is back in session, with this sitting set to last all the way until 27th of March 2024. The MPs discussed a bunch of topics, including cost of living issues and how the National Action Council on Cost of Living will help with that, online scams as well as the ruling by the Federal Court that nullified 16 provisions under the Kelantan Syariah Criminal Code Enactment. Toward the end, exciting things happen: A walkout staged by the opposition bloc, as well as Pendang MP being suspended from the Dewan Rakyat, by the speaker.

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Bak Kut Teh, along with 9 other dishes, including nasi ambeng, kuih lapis, mee kolok and burasak, has recently been declared a national heritage object. We discuss what it means to have dishes that tell the story of our country, and its heritage - and why claiming a dish as ours will always be a little tricky (and maybe even a little close-minded).

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Electoral watchdog Bersih has announced a rally in front of Parliament, to pressure the government into carrying out political reforms. We speak to Faisal Aziz, chairperson of Bersih on what the group is calling for, and what they're hoping to get out of this protest.

Note: In this interview, our guest referenced Lim Guan Eng's 2018 corruption trial resulting in a DNAA. In fact, the charges at the time were dropped.

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Do you remember when the books you grew up with shaped your childhood? With children reading less, are we seeing fewer readers in the world? We speak to Elina Drucker of Stockholm University on how children's literature has evolved over time and how reading from a young age can be a powerful tool for growth, not just for children, but for the adults raising them too.

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Wikileaks founder Julian Assange's appeal against extradition to the US on espionage charges has concluded. We speak to Greg Barns SC about the key legal arguments presented, their potential impact on Assange's future, and how international support might influence this case with significant implications for press freedom and whistleblowing.

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The Penang House of Music, one of the state's institutions of rich musical heritage, has announced that it will close its doors. This prompted a wave of responses from people, as well as the Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil, who said he would be looking into how best to help. We speak to Paul Augustin, musician and founder of the music house, on his decision to shut down, as well as what he hopes would happen now.

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An X user has expressed how easy it is to be a great host, over being the perfect guest. This bodes an interesting question on how to balance grace and etiquette in both roles. When you're a guest, do you ask for teh o' ais over plain water? And as a host, do you feel the need to clean your house from top to bottom before your guests arrive? We discuss all the nuances and expectations that come for both roles.

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A bit of bad news in terms of our economic development: A recently published article, has revealed that the country’s economic growth in 2023 fell short of expectations, reaching only 3.7% instead of the predicted 4-5%, falling below even the most pessimistic forecasts. We speak to one of the authors of the article, on what he recommends is the best way to go from here.

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Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad is considering introducing designated smoking areas in high-traffic areas, like Jalan Alor and Bukit Bintang, due to space constraints making it difficult to maintain the 3-metre distance rule. We speak to Dr. Zarihah Mohd Zain on how such a move could be enforced and whether it would be effective.

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For a decade, the Portuguese settlement in Malacca has fought to protect its cultural heritage and livelihoods against the encroaching Melaka Gateway project, now rebranded as the Melaka Waterfront Economic Zone. A recent Malaysiakini article reignited concerns, prompting us to speak with Michael Singho, an activist who first raised the alarm in 2013, on how this mega-project threatens the long-term sustainability of Asia's only Portuguese village.

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With up to 164 charges involving money laundering, criminal breach of trust and cheating amounting to RM79 million against three executives of Aman Palestine, we discuss whether this affects the trust that people have that their donations are getting to the right people.

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Unofficial counts show the former Defence Minister, Prabowo Subianto, securing approximately 60% of the Indonesian vote, and with it, the Indonesian presidency. We speak to Keith Leong, Head of Research at the KRA Group on how Prabowo's complex career might shape his governance, and what his "strongman" approach will bring to both domestic and foreign policy moving forward.

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The bid to nominate the New Villages as Unesco World Heritage Sites has generated both support from historians and resistance from political leaders. We speak to Associate Professor Dr. Keith Tan for a nuanced discussion on the pros and cons of listing.

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Bayan Lepas MP Sim Tze Tzin raised concerns on the shrinking Malaysian-Chinese population, pinning hope on the Dragon Year to improve Chinese birth rates. But with births at historic lows, is a symbolic year enough? We speak to Chai Sen Tyng to explore the complex reality of population dynamics among the Chinese community and the impact that this decline will have on the population segment in the coming decade.

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Clean Cut, our monthly comedy series is back with its sixth episode. You know the drill by now, this is the show where we invite comedians to come to our offices and perform a set in from of the BFM staff, with the challenge that it has to be playable on air. This time around, we have Shamaine Othman, who brings us all the laughs and giggles.

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The premiere of Rain Town in cinemas, coinciding with Chinese New Year, marks a first for Malaysian cinema: a fully-Cantonese film directed by a Malay director. We speak to film actress Susan Lankester about the culturally borderless quality of Rain Town and its exploration of family relationships.

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A nine-member Federal Court bench has allowed lawyer Nik Elin Zurina Nik Abdul Rashid and her daughter’s challenge to strike out 16 out of 18 Kelantan shariah laws passed by the state legislature in 2019, ruling that it runs contrary to the federal list that stipulates similar offences. Rozana Isa of Sisters in Islam, joins us to understand this ruling, and the significance it has in our legal landscape, particularly when it comes to Islamic law.

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A tweet on X brought up how air-conditioners are considered a luxury good in India, with a GST rate of 28%, and compared that to the widespread and casual use of the AC in Malaysia. This got us wondering - how do people use, or think about, air-conditioning in our country? And what are the long-term climate costs involved?

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We return to the controversial Royal pardon for jailed former Prime Minister Najib Razak after his lawyer Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah revealed the contents of the outgoing Agong's purported letter to the Pardon's Board. We speak to Shazwan Kamal about how this "revelation" changes the optics of the controversy and its impact on Umno's fractured internal dynamics.

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Obeying laws, paying taxes, properly disposing of waste; these are just a few ways that people can contribute to their country. But what does it really mean to be a contributing citizen, and how do different individuals approach this concept? We discuss this with our listeners.

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The alleged absconding of former Sarawak governor Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, who is believed to be in a critical health condition, has caused a stir within the local media sphere. Taib's second wife, Raghad Kurdi, has denied the abduction. This is coming on the heels of Taib's children suing Raghad over the transfer of shares owned by their father to her name in a public listed conglomerate. We talk to Claire Rewcastle Brown, Founder of the Sarawak Report on these recent developments.

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When you show up at a family gathering, which version of you do you become? Are you the unofficial tech-support, or are you the doctor that everyone comes to for medical advice? Are you quiet, or are you a chatterbox? We ask listeners what role they play when it's time for a family get-together.

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Reports of cancer patients resorting to loan sharks to fund the high costs of treatment, has called to question the financial accessibilty of cancer care. We unpack the financial barriers to accessing adequate medical treatment with Dr. Murallitharan Munisamy, Director of the National Cancer Society Malaysia.

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People on social media have been sharing snippets of their lives, back when they were young, wild and free (or more specifically, back when they were 21). We share our own experiences, and hear some of our listeners, on what it was at that age and how much has changed since then. Image credit: 123rf.com

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The sentence and fine reduction of former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has divided public opinion, while Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's call for respect for the decision continues to be challenged. We speak to Dr Syaza Shukri on the political ramifications of these events.

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It's not so easy to bounce back into the working world once unemployed. The emotional spiral that follows is difficult to break from, and many may end up resorting to unhealthy coping mechanisms. We speak to clinical psychologist, Sarah Zehan, on the support systems that need to be provided to the unemployed to keep their spirits strong through vulnerability.

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A viral thread on X has made us wonder: When you’re in a crisis, what kind of support would help you most? Some prefer to be left alone, while others prefer words, actions or even physical support - but how do we know what's best? We share our thoughts on the nature of both giving and reaching out for help in sensitive times.

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We speak to Dr. Shamsul Amri Baharuddin on the swearing-in of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar of Johor as the 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong, and how the role of the YDPA and the royal ceremony underlines the cultural and sociopolitical DNA of Malaysia.

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Utusan Malaysia put the entire country on edge, after publishing and then retracting a news article on Najib Razak's possible pardon. We try to make sense of what a pardon could mean, and how that could impact how we think about justice.

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The Netflix documentary, 'Man on the Run' was released a year ago, but recently re-entered the spotlight when Najib Razak's legal team asked for it to be taken off the platform. We speak to its producer and director Cassius Michael Kim about the making of the movie, and why the 1MDB scandal has continued to capture imaginations.

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A video clip posted on X went viral for showing a traffic policeman soliciting a fine from a travelling British couple for a speeding offence, which has reawakened old conversations about why bribery continues to be so endemic in our country. We open up the phone lines and ask listeners if this has happened to them, and how they've responded.

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Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar's appointment as the eighth Governor of Sarawak has been met with positive reception from Sarawakians and state leaders alike, though there continues to be some surprise surrounding the retirement of the outgoing governor Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud - a significant and controversial figure in Sarawakian politics. We speak to Robert Lau, former senator, to understand the significance behind Wan Junaidi's appointment.

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A recent tweet on X from BFM asked a simple enough question: What was the most useful thing you learned in school? We had a lot of thoughts, and figured our listeners would have too, so we opened it up for discussion!

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On Thursday, January 25th 2024, Malaysia’s human rights record was examined by the United Nations Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group for the fourth time. To understand how it's gone, we speak to Jerald Joseph, who was part of the Malaysian COMANGO delegation in Geneva.

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MPH Bookstores recently announced the closure of its Mid Valley Megamall store after 25 years of operation. Sad news for Klang Valley readers who grew up loving books, and as an extension, the stores that hold them. We speak to Micheal Cheang about the special memories that bookstores like MPH hold for many of its readers, and why we're so attached to them.

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No sleeping at certain hours, sweeping on Chinese New Year, or cutting your nails at night. If you've heard these beliefs throughout your life, you're not alone. A discussion on X about supersitions got us talking about whether we're superstitious, and which ones have stuck with us.

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Singapore's transport minister, S. Iswaran, has stepped down after being charged with corruption and abuse of power (to which he pleaded not guilty). We speak to Walid Jumblatt Abdullah about the larger political implications of this case.

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Have you ever entered a building just to find yourself going in circles, higher and higher, just to get a parking? For many people who live in these buildings, this is their experience daily! A discussion on X about the issue of excessive parking provisions in dense developments have spurred us to ask where exactly our priorities are, when it comes to building design and development.

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On January 13 2024, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi suggested an enactment of the Fixed Term Parliament Act to prevent mid-term changes of the government. Later, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the Cabinet had yet to convene any discussion on this. We speak to Tharma Pillai about why the call for this legislation was made.

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The field of higher education is one that is rapidly evolving, with online learning increasingly becoming a feature of many institutions. We speak with Open University Malaysia's (OUM) Professor Dr Santhi Raghavan, Deputy Vice Chancellor of Learner Experience & Technology, and Professor Datuk Dr Mohammad Tajudin Mohammad Ninggal, Deputy Vice Chancellor of Academic & Research, about how OUM is working with industries and fostering partnerships to ensure their role in the future of education in Malaysia.

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We take a trip down memory lane today, after an X user asked people to think back to when they were a child, and what they perceived the pinnacle of wealth to be. We discuss some of our perceived notions of luxury back then - think giant boxes of colour pencils, dollhouses, a full set of encyclopaedias, and bellbottoms, among others!

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Last year, search and rescue dogs were in the spotlight because of their role in saving victims of the Batang Kali landslide; later, Blake (an English Springer Spaniel), a key member of Search And Rescue Dogs Malaysia, was euthanised due to advanced euthanasia, drawing millions of tributes online from Malaysians. We speak to the folks behind the team about how these dogs are trained and the sort of work they do. We also hear from our listeners about their own heroic dogs, in ways both big and small.

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A user on X shared that he looked at reviews for the Pejabat Agama Islam Daerah Sepang, and that people were unhappy about them not picking up calls despite having many staff in the office. We expand this to talk about our experiences with customer service at government departments, both the good and the bad.

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Malaysia will soon have its human rights performance reviewed by countries around the world in the United Nations through a process called the Universal Periodic Review (UPR). The Coalition of Malaysian NGOs in the UPR Process (COMANGO) recently organised a media briefing to provide an overview about the UPR process. We speak to Ryan Chua, programme director at Pusat KOMAS about what this process will involve, and why it is important.

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A discussion on the usage of bank card lanes at toll booths and why there hasn't been as much uptake, is currently ongoing on X, so we discuss whether we (and listeners) have chosen to make the transition yet.

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Khairi Anwar and Tan Meng Kheng, the director and producer of the film of Mentega Terbang respectively, have been charged in the magistrate’s court, with "deliberate intention of wounding the religious feelings of others". We speak to Fahri Azzat about these charges, the legalities involved, and what this turn of events indicate for the creative industries and freedom of expression in the country.

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The residents of Taman Tasik Titiwangsa have had longstanding complaints about illegal stalls, vendors, and businesses that have been set up in the area, particularly due to the popularity of the Titiwangsa park and lake, causing congestion, blocking roads, and the piling up of garbage. The residents claim that despite numerous complaints to City Hall (DBKL), nothing has changed. We speak to a representative of the residents about their concerns, and hear from numerous others who live in the area.

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A viral video of a man who repaired a pothole himself and then painted the words “duit saya” over it in Taman Sentosa, Klang, reignited perennial complaints about our roads being poorly maintained - and who should be taking responsibility for this. We discuss this and how the authorities can handle road maintenance more effectively.

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South Africa is taking Israel to the International Court of Justice, claiming the Gaza attacks amount to genocide and are in contravention of the 1948 UN Genocide Convention. We speak to a human rights lawyer to understand the processes involved in this.

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The Merdeka 118 tower was officially opened on Jan 10, 2024, and reactions to it have been mixed, to say the least. We discuss the idea of building skyscrapers in Malaysia, and whether this is something people are still excited by.

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A Molotov cocktail was thrown into Beruas MP Ngeh Koo Ham’s house, causing a fire. This comes two weeks after he made remarks on including non-Muslims in a special committee on Syariah law, which he later withdrew. We discuss the incident, and how highly charged political rhetoric should be mitigated.

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We love our food, but is that love enough to queue for it? And most importantly, for how long? A discussion on X made us contemplate how long we're willing to line up for food, and what goes into our willingness to do this.

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Universiti Malaysia Sabah is continuing to struggle with water supply issues, and this has been brought to light again after Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim requested a report on the RM 3 million allocation that was approved by him last year for this issue. We talk about what's happening on ground at UMS, and why there needs to be more transparency between the university and its student body.

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The Sarawak state government will hold talks next week with the federal government to finalise an agreement on getting full autonomy and control of the health sector. We discuss the implications of this latest move by Sarawak, which is the latest in increased efforts by the state for more autonomy.

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A user on X has shared that being busy is, in a way, better than doing nothing, with many echoing this sentiment. We discuss which side of the argument we land on, and the appeal of a busy day.

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Bangladesh just concluded its general elections, and Sheikh Hasina has retained her position as PM for the fifth term, making her the longest serving leader of the country’s history. But the election and the lead up to it have been tumultous, with controversies including allegations of dummy candidates, voter turnout contradictions, and coerched voting. We speak to Faisal Mahmud, a freelance journalist from Dhaka who covered the elections, about the circumstances surrounding the elections.

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A 27-year-old woman shared a TikTok of her father accompanying her on her first commute to a new job - which led to an X user calling the practice "infantilising". Others, though, aren't on the same page, saying it's a display of love and care. We discuss both sides of the issue.

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On 13 September, 2023, a group of farmers from Perak, as well as representatives of the Lawan Lapar Movement, marched to Parliament with a memorandum on food security. The memorandum calls on the government to intervene in plans by the Perak state to turn farms into housing and industrial developments. We speak with Ian Yee and Tharma Pillai, who spearheaded Lawan Lapar, on what this memorandum is pushing for.

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The opinions on X continue to flow, with today's conversation being about how people prefer their water. That's right. An X user posteda whole list ranking water at different temperatures, in order of preference (cheat sheet: hot water, torture; cold water, best). We dive into the discussion.

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Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim began tabling the 12th Malaysia Plan Mid-Term Review in the Dewan Rakyat on Sept 12. The plan includes 17 "Big Bold" measures, with one of which focuses on the re-targeting of all types of subsidies, including petrol, diesel, electricity, and social assistance. So we dive into what this big bold move means for all of us.

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TasteAtlas' lists of food rankings from around the world have a way of sparking conversation and controversy, though this time around, Malaysians have little cause to complain - the roti canai has landed at the top of the guide's list of best breads in the world. So, we celebrate this most beloved of local breakfast foods, share order preferences and tips, and ask: how do you eat your roti canai?

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The Pakatan-Barisan coalition has won both the Pulai and Simpang Jeram by-elections in Johor. We take a look at the significance of these results and what the victory means for the unity government.

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Have you ever been curious about the possibility of taking a psychology course through online learning? Whether you’re juggling a busy work schedule or seeking a flexible education experience, virtual classrooms might just be the right option for you. We speak to Prof Datuk Dr Mohd Tajudin Mohamad Ninggal, vice president of Open University Malaysia, on how online education is reshaping the way we learn psychology.

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Curator Jo-Lene Ong's recent project, which focused on the role of British PR and information campaigns during the Malayan Emergency, was inspired by her desire to unearth her own family's history during the period. We speak to her about the project, the value of personal histories in telling the different stories of a nation, and why access to these stories is important. We also asked our listeners for their own experiences in researching their family history.

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An X user has shared how some billboards along the road might terrorise citizens at night (ahem, a giant glowing poster of "The Nun 2")! We talk about when billboards cross the line into being distracting, and why sometimes, less might be more.

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Results of applications to study in public universities was released today, 7th September. As successful applicants make their decision on whether to accept or reject the offers, or choose something completely different, we're wondering: How did you decide what to study? What influenced that decision? We get into it with Ida Thien, co-founder of Closing The Gap.

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Rapid KL has announced that they will soon have Women’s Coaches on the MRT Kajang Line. The reception to this announcement has been controversial, to say the least. We get into it.

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ArtsEquator, a online platform that champions Southeast Asian arts and culture, has been carrying out a wide-ranging study on arts censorship called the Southeast Asian Arts Censorship Database. The project includes researchers from six countries: Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam. We discuss what the project aims to do, and what it tell us about arts censorship in the region, with Kathy Rowland, co-founder of ArtsEquator as well as Zikri Rahman, the Malaysian researcher for the project.

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A discussion has emerged on X, about what is a dealbreaker when considering a new job, with people chiming in to talk about being underpaid, overworked, or about toxic work environments. We discuss.

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The Ministry of Higher Education has proposed guidelines on entertainment such as concerts, for higher education institutions. The Universiti Malaya Association of New Youth (UMANY) are challenging this with a judicial review, saying that such guidelines go against the values of freedom and autonomy that universities should uphold. We speak to UMANY's vice-president about their stand.

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On September 1, 2023, Malaysia Airlines ended their 26-year partnership with Brahim's Food Service, causing flight delays as the airline attempts to sort out their in-flight catering. Following this, the airline announced that they will now allow passengers to bring their own meals on selected flights. So we ask, what would you bring to eat on a flight?

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Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's bid for a full acquittal in his Yayasan Akalbudi trial has been declined by the High Court. The discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA) means he may still face trial for the same charges in the future if the prosecution decides to reinstate them. We talk about the significance of this decision and how it will be viewed in the public's eye.

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We continue our new series, BFM's Clean Cut, where we invite comedians to come to the station and perform a set in front of the BFM staff, we record it, and air it just for you! The challenge, though, is for them to perform a set that would be playable on air, and not get us or them in trouble. Comedian Kavin Jay joins us for this episode.

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A discussion has emerged from X, about salary discrepancies and how it affects the way we hang out with friends or our friendships in general. So where do you stand when it comes to accommodating your friends? Do you offer to pay for their meal, or spend time in less inexpensive ways? We get into it.

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Singapore held its first contested presidential election in more than a decade on the 1st of September 2023. Observers have said that the result of this election would be an indicator of support for the People's Action Party ahead of the general election. This is also following on a series of recent scandals including a corruption probe into the transport minister, and the resignation of two PAP legislators over an affair. So we get into all of this with Sudhir Vadaketh, editor in chief of Jom Media.

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A discussion on tapir diplomacy has emerged from X, following the news of the two panda cubs from Zoo Negara, Yi Yi and Sheng Yi, being sent back to China. Which led to the idea: why not loan out (the equally cute) Malayan Tapirs to zoos globally in the same way. So we talk about this idea, and the notion of animal diplomacy.

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The Kembara Stories and Food Trail Project aims to give people a new lens through which to experience Kuala Lumpur: a walking tour led by migrants, who take you through the city's neighbourhoods and cultural gems. Perhaps most exciting, during the tour, participants get to experience the culinary traditions of these migrant communities. We check in with the people behind this project. To check them out and see how you can participate, you can visit https://projectfuturemalaysia.com/

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Back in school, whether you were the teacher's pet, the one who was always dozing off in class, or the one who scored consistent good grades, apparently everyone was famous (or infamous!) for something! We discuss those glory days.

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The Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah has announced plans to promote traditional longhouses as homestays - specifically Sibu and Kapit longhouses. We look into how a concerted state government effort for this might mean, how it might help the communities involved, and how it would bolster tourism in Sarawak.

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More specifically, what can you do, within a 10-minute walking distance from your house? That's the question we're asking today, after an X user brought up walkable urbanism, and essentially how it's made their life more fulfilling. We discuss the issue with our listeners.

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The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has announced that they will be focusing on four dimensions of food security as defined by the Food and Agriculture Organisation, specifically: availability, access, utilisation, and, stability and sustainability. So we discuss these focus areas and how they could be applied to the Malaysian context, as well as what else needs to be done to bolster our food security.

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An X user shared that she and her friends discuss how much they earn, as a way to gain insight into their careers and how to negotiate for a fair salary - which led us to ask, do you discuss what you make with your friends? This opened a discussion on what is often viewed as a sensitive subject, with listeners both in support of this sort of openness, and also pointing out why it might be uncomfortable or problematic.

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Starting August 24, 2023, Japan is releasing treated radioactive water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant into the Pacific Ocean. Despite assurances of safety from the Japan government as well as the International Atomic Energy Agency, some countries, including China have expressed criticism and put in place bans on Japanese seafood. We speak with Nigel Marks, associate professor of physics at Curtin University, Australia, to understand the science behind this move by Japan, and whether the safety concerns are warranted.

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An X user recommends that restaurant owners gather honest feedback about their food or services. We talk about giving honest feedback to restaurants and how far we'd be willing to take it.

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On Aug 24, 2023, Chandrayaan-3 landed on the South Pole of the Moon, making India the first nation to mark this achievement - as well as being only the fourth country to have a successful lunar mission. We talk about the significance of this, what the scientific potentials of it are, and how India managed it on a shoestring budget.

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Kids do say the darndest things, don't they? But where do we draw the line? We're talking about this because the term "sebab boleh" (translation: because I can) has gone viral, and now a lot of Malaysian students are using the cheeky retort with their teachers or even to answer test papers. We talk about the trend, and other annoying kid phrases we've used.

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A reported raid on indie bookstore Toko Buku Rakyat, resulted in the confiscation of two books, supposedly under the Printing Press and Publications Act 1984 - although the Home Minister has since said it is inaccurate to call this a raid, and that the books had been "taken" to be reviewed. Notably, neither of the books are on the banned books list. The incident has drawn a lot of criticism for what is being seen as heavy-handed response from the government; we discuss the legalities of what happened.

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Despite there now being a draft of a political financing bill, we've yet to see it tabled in Parliament. We're joined by an expert on political financing and party regulation, to discuss why this should be an essential part of the reform agenda, and what needs to be applied within a Malaysian context.

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An X user asks, how many hours do you have to yourself between getting home from work and falling asleep? We discuss this question, lament about how little time (and sleep!) most of us have, and why so many might resort to revenge procrastination.

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A study of online behaviour during the recent state elections provided interesting insight into how both the Pakatan-Barisan and Perikatan coalitions used cybertroopers to sway voters. We discuss the findings and what they might say about how online conversations are shaping our political landscape - and more crucially, who people might vote for.

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The idea of whether married couples should share a bank account has led to a rather robust discussion online. Our listeners weigh in on financial independence, questions of trust, and whether insisting on separate accounts indicates something negative. We explore the different arguments.

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Now that the elections are behind us, it's time for the government to get to work! At least, that's what we're hoping for. Mary Magdaline Pereira, executive committee member at Aliran, joins us to talk about their call for the federal and state government to focus on the People's Agenda. We get into what that means, and what the priorities should be.

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A private aircraft carrying six passengers and two flight crew crashed in the Elmina township in Shah Alam on August 17, 2023, and claimed 10 lives, including two road users. We speak with an aviation expert to unpack the details and possible explanations for the tragedy, as well as the potential outcomes of the ongoing crash investigation.

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First there was radio, next there were podcasts... what's next? With the rise of new platforms and digital innovations like AI, what transformations should we take into account when creating engaging audio content? James Cridland, editor of the Australia-based Podnews, joins us for the conversation.

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An X user suggested that office politics might actually be necessary to make it in the workplace. We discuss the responses and whether there is such a thing "good" office politicking vs. bad.

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A video went viral, showing members of the public rushing into a house and rescuing a child who had allegedly been abused by his mother and companion. The two of them have since been arrested, but it highlights the role neighbours or bystanders can play in aiding victims. We ask our listeners whether they would intervene in situations like this.

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An X user asks, do we credit our achievements to effort, or luck and privilege? We discuss this tricky question, and open up the conversation to our listeners.

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The state elections saw Selangor losing the two-thirds majority, as well as former menteri besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali winning in Hulu Kelang. Former PKR vice-president, Tian Chua, joins us to talk about what these results mean for Selangor, especially now that the Pakatan-Barisan coalition will face a stronger opposition in the state assembly.

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The state elections are done and dusted, but remnants of the campaign still remain on our streets - this includes campaign materials like flags, banners, billboards, posters, flyers, as well as party merchandise. We discuss what needs to be done to ensure smooth post-election clean ups, and how campaigning can be greener.

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The Home Ministry officially gazetted a ban on any publication related to the LGBTQ+ Swatch watches of any collection and all associated material, effective August 10, 2023. We look into the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984, the rationale for the ruling, and the possible precedence it sets.

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Polling day is (almost) upon us! Tomorrow, people from six states including Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu, and Penang are going to head off to cast their votes. So we ask our listeners how they're feeling, and what their plans are for the day.

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This is exactly the argument that one X user is making, saying they find people with F&B experiences are more resilient. We talk about the value of listing jobs from retail or F&B in your resume.

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The long awaited debate between Economic Minister Rafizi Ramli and Bachok MP Syahir Sulaiman has finally happened! And Malaysians have a lot to say about it. We get into the reactions.

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Days before the state elections. a social media firestorm erupted over a workout video posted by MUDA's candidate for Bukit Gasing, VKK Raja - because his caption for it was seen as fat-shaming his opponent, incumbent Rajiv Rishyakaran. We discuss what happened and how it seems at odds for MUDA's call for "politik baru".

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A ginger cat named Oyen officially joined Zoo Negara's capybara exhibit on June 2023, and this has been a major draw for visitors ever since. We talk about why Oyen has managed to capture so many hearts, and the popularity of unlikely animal friendships on social media.

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Female candidates only make up 12% of the candidates running in the upcoming state election, i.e 71 out of 570; woefully far from the recommended 30% quote for representation. We look at what these numbers indicate about our political parties and their commitment to gender parity, and whether there should be a quota in place for female candidates.

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The world of bread is divided into those who enjoy the crust, and those who prefer it crustless. An image of "White Toast Peeled Bread" - essentially sliced bread without crust - being sold in a local supermarket has ignited a fierce debate on social media between the pro- and anti-crust factions. So which side of the bread (slice) do you land on? We get into it.

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The upcoming polls may be for the six states, but Perikatan Nasional has been framing the state elections as a referendum on the federal government - for instance, PN chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has said that a victory for PN candidates would send a clear message of disapproval toward the governing coalition. So we unpack how this is playing out on the ground, and how much sentiments around the unity government might impact state votes.

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August 6, 2023 was the 78th anniversary of the Hiroshima bombing. We mark the seminal, tragic moment in history by speaking with Aaron Denison, a doctoral candidate at Hiroshima University, who specialises in Malaysian and Japanese politics with a special interest in Malaysian victims of the bombing. He speaks to us about how Japan commemorates this event and how the country's history impacts conversations around nuclear disarmament. He also shares his own research into the three Malaysians who were in Hiroshima during the blast.

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The environment and climate change have increasingly become important issues for politicians to attend, and in the lead up to the state elections, we're seeing different approaches to the green agenda. We speak with two politicians who have made the environment the main focus of their campaign; Abe Lim, MUDA's Bandar Utama candidate, and Abdul Razak Ismail, founder of Green Party, talk about why standing up for the environment is important, and how they plan to walk the talk when it comes to policies.

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A bear has been accused of... not being a real bear! A video of a Malayan sun bear at the Hangzhou Zoo in China is circulating online, showing the bear standing upright and interacting with visitors, raising her paws as if waving to visitors. This has caused people to suggest that this bear is actually a human in disguise. We debunk this bear-y odd story.

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If you're a working adult, the thought of pursuing a higher education might sound scary. So is there a way for one to have both a career and also study part time? And thrive in both areas, without compromising the other. We speak to Prof Dr Ahmad Izanee Awang, the President and Vice Chancellor of Open University Malaysia, on the benefits of online learning.

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Budget 2023 was tabled in February, involving an allocation of RM388.1 billion. We looked into the various initiatives it has to offer women.

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The PH-BN ‘Kita Selangor’ manifesto was announced on July 31. We sit down with Rajiv Risyakaran, PH Manifesto Committee Spokesperson, and Ellena Razif, Deputy of Puteri UMNO Selangor, to talk about what the manifesto has to offer, and how they hope to attract voters from across the political aisle.

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An exchange between a food vendor and customer went viral after the customer berated her for using the term "dear" multiple times to address her. We look at the various reactions on Twitter, of which some have expressed sympathy with the vendor while others share their views on what professional customer service entails.

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The Institute for Public Health's National Health and Morbidity Survey 2022 has found that 7.6% of adolescents in Malaysia have engaged in sexual activities. From this number, 33% of teenagers engage in sexual activities before the age of 14, and 88% don't use any form of contraception. We use these findings as a springboard for a discussion on the role of sex education when it comes to teaching young people healthy attitudes around sex.

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A gen-Z chamber might have started a new era of email writing, signing off as, 'Confusedly', 'Embarassed' and 'Humiliated and Humbled' - which his senior amusedly shared on Twitter. This sparked a conversation on email etiquette, and how it's changed over the generations.

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With a number of former reps now dropped from the upcoming state election nomination list, we look at calls for an "exit plan" - specifically, we hear from former Batu Uban ADUN S. Raveentharan who spoke previously about this. We speak with him about mechanisms within parties when candidates are dropped, and how these reps' contributions could be valued.

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Caretaker Selangor Chief Minister Amirudin Shari announced the state government's decision to cancel the application for the construction of the PJD Link. We go through the varying reactions on Twitter, including the curious proximity of the announcement to the upcoming state elections.

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An open letter signed by individuals and groups working to support and advocate for persons with disabilities, urged media representatives and politicians to use proper terminology when addressing persons with disabilities and disability-related issues. We discuss the importance of using inclusive and respectful language, and how it can empower the community.

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It’s the very first episode of our brand new series: BFM’s Clean Cut, where we invite comedians to come to the station and perform a set in front of the BFM staff, and we air it for your listening pleasure! Comedian and content creator Ming Yue joined us in the first episode of the series.

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It's happening: Aliens are among us. Or at least, the possibility of it. This is coming after former intelligence official David Grusch has claimed under oath that aliens exist and that the US government is in possession of UFOs and non-human bodies. So what's the deal? We get into all the responses this has garnered on Twitter.

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Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has just launched the "Madani Economy: empowering the Rakyat” initiative. It's aimed to to address the country's competitiveness and investment attractions, as well as bread and butter issues. So we discuss whether this framework is the solution to boost our economy, and what gaps exist.

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Some good news for the Klang-ites: it's set to become Selangor's fourth city this year. This was announced by the Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming, who said Klang has met all the criteria to become a city. So we explore what makes Klang so great (and some areas for improvement), and what this recognition would mean for those who live or work there.

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A Twitter user shared a video of a murder of crows gathered at a park, following a crow-shooting operation earlier in the week - was a plotting of vengeance? This led to a conversation about crows specifically, and tales of animals and revenge in general. Turns out, our listeners had quite the collection of stories.

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Minister of Law and Institutional Reform Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said announced that the Cabinet has agreed in principle for the Sedition Act 1948 to be limited only to matters involving the royalty. We unpack the significance of this, and discuss why clarity is important when it comes to how future cases involving the 3Rs (race, religion, and royalty) are covered by the law.

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A tweet asking for opinions on whether to serve out a scholarship bond, sparked a conversation on honouring the terms of one's scholarship versus repaying the exit clause fee.

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On July 21, 2023, lawyer/activist Siti Kasim discovered two suspicious objects beneath her car which she suspected were bombs, which were later identified as improvised explosive devices (IED). Since then, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain, has come out to say the incident is suspected as attempted murder. We speak with Siti Kasim about this alarming incident, why she has called out politicians for staying silent about the issue, and whether this is an indication of increased extremist behaviour in Malaysia.

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Is it time to say bye, bye, birdie to the iconic blue bird icon, now that Twitter has officially rebranded to "X"? This is part of Elon Musk's mission to reinvent the social media platform and create an “everything app", so we look at the early reactions to this change, and whether these sorts of radical rebranding exercises are effective.

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Minister of Domestic Trade and Costs of Living, Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub, passed away on July 23, 2023, at the age of 61, from a brain haemorrhage. We look back at his legacy, particularly his style of leadership, his commitment towards initiatives that served the underprivileged, and his hopes for a better Malaysia. For this, we are joined by Kasthuri Patto, Former Batu Kawan MP and DAP Deputy Secretary for International Affairs, who shares her own memories of Salahuddin.

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Three Sabahan students have won a six-year long lawsuit against their former secondary school English language teacher, who had not turned up for class for nearly a year. So we spoke to Sharmila Sekaran, a representative of the Tiada.Guru campaign that championed the case, and discussed why students' right to education should be absolute.

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Three former students of SMK Taun Gusi has won the lawsuit against their English teacher for not showing up to classes for 7 months in 2017, and this has brought on a whole other discussion about dealing with people who don't respect other people's time. We dive into it.

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The electoral reform group Bersih has proposed new guidelines to curb “incumbency advantage” abuse, and urged the federal government to follow them during the state elections campaign period. Together with Bersih's Chairperson, Thomas Fann, we looked into this guideline can foster a healthier electoral culture, as well as bolster accountability for parties and politicians.

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Myanmar refugee activist Thuzar Maung and her family were abducted in Malaysia in what is suspected to be a planned operation aimed at silencing her. The Human Rights Watch expressed their concerns, and have called on the Malaysian government to prioritise a thorough and transparent investigation. We talk about why it is votal for these cases of transnational repression be highlighted and for action to be taken.

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Malaysia has been ranked first in a list of 10 safest places to retire in Asia for less than US$2,000 (RM9,052) a month, according to a study by the Nasdaq. We look at both positive and negative reactions to this on social media, and discuss what a "safe place to retire" might include.

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A Malaysian woman, Acacia Diana opened up on social media about her experiences being stalked for eight years - which included not just countless emails and online messages but even physical stalking that extended to following her to another country. With the new anti-stalking law now in place, we discuss how cases of stalking should be handled, and what care for the survivor should take into account.

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A Twitter user favours a busy day over a chiller day, and Twitter erupted into a debate. So what do you prefer, an adrenaline rush or a slower day at work?

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Despite the post-pandemic tourism recovery, budget hotels still have difficulties trying to stay afloat - partly due to the prevalence of online booking platforms and travel agencies. So we're wondering, what does this say about our tourism patterns now, and what would it take for budget hotels to thrive?

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If you can go to the clinic to get your MC, then you can head into work - this is the argument people are making as to why medical certificates should not be a necessity in the workplace. So how can companies establish more trust and be more considerate to their employees and sick leave? We get into it.

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We hark back to the days of yore - because an article by The Atlantic has people on Twitter talking about how they amused themselves before the smartphone was in existence.

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Most Malaysians would recognise the bustling and unique atmosphere of a local wet market. What happens when this experience is incorporated into a board game? We explore this, with the creators of a local board game, Bansan (Hokkien for "wet market"), and hear about the process of capturing this experience in gameplay. [Line skip here pls] To learn more about the game and get a set for yourself, you can head on to www.arts-ed.my/bansan

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The act of borrowing sounds straightforward, but apparently, not everyone is on board to lend certain items to people. Cars, handphones, powerbanks and toothbrushes make the list. We asked our listeners where they draw the line and get into the reasons behind it.

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Does the government actually know how many stateless persons there are in the country? An article by The Malay Mail indicates that there is a lack of data on this, which impacts the direction of policymaking. So we take a deep dive into the issues around this, and why there is a lack of political will when it comes to providing solutions.

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A man has shared his less-than-positive experience with hiring local workers, and expressed why it makes sense that businesses prefer hiring foreign workers. A lot of people have come forth to agree with his stance, so we get into this question, and discuss the reason why this might be the case.

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The question of how we manage the balance of public and private interest of our public lands have come into the limelight again. This is coming after an NGO group urged the Prime Minister to make regulatory changes to protect public lands in Kuala Lumpur and the Klang Valley. So we spoke to them on why these changes are necessary, and why its important to safeguard public lands.

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A blogger took to Twitter to talk about the new proposal by EPF to impose periodic or monthly withdrawals on members upon reaching the voluntary retirement age. The post has since gone viral and drew in various responses from Malaysians. We get into it.

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Sabah has developed a Social Time Bank System to promote volunteerism, which is expected to be launched soon. According to Sabah Head of State, Tun Juhar Mahiruddin, this system will allow awards or points in the form of credit hours that could be exchanged with certain offered items. For this, we spoke to Justin Cheah from Kechara Soup Kitchen, who relies on volunteers to run. We discussed his thoughts on this initiative and whether it will encourage long-term volunteerism.

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A viral tweet has brought up the age-old argument: is it goreng pisang, or pisang goreng? We look at the arguments people have presented in favour of both options and weigh in on the debate.

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It's not uncommon to hear the phrase "panas lah!" coming from friends and family over the past few months. We do, of course, live in a tropical climate, so this is usually dismissed as being just the way things are for our country. However, it was reported that this week saw the hottest global temperature ever recorded, according to data from two climate tracking agencies in the United States and Europe. So it's not just us, it's the whole world. So we unpacked this new temperature record, and what it means for Malaysia in terms of how we can better mitigate our climate crisis.

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DBKL recently took action against an unlicensed foreign vendor who was caught selling and roasting corn in front of the entrance of Suria KLCC. This spurred many reactions online, with criticisms directed towards both DBKL and the vendor. This led to us wondering, what is the best way to deal with illegal food stalls in our city? Should we approach it with more compassion? We get into it.

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According to a new study by CSO Platform for Reform, Selangor is the most democratic state in Malaysia. This is followed by Perak and Negeri Sembilan, while Sabah, Terengganu and Perlis fell in the bottom three. Tharma Pillai, the CSO Platform for Reform's Lead of the Parliament and State Legislative Assembly Reform component joined us in unpacking the findings and understanding the significance in upholding better state-level democracy.

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In yet another unfortunate casualty in the human-tiger conflict, a tiger was shot dead by a farmer last week after it attacked the farmer's cows. Dr. Mark Rayan Darmaraj, the Country Director at the Wildlife Conservation Society Malaysia Program spoke to us about what could have been done differently here. He also talked about strategies that can help mitigate the human-wildlife conflict and promote coexistence.

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Dashcams have been around for a long time, but it's not seen as a common practice for people to install one in their vehicles, with most constraints revolving around cost. Universiti Putra Malaysia head of the Putra Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion Research Group Professor Dr Kulanthayan Mani, spoke to us about why the government should promote its usage with stakeholders, like insurance agents and car companies.

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When applying for a job, it's understood that you have to carry yourself a little differently. Put on your best shoes, and most importantly, have good manners when conversing with your potential future employer. This is what's currently being discussed on Twitter, after someone posted a tweet reminding people that manners are important in influencing whether you get the job. Some people have contested this, saying that there are jobs that this might not be as important. We get into it, and have our listeners chip in their thoughts on this.

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If you're a Malaysian, then you know that travelling to Europe has always been viewed as being mostly hassle-free, at least when it comes to documentations. We're visa-exempted from a lot of countries, and most of the time, we don't need travel authorisation. That's about to change starting next year, because the European Union has announced new requirements for Malaysians who plan on travelling to 30 countries in the EU. Visitors have to obtain travel authorisation from the European Travel Information and Authorisation System, which will be linked to their passports. So we unpacked what this would require, as well as larger questions on border restrictions and issues that come out of being visa-exempted.

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What best symbolises your era? This question comes after a picture of red, white, and yellow cables for TV/DVD players with the caption, 'I belong to this era' went viral. This spurred plenty of responses from users who also shared pictures of various items and moments that remind them of their generation. We get into it.

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Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has just returned from a two day official visit to Laos, making this the 11th country that he has visited since becoming Prime Minister. Thomas Daniel, Senior Fellow at ISIS Malaysia joins us to help unpack the outcomes of these visits, and what this means for our foreign policy direction.

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Transport Minister Anthony Loke has expressed his desire to improve the facilities of Kuala Lumpur International Airport, so that it would be on par with Changi Airport. Lots of thoughts are pouring in from Twitter in response to this, so we joined the discussion.

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Kelantan has made headlines again, after the Kota Bahru City Council issued a fine to a non-Muslim business shop owner, who was deemed as being dressed indecently (she was wearing shorts and a t-shirt). The Council has defended their actions, saying that it was an offence under a by-law that's existed for long time, of which locals should know of, including non-Muslims. We discussed this with Sasha Lyna Abdul Latiff, Deputy Chairman for Bersatu’s legal and constitution bureau, who had earlier criticised the summons, calling it "unlawful." We also discussed what decent and indecent clothing might mean for different people.

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Inspector Sheila Sharon Steven Kumar caught public attention after videos of her arguing with several individuals went viral. Other videos of her have surfaced since, one of which was of her belittling a colleague, by using her rank to intimate them. It's since escalated, and she's been charged in court for her alleged threats. We discuss the case, and hear thoughts from our listeners.

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New Villages were originally established by the government as a roadside relocation settlement for rural Chinese communities during the Malayan Emergency, a period of intense conflict during the British ruling. Since then, many New Villages have turned into residential towns and villages. These historical sites have recently hit headlines, after the National Heritage Department selected seven New Villages across the country to be nominated as world heritage sites recognised by UNESCO. We unpack the significance of this nomination, as well as the uniqueness and deep cultural identity associated with New Villages.

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Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg have agreed to fight each other in a cage match during an exchange on social media this week. This sparked a viral conversation on Twitter to determine who might win if the fight actually happens. We get into it.

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In the fifth and final episode of Understanding Refugees, we talk about community events and their values. Back in March, Refuge for The Refugees teamed up with the Myanmar Ethnic Women Refugee Organisation (MEWRO) and LOOOP, a local curated second-hand store, to set up a free shopping experience for refugee women. We talk about why experiences like this is important for the community.

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The National Education Savings Scheme, or SSPN, was first introduced in 2004, to help parents save up for their children's education, and reduce student debt. Ahmad Dasuki Abdul Majid, Chief Executive of PTPTN spoke to us about how this scheme has helped students, and the impact it's had on Malaysian education.

For more info, visit www.ptptn.gov.my for details.

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The world has been transfixed throughout the ongoing search for the Titan submersible, which went missing with 5 people on board, on an expedition to the wreck of the Titanic. But it's also been compared to the relative lack of coverage (and lack of resources expended) to assist when an overcrowded fishing trawler in Greece capsized, a tragedy that has resulted in the deaths of more than 300 Pakistani nationals. We look at what people are saying, and explore the contrast between both news stories.

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In the fourth episode of Understanding Refugees, we want to get behind the rhetoric, headlines and politics surrounding the community, and hear a personal story to understand the experience of living as a refugee. So we speak to Sharifah Shakirah, founder of Rohingya Women Development Network Malaysia, who spent two decades here in Malaysia, before resettling in the US. We cover her journey, how she felt, and the unique challenges of being a stateless person throughout this process.

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The issue of how much interns should be paid is back in the headlines, thanks to a round of discussions in Parliament, the PM himself recently saying that he agreed interns should be paid fairly, and interns themselves speaking up. In today's show, we look at the conversation online surrounding this, including whether it should start with a minimum wage, as well as people weighing in with how much they earned as interns during their time.

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In our third episode of Understanding Refugees, we talk about a solution to one of the problems that most directly affects the refugee community - the ability to earn a living legally, considering we don't have a framework that allows for employment. One way around this is through micro-entrepreneurship, which is where Talenpac comes in, offering a 5 month training workshop to help refugees gain the confidence and skills to start businesses of their own. We speak to Talenpac's Managing Director, Charu Agarwal, along with one of the programme's associates and trainers, Sara, who is a refugee herself.

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After a 26 year partnership, Malaysian Airlines is parting ways with Brahim's Food Services at the end of June. There are, predictably, a lot of reactions to this on Twitter., including memories, critiques... and some celebration. We get into all of it, and extend that into a conversation about whether airplane food is ever actually good.

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In the second episode of our weeklong series, Understanding Refugees, we're focusing on the legal rights that refugees have within Malaysia - especially since they can't legally access education or employment - and how we need to do better.

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Following closely on the closing of Book Depository, Borders Malaysia recently announced that it would be shutting its doors as well, with the branch in Bangsar Village 2 shuttering on July 31st. On Twitter, people are taking the opportunity to share their fondest memories of Borders Malaysia, but also having a larger conversation about the future of physical bookstores (and the importance of continuing to have these spaces).

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The refugee crisis continues to worsen, and has been increasingly politicised over the years - but where did it all start? And what can we learn from the past, in terms of how we can do better? We explore all this from both a global and regional perspective with Aslam Abd Jalil, a researcher of refugee policy.

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Kuantan MP Wan Razali Wan Nor has come under fire for saying that nurses' uniforms are too tight and not syariah-compliant. This took place in parliament during the debate on the Health White Paper. So, we look at some of the responses online and discuss whether it really matters what a nurse's uniform looks like.

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Malaysia is now on the Tier 2 Watch List in this year’s edition of the US State Department’s Trafficking in Persons Report. We discuss what this climb means and what it will it take for us to improve our ranking in the coming year.

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The last sitting of parliament (at least for now) involved some political patronage in online gambling, Covid-19 vaccine wastages from people not taking second boosters. There were also some exciting discussions about how El Nino might be causing black dots in our durians, as well as fireworks becoming part of our culture and tradition.

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Former Prime Minister, Dato' Sri Najib Razak is back in the spotlight once again, after former Law Minister, Zaid Ibrahim posted a tweet urging Prime Minister Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim to release Najib from prison. Zaid's justification being that in the bigger scheme of things, RM42 million is "just small change." We discussed the reactions this has garnered, and heard thoughts from our listeners.

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In today's sitting, the MPs talked about MACC’s independence and autonomy, and whether there is information from investigations being deliberately leaked. They also discussed progress updates on the new aerotrains at KLIA and Dato' Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi visiting Dato' Sri Najib Razak in Kajang Prison.

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The argument for and against gender norms have raged on for decades, and this digital era is no exception to it. On Twitter, we dive headfirst into a debate on whether women should continue to work, after marriage.

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Prime Minister Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim took center stage today during the PM's Question Time, in which several issues were brought up, including calls for the PM to be referred to disciplinary action over allegedly misleading the Dewan (which was rebuffed by the PM himself). Anwar also unpacked some concerns regarding the maritime border treaties signed between Malaysia and Indonesia. They also discussed the issue of flip-flopping policies, whether this would cause people to lose confidence in the government.

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A Twitter user's post of her RM30 plate of nasi lemak has gone viral. In it, she makes an argument for why she would rather spend that amount on a local dish, rather than other more popular foreign dishes like pasta carbonara or seafood aglio olio. This spurred a conversation on how we value our food, especially local dishes.

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Today, the MPs talked about measures the Ministry of Health is taking to promote health literacy among Malaysians and using films to encourage and promote themes of unity. They also discussed what the Ministry of Education is doing to support and prevent students from dropping out of school due to poverty.

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Bentong MP, Young Syefura Othman has urged for local councils to update their dog catching procedures, following two incident involving a scuffle between the Bentong Municipal Council and a resident, which led to the latter's death, when he fell into a drain during the altercation. So we discuss this issue, and what it would mean for local councils to revise their methods of catching strays.

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A video of a stand-up comedian, Jocelyn Chia, has gone viral on social media for her jokes about the MH370 incident. Reactions from people have consisted of mostly anger and disappointment at her remarks and even led to Singapore’s High Commissioner, Vanu Gopala Menon, issuing a public apology on behalf of Jocelyn. So, how far can Singaporeans go when making fun of Malaysians? And are there lines that comedians can’t cross? We get into it.

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In today's session, the controversial and much talked about LCS issue was brought up, following an additional 2.1 billion being allocated under a new agreement. The Dewan also received a visit from the Orang Asli tribe in Cameron Highlands, which saw Dewan Speaker Datuk Ramli Mohd Nor taking off his parliamentary hat and don the tempok. We also looked into the rejected appeal for amendments to codify the meaning of the word Allah.

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In today's session, the MPs discussed updates on the Malaysia My Second Home programme, and the reason for stricter requirements for foreigners to be eligible (the answer: the discovery of spies applying for the program). They also talked about the possibility of making Bak Kut Teh our national heritage dish, and we, of course, heard from our listeners on what they think about this.

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In conjunction with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's 64th birthday celebration, several individuals, including veteran politician Lim Kit Siang, was awarded the 'Tan Sri' title. So, we look at the conversations and some of the criticisms people have been saying on Twitter about the newly minted Tan Sri.

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On today's Dewan Rakyat sitting, the MPs discussed several issues, including some heated ones. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim addressed what action will be taken against Kedah Menteri Besar Dato Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor for his claim that “Penang belongs to Kedah” and also touched on approaches to strengthen the value of the Ringgit. There was also the decision to debate the Auditor-General's Report 2021 Series 2 - with an empty Opposition bloc. We walk you through all the highlights.

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It's time for the new generation, the Gen-Z, to shine in the workplace, but a question from Twitter that begs to be answered: Is there a difference in the way people of various generations conduct themselves? Can we all see eye-to-eye? How should one be expected to treat the other? We discuss this conundrum.

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Panasonic is about to shut down part of their operations in Malaysia, leaving about thousands of people without jobs. So what happens to employees when big companies closedown their doors? What role do they play in cushioning the blow for their workers?

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Whatsapp has unrolled its new feature: The edit button. People are divided, with some hailing the usefulness of being able to edit typos and errors, while others bringing up the potential of it being misused. So we get into it, and asked our listeners where they stand.

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A passenger recently shared her experience of travelling on a bus, where the driver was allegedly forced to overwork. This had resulted in reckless driving, culminating in half the passengers having to switch to another bus, and the driver paying for the other half to take a Grab to their destination. We unpack what issues the bus industry might have, and the kind of support that drivers should receive.

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An incident involving two cyclists having to pay a fine for parking illegally (because designated spots for bikes were not available to them) has brought up important questions about whether we should be heading toward a city that is more bike-friendly. We discuss this possibility, and what needs to be done to attain it.

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A poster uploaded by RapidKL's customer service support Twitter account on mask mandates have caused a bit of noise on social media, with people responding to it by posting pictures of politicians taking the train without wearing their masks. So we unpacked whether these PR attempts backfired, and whether the act of wearing masks on public transport should be monitored more.

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Transparency International Malaysia has called on Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s administration to hold those involved in the Littoral Combat Ship project accountable, following the government forming a new deal with Boustead Naval Shipyard to resume it. So we're asking, what would it take for this accountability to happen? Is it possible for corruption to be be completely eradicated?

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A Twitter user shared their experience of a road rage incident between them and a lorry driver on the Federal Highway, which led to a conversation about how interactions on the road can escalate, and specifically, whether to honk or not to honk (and how to respond when you're honked at).

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We look at the relatively new practice (in Malaysia, at least) of collaborative law, which allows parties seeking to separate or end a marriage to finalize any legal aspects without attending court, while prioritizing the easing of this process for the entire family.

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It's finally happened: Netflix has expanded its crackdown on password sharing with people who don't live together. And from what we've seen, people are not happy about it. To get a better understanding of what led Netflix to make this decision, we revisited a conversation that happened on The Morning Run, who spoke to Geetha Ranganathan, Senior Analyst from Bloomberg Intelligence. Then, we opened up the floor to our listeners, and asked them for their thoughts and what they plan on doing now.

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The Queen of Rock 'n' Roll, Tina Turner, passed away on the 24th of May, 2023, at the age of 83. We discuss her life, her career - which began in the early days of rock n' roll, saw a comeback in the 1980s, and a world tour in the early 2000s - and how her legacy encompasses not just her distinctive music but also her fiery spirit.

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Today's sitting involved a discussion about our sports sector, following our worst performance in history at the 2023 SEA Games in Cambodia. Spotlight was on the statement made by the Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh, who attributed the poor performance of our athletes to the political instability of the country for the past few years. We also looked at the ruckus caused by the calling of a bloc vote from the Opposition MPs.

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We've all had that experience - we're about to travel abroad, and we get peppered with requests: 'Hey, can you buy me [insert product]?' According to Twitter, some of the more common food items people ask for include 3-In-1 coffee, instant noodles, spice mixes - but what else? What kinds of food items do people think of or crave from Malaysia? We get into it.

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The MPs discussed several topics today, including the amount of “accumulated unclaimed money” and whether those funds can be channeled towards national development. Dewan Rakyat Speaker Dato Johari Abdul also announced the newly elected Public Accounts Committee members.

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Twitter is full of rainbows today, after the Home Ministry raided some Swatch outlets and confiscated items from its Pride Collection. We discussed the arguments that have come out of this incident, particularly when it comes to expectations that international brands have to comply to local sensitivities.

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The second day of parliament commenced today, starting with the PM's question time, where the usage of the word Allah in Christian publications were discussed. Separately, the PM also revealed that the National Scam Response Centre will now be open 24 hours a day. The MPs also talked about increasing the quota for women on the board of directors for public listed companies, issues with our RFID systems and the reverting of school to start in January (instead of March, after Covid-19 invaded our lives).

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Social media celebrity chef, Khairul Aming, recently announced that he closed the Sambal Nyet factory for five days and took all 60 of his staff on vacation to Langkawi. They were provided with a 5-star hotel, jetski, explore cave, snorkelling, private yacht to watch the sunset and shopping money. This brought on a wave of admiration and surprise from the public. So we unpack what it means for employers to be nice to their staff, and whether it really is an uncommon sight.

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Parliament is back in session! The MPs discussed policies that have been implemented to boost Malaysia’s economy and initiatives the government has taken to help drive the development of digital entrepreneurial skills. They also brought up what is being done to formulate the details for the proposed Public Defender’s Act for criminal cases.

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A former teacher has been on trial at the High Court this week after a former student filed a suit against him in 2018 for allegedly skipping classes for seven months. We talk about the current recruitment and vetting process for teachers and what support elements are in place to keep them motivated and engaged with their work.

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The controversial Penang South Island reclamation project will now be reduced from three islands to only one. We speak to Zairil Khir Johari, the Penang State Executive Councillor for Infrastructure and Transport, about the trade-offs around the controversial project, the competing interests, along with the environmental and economic concerns.

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The rising cost of higher education has been a concern for many Malaysians, particularly after the financial challenges of the pandemic. PTPTN has been helping to bridge this gap. Puan Mastura Mohd Khalid, Chief Operating Officer of PTPTN speaks to us about their recent initiatives and how they plan to continue supporting Malaysians on the path to higher education.

Brought to you by PTPTN.

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Sales for Coldplay tickets began this morning, and it's probably fair to say, that what ensued was frenzy and chaos. Tales of browsers crashing, people furiously clicking, and some emerging victorious (and many others disappointed) were aplenty on Twitter. We look at what people had to say, and opened up the show for people to share their complaints... and their gloating.

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Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail announced that a new law may be introduced to decriminalise the possession and use of small quantities of illicit drugs, in order to reduce overcrowding in prisons. The proposed Drug and Substance Abuse (Treatment and Rehabilitation) Act would mean that people found with said small quantities of illegal substances will not be prosecuted but instead sent to drug rehabilitation centres. But details are scarce at the moment, and it's unclear what kinds of substances we're talking about and what rehabilitation will actually look like. We discuss these issues with Dr Sangeeth Kaur, and also look at the complexities we need to consider in decriminalising drugs.

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A discussion on Twitter on who should pay for the first date has gone viral. So do you split the bill? Or does the onus of payment fall on the person who invites you out? We get into it.

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Thailand’s democratic opposition has won the most seats and the largest share of the popular vote, a move that analysts have described as historic, and outstanding. We unpack this win, especially as voters overwhelmingly chose parties invested in reform (including of lese majeste laws), and also get into the complicated path ahead of trying to determine who will emerge as Prime Minister.

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More cars mean more parking spaces, which mean more trees getting cut down. This is what's being discussed on Twitter right now, so we join in.

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Housing and local government minister Nga Kor Ming said that new guidelines on rented rooms are being drawn up. This came after reports of an increase of houses being partitioned into shoe boxed sized rooms, that come at the expense of proper living conditions.

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Coldplay is coming to Malaysia and fans are rejoicing, but not everyone is on board. PAS has called for the cancellation of the concert, which has caused a wave of dissent from Twitter. We get into it.

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The Malaysian Bar has adopted a resolution declaring that it has no confidence in Attorney-General Tan Sri Idrus Harun for his “abject failure” to defend the judiciary and uphold the rule of law. We unpack this.

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We continue our coverage on the Deepening Democracy in Malaysia roundtable, organized by Bersih, The Kofi Annan Foundation and Global Bersih, together with the Speaker of Dewan Rakyat's Office and the Deputy Speaker’s Office. Day two focused on parliamentary reform and innovation.

Some of the voices we heard from include:

Declan O’Brien, Head of Elections and Democracy, Kofi Annan Foundation.

Maha Balakrishnan, Principal Facilitator of the National Democratic Institute-Malaysia’s Akademi Parlimen initiative.

Dr Kelvin Yii, Bandar Kuching MP.

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Bersih, The Kofi Annan Foundation and Global Bersih, together with the Speaker of Dewan Rakyat's Office and the Deputy Speaker’s Office, launched the roundtable on Deepening Democracy in Malaysia in Parliament. We went on ground to gather some thoughts from people who were there, and explore the bigger question on how we should be thinking about politics.

Some of the voices we heard from include:

Thomas Fann, Chairman of Bersih.

Corrine Momal Vanian, Executive Director, Kofi Annan Foundation.

Anusha Rym, Mekar Kami.

Aira Azhari, Senior Manager, Democracy and Governance Unit at IDEAS.

Dr Wong Chin Huat, Political Scientist, Sunway University

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A question on Twitter about places to go in KL and Selangor that are suitable for people who are wheelchair-bound, have circulated. We explored the suggestions that have been put forth, and the larger question of whether the Klang Valley is wheelchair-friendly.

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A TikTok user has shared screenshots of a conversation allegedly happening between him and his supervisor at work, which shows how he was asked to resign after requesting for earlier paternity leave to care for his wife. We discussed how supportive workplaces have been in giving fathers time to be an active parent.

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In South Korea, a growing number of venues have started to ban children under the "no kids" banner, in an attempt to not inconvenience other patrons. One MP criticized the "exclusionary" practice in a press conference, with her toddler in tow. We get into it.

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Malaysia has ranked 73 on Reporters Without Borders 2023 World Press Freedom Rankings, a jump of 40 placings from 113 last year. This is the highest rank ever attained by Malaysia, placing the country in the same company as Hungary and Sierra Leone. We discuss the significance of this and what a free press means for Malaysian society

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People on Twitter have been calling for us to consider the 4 days work week, after a tweet pointing out that the 5 day work week was a concept that had been fought for by labour activists in the past. We get into the discussion.

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Badminton player Lee Zii Jia has posted a video of himself singing about his journey as a national athlete. In the song, he highlights the way the media has written about him. We discuss a couple of things, including the line between being critical and overly-critical, as well as who's responsible to help support and manage an athlete's mental health, especially now in the age of social media where everything (good and bad!) is just one click away.

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A viral video of an interaction involving someone calling out another person for smoking in an eatery has been making its round on social media. We explore the challenges we have in enforcing this ban.

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The Malaysian Health Ministry has recalled two types of instant noodles, after tests in Taipei found that they contained a carcinogenic substance. Further testing from Taipei’s health department has also found that both noodles contained ethylene oxide, which is a chemical compound associated with lymphoma and leukaemia. We discuss what this means for consumers, as well as how to cultivate healthier eating habits.

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One first step we all take when transitioning to adulthood is the purchase and ownership of our first car. Not to steal the show from our friends on Cruise Control, but since Twitter is leading a rather robust discussion on this, we join in.

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Videos that were posted by the Paralympics TikTok account has attracted some mixed reactions from the public, for their portrayal of athletes with disabilities. We discuss how to navigate advocacy in the age where edgy content is the norm.

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Flounder is trending after the recent release of the Little Mermaid trailer, with fans complaining about the beloved sidekick's appearance - especially when compared to the animated classic. We look at the various reactions and of course, the inevitable jokes.

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There has been increased reports of burnout happening within the workplace, and yet, people still find it difficult to open up about their mental health at work. We discuss this issue, and what needs to be done to break it with a corporate training company that helps organizations in Southeast Asia build a happy and productive salesforce.

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Singer, actor, and activist Harry Belafonte, also known as "The King of Calypso", passed away on April 25, 2023, at the age of 96. We look back and pay tribute to his life and legacy.

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People are sharing their stories of cutting off ties with members of their family. We discuss.

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Last Thursday, the Prime Minister’s Department announced that the Prime Minister’s Malaysia Madani Open House will be held in six states: Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu, Selangor, Penang and Negeri Sembilan, coincidentally the same states that will be having their state elections this year. So we discuss the significance of open houses for politicians.

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A TikTok of a Malaysian university lecturer went viral as he posted clips of himself checking on students who skipped his lessons, by visiting them at their hostels and rented homes. We discuss the line between an educator's responsibility, and respecting personal boundaries.

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Raya is around the corner, and a conversation on Twitter about how much exactly should one put into a duit raya packet or angpao is going around. We get into it.

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Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has announced an additional day of public holiday for Hari Raya. Retail chain Ameer Ali Mydin has criticised this move, saying that his company would bear losses of at least half a million ringgit. We discuss the impact that this decision has on businesses.

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A dicussion on Twitter about whether parents should control what their kids eat has circulated. We get into it.

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In keeping with the Ramadan month, we look at an organization that aims to make the Quran more accessible to the visually impaired.

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A heated conversation around fireworks has been taking place on Twitter. We get into it.

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A heated conversation around fireworks has been taking place on Twitter. We get into it.

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To no one's joy, the haze is back. We discuss the cause behind the annual flare-up and how the situation might affect travellers going back to their hometowns for Hari Raya.

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Transport Minister Anthony Loke has said that stage bus operators that are receiving Federal Government subsidies through the Interim Stage Bus Support Fund will now be subjected to tighter standards, specifically in terms of punctuality. We discuss what else we need to improve our bus systems.

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A study published on The Conversation has found that books are good for society, wellbeing and our careers. We discuss this, as well as tips and tricks that would help to get into the habit of reading.

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We talk about a tale of catfishing, and fraught online relationships.

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A string of animal abuse cases have been all over the news lately, some of which involve dog poisoning, the discovery of cat carcasses, and most recenty, a case of a man setting fire to a dog. We discuss what needs to be done to protect our stray animals better.

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The question of how much money has been brought up on Twitter. We discuss it.

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On 7th April, the Umno supreme council unanimously decided to apply for a royal pardon for former prime minister Dato’ Sri Najib Razak. We get into what this means and the implication of this with a lawyer.

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Twitter has been discussing this exact question. We join in.

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Last month, we celebrated International Women’s Day and this year’s theme is DigitALL: Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality. We discuss women in tech and what it takes to help women returning to work or transitioning to careers in the digital space.

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The Barbie movie trailer has taken social media, particularly Twitter, by storm. We join in on the discussion about the movie's aethetic, the different kinds of Barbies out there as well as the new barbie selfie generator.

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A study has found that Ramadan bazaar traders in Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya are wasting 47,610kg of food per day. We dive into why this is happening, and what can be done to put a stop to it.

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Why does everywhere need a fancy name? How many Damansaras can there realistically be? We get into it.

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Vegetable wholesalers have had to dump 80% of their stock due to a miscalculation in gross production. We look at how this happened and what measures can be taken to help prevent it from happening again in the future.

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BookDepository has announced that it will soon be closing down on April 26th 2023, following layoffs in recent months by their parent company Amazon. So we get into the impact this has on local readers, as well as discuss the broader question of why books are so expensive in Malaysia.

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BookDepository has announced that it will soon be closing down on April 26th 2023, following layoffs in recent months by their parent company Amazon. So we get into the impact this has on local readers, as well as discuss the broader question of why books are so expensive in Malaysia.

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The Twitter community has shared tips and tricks on how to avoid being a scam victim. We join the conversation.

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It’s the last day of this sitting for Parliament! The Dewan discussed the deals that came from Anwar’s visit to China, plans to table the GEG bill in May, and whether 50% of all sin tax should go back to the MoH, the government’s projection that 12.8 thousand contract doctors will be absorbed within 3 years, and the tabling of bills to decriminalise suicide. Also, the MPs discussed Ramadan bazaar traders and how to maintain prices and quality of food items.

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Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis don’t plan to leave their kids any money, saying that they will instead donate their fortune to charity. We discuss.

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Today's special sitting of parliament involved the tabling and passing of the Finance Bill 2023. This session also featured a few dramatic moments resulting in several MPs leaving the Dewan en masse, after the motion to debate EPF withdrawals were rejected.

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We have a conversation about the kind of tourists you’d rather not welcome.

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In a follow up to an Inside Story about school dropouts, we continue the discussion on what needs to be in place to support students, and their families, to continue studying.

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We have a conversation about scam calls, and specifically, where they come from.

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The MPs covered several topics today, including keeping Asean a nuclear free zone, the mental health of PDRM officers, efforts to digitalize our medical records. They also discussed the postponement of the Lower Value Goods Tax.

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We have a conversation about traditional wear and what would encourage you to wear it more often.

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Today the MPs talked about the state of our foreign labour, including issues like employers not picking them up when they arrive at the airport, asking for a reduced quota, as well as concerns around their state of living. They also discussed the issue of people not paying their rent, and the drafting of the Residential Tenancies Bill. Also, a commotion that ended with an MP getting escorted out of the Dewan ensued.

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Homegrown AI tools are the talk of the Twitter town. We join in the conversation.

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Today the MPs discussed creating an independent investigation body for enforcement agencies, the issue of monopolies and cartels in raw, primary goods industries, and the shortage of people enlisting in the Malaysian Armed Forces.

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In today's Dewan Rakyat sitting, the MPs discussed when the targeted subsidies will be implemented, and whether local delicacies can be as popular as croissants and what the ministry is doing to promote it. The also spoke about the government’s immediate measures to deal with the issue of child abuse.

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Earlier this week, a coffee shop owner in Carnarvon Street posted a photo of his customer on Facebook, saying that the customer had refused to pay the RM1 surcharge required for customers who want to dine in but not buy drinks. We discuss coffee shop etiquette, and where the boundaries are for business owners trying to make a living.

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We read a collection of tweets focused on Ramadan and the fasting month.

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Today's session included discussions on MRSM to be opened for students from the M40 and T20 families, issues regarding sexual crimes against children as well as the the progress of the amendment to the Federal Constitution that will allow children born abroad to Malaysian mothers, to be given automatic citizenship.

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A video of a man standing on a parking spot to reserve it for someone else has gone viral. We discuss.

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Today's session involved a discussion on plans in motion to decriminalise suicide, efforts to strengthen the use of BM in public universities but not private as well as the Thai Hot Guy event that’s got PAS rattled.

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Twitter took a walk down memory lane by revisiting the usage of public payphones. We join in.

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In today's session, the MPs discussed whether then-Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng was to blame for cancelling the tax exemption for the Albukhary Foundation. They also discussed the risk involved in using EPF as collateral on a macroeconomic scale as well as the investigations into the rampant investment scam syndicate preying on people in Malaysia.

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We discuss the new Malaysia Madani theme song by Bunkface and hear your thoughts on it.

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In today's sitting, the MPs discussed cross-Ministerial efforts to help improve youth development and the right to treatment for Persons With Disabilities (PWD) who suffer from drug addiction. We also got a list of hotspot areas throughout the country that have been installed with a flood warning system as of 2022 and technologies in place to help reduce floods in the future.

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The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living has tweeted an instructional, PSA-type video about what happens when the price listed on the shelf or the tag, doesn’t match up to what the cashier is ringing up. We get into the reactions from people on Twitter.

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Several people have been summoned by the police for questioning, following the Women's March that was conducted recently. The police have said that these investigations would be carried out under the Peaceful Assembly Act and Minor Offences Act. In response, calls to repeal the Peaceful Assembly Act have risen up. We get into it.

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The prices of food have been rising, and this doesn't exclude the costs of people's favourite cheap treats and fast food. We dive into it.

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In today's session, the MP discussed the state of our health services, particularly when it comes to turning away patients for not being within the clinic’s operation area and not adhering to dress codes. They also discussed the amendments that are underway for Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, or Akta Sakit Hati, as well as the progress of our start up companies, and the potential for them to achieve Unicorn status.

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Following a heated exchange between Dewan Rakyat Speaker Datuk Johari Abdul and Kuantan MP, Wan Razali Wan Nor, from Perikatan Nasional, we look at the importance of having a strong Speaker.

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On today's sitting, the MPs discussed the issue of adult children abandoning their elderly parents, and suggestions to implement a mandatory salary reductions for those who send their parents to nursing homes. They also talked about the Silicon Valley Bank collapse, and plans to develop our bamboo industry.

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The government has announced a new initiative called i-Sayang, which enables husbands to voluntarily transfer 2% of their EPF monthly contributions to their wives accounts. We discuss whether this would be effective.

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In today's Dewan Rakyat sitting, Anwar called for the opposition to prove he’s involved in probes against several members of PN facing corruption charges. The MPs also discussed Zoo Negara and whether relocating it will help bring more visitors and brain drain versus brain circulation.

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We look at reactions to Michelle Yeoh's historic Best Actress Oscar win.

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In today's Dewan Rakyat sitting, the MPs discussed Proton’s status as a national carmaker and the Communications and Digital Ministry’s stance on the freedom of speech in politics among the youth. They also touched on the issue around fake accounts on social media and how to regulate it.

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Bersatu president, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has been charged with four counts of abuse of power in relation to corruption and two counts of money laundering. We talk about what impact this would bring.

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The Higher Education Ministry is studying a proposal to make it compulsory for companies to offer industrial training for students. First, we talk about whether it would benefit students, and what else needs to be considered. Then, we discuss how this might affect employers.

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The sequence of events around Mentega Terbang has been increasingly building up: Jakim released a statement that the movie went against Islamic creed, the streaming platform removed it, police reports have been lodged, and now the police are investigating the filmmakers. Following this, several civil society groups, creative organisations and individuals have signed a statement urging the government to stop the witch hunt surrounding this movie. We discuss.

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In today's session, the MPs discussed affordable flight ticket prices during festive season as well as plans for a pension scheme for senior citizens aged 65 and above who are not entitled to government pension or pension under Socso. They also talked about initiatives to address the issue of heavy school bags among students and plans to transition physical learning materials to digital ones.

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People on Twitter have slammed Ipoh Timur MP Howard Lee for his “arrogance” during an interview with health news portal CodeBlue. We discussed these reactions.

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In today's session, the MPs discussed a number of topics, such as guidelines for micromobility vehicles, Wilayah Persekutuan having the highest number of mental health problems, rebranding TVET, a brand new act that places minor drug offenders in rehab instead of prison and proposed amendments to the Sexual Offences Against Children Act.

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What do you say when you’re asked at an interview: Tell me about yourself? We get into it.

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The MPs discussed the floods in Johor, allocations for Opposition MPs, the Rahmah initiative as well as monopolies on items like rice sugar and bread, among others.

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A Twitter user posted about their 64 year-old mother, who is completing her second year of degree. We look at some of the responses.

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Today in the Dewan Rakyat, the MPs discussed how the government plans to prepare for the economic downturn expected to happen this year, and what the Education Ministry is doing to address the increasing number of special needs students in schools under the Zero Reject Policy. They also touch on what the Zero-Potholes policy has managed to achieve so far.

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Twitter has been abuzz with the case of the aerotrain breaking down in Kuala Lumpur International Airport. We get into it.

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Former Prime Minister Dato Sri Najib Razak, as well as 1MDB’s former CEO Arul Kanda Kandasamy have been acquitted of tampering with the audit of 1MDB. The Kuala Lumpur High Court has ruled that the prosecution had failed to prove a prima facie case against the duo. We get into what this means.

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A while back, Pejuang party president Mukhriz Mahathir announced that Pejuang has decided to leave the Gerakan Tanah Air coalition. Now, he has revealed that Pejuang has applied to join Perikatan Nasional. We go through some of the reactions on Twitter.

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Today's parliament featured discussions on the calls to repeal the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971, the impact of PrEP on our country’s finances, as well as the rising prices of housing amidst a shrinking income. The MPs also talked about the delay of the implementation of the Minimum Wage Order 2022 for employers with less than five employees.

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One local film, Imaginur, has been getting a lot of social media buzz. We get into it.

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In today's Dewan Rakyat, the MPs discussed the call to make amendments to Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act, the prices of chicken and pork that continue to increase and creating a TVET programme to learn how to operate drones for agriculture.

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Muar MP Syed Saddiq has shared that he recently lost his pet cat. A torrent of responses has followed this, with people sharing their own experiences of losing a pet. We discuss this.

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Muar MP Syed Saddiq has shared that he recently lost his pet cat. A torrent of responses has followed this, with people sharing their own experiences of losing a pet. We discuss this.

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In today's sitting of the Dewan Rakyat, the MPs talked about a bunch of topics - Including the progress of TVET programmes, the perennial issue of overcrowding in our public hospitals as well as targeted subsidies.

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With the tourism industry in Malaysia recovering to where it was before the Covid-19 pandemic, the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents is asking the authorities and the public to keep our cities clean, especially tourist spots. We discuss the state of our tourist attractions and how to improve.

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Why are people fighting the Monday blues with Bare Minimum Mondays? We get into it.

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In today's Dewan Rakyat, the MPs touch on a variety of matters including the congestion issue at passport issuing offices, how the Health Ministry plans to optimise the use of the MySejahtera app moving forward, and the government's initiatives to assist gig economy workers.

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Budget 2023, under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's administration, has been unveiled. We get into the focal points, and unpack this with our experts. Brought to you by Mah Sing. Reinvent Spaces. Enhance Life

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In today's Parliament session, the MPs discussed the government's decision to consult experts in Singapore to address our public housing challenges, promoting businesses on social media, and the existence of messaging apps like Telegram, Michat and WeChat. There was also a discussion on data leaks, as well as the costs to buy cars.

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The latest installment of the MCU, and the first in Phase Five, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantamania, sees Scott Lang and Hope van Dyne, along with Hank Pym, Janet van Dyne, and Lang's daughter, Cassie, go on a new adventure exploring the Quantum Realm, on a journey that leads them to a showdown against Kang the Conqueror, played by Jonathan Majors, in a role that's been much-tipped as the next Big Bad in Marvel. We discuss whether this movie is a good one, and whether it does well in setting up the next series of continuing stories in the MCU.

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Under what circumstances do you tip your rider or driver, and how do you decide how much to give? We discuss.

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In today's Dewan Rakyat, discussions were had about students learning more about the electoral and political system, taxing vape products and updates on the suspended Ampang LRT line.

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Crying children in restaurants, yay or nay? We discuss.

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In today's Dewan Rakyat, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim sent a firm message that nobody is exempt from corruption investigations, including PKR members. The MPs also discuss plans for Kampung Baru and bodycams for the PDRM and other enforcement agencies.

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Earlier this month, Minister of Youth and Sports, Hannah Yeoh, decided against tabling the Safe Sports Bill and pledged to enshrine its provision in a code instead. We speak to Sarina Sundara Rajah, president of Safe Sport Malaysia, about why a Code would not offer sufficient protection for athletes.

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Fashion brand Behati are getting flak for their latest raya campaign titled the Pelangi collection: Firstly, for holding a a runway show in the middle of the busy pedestrian walk at Pavillion Bukit Bintang. Second, for the designs of their clothes which are highly modern interpretations of traditional wear. We get into what people on Twitter have been saying.

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In today's Dewan Rakyat round-up, we hear from policymakers on how the government intends to move forward with the LCS project, initiatives to encourage the use of EVs, and the media's right to protect their sources.

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Crows are attacking Singaporeans. We get into it.

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A teacher was accused of encouraging a Form Three student at a school in KL to embrace Islam, claiming that it would boost his chances of becoming a national footballer. We discuss the line between personal beliefs and respecting others.

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Parliament continues, with MPs discussing initiatives by the government to assist rural communities affected by the floods, harsher punishments for those who pollute waterways, job scams as well as EPF withdrawals.

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Parliament continues, with MPs discussing initiatives by the government to assist rural communities affected by the floods, harsher punishments for those who pollute waterways, job scams as well as EPF withdrawals.

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What’s the worst job you’ve ever had? We get into it

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Parliament continues, and today, the MPs touched on a variety of issues including how to make it easier to hire foreign workers, the longstanding issue of overcrowding, whether interns should be paid in the private sector as well as reimigration.

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The Pentagon made a statement informing the public that US military fighter jets had shot down an octagonal object over Lake Huron. This comes after an incident where a suspected Chinese surveillance balloon was shot down by US military forces, putting North America security forces on high alert. We get into what Twitter had to say about it.

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Parliament is back, and this time with a new government. Today, the MPs discussed a variety of issues, including addressing our national debt, Anwar's position as PM and financial minister, and the MACC's strategies to curb corruption.

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‘The Visible Invisibles’ is collection of stories told by low-wage migrant workers in Asia in their own voices. It explores several themes such as the power imbalance between employers and employees, love, death, religion, racism, friendship, and social liberties. The authors, Shivaji Das and Yolanda Yu, spoke to us about the stories and how the book might challenge existing perceptions about migrant workers.

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Transport minister Anthony Loke has announced that private vehicle owners will no longer have to use road tax stickers or physically carry their driving licenses. We get into how people are responding to this.

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Dewan Rakyat speaker, Datuk Johari Abdul has expressed that he wants every backbencher MP to be in a parliamentary select committee. We look into what this will mean.

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The unity government held their first secretariat meeting recently, but had not informed or extended an invitation to Muda, even though Muda's logo was included in the poster. We speak to Syed Saddiq of Muda, to get his thoughts on the kind of role that Muda has in the government.

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We listen to an array of opinions on where people would live to live in Malaysia when they retire. What's the most important aspect? It's liveliness? The nature? The food? We discuss this and more.

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The Legal Affairs Department under the Prime Minister's Department is conducting a survey on the proposed Freedom of Information Act, which would enable citizens to request information from the government. We speak to a journalist about why this act is important, what it could look like, and the types of information we should have a right to.

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A combination of immersive technology, cutting-edge design, and understanding how to translate experiences from the screen to real-life environments, spatial design is an increasingly important discipline to understand.

So how exactly does it relate to business needs, and what are the future trends in this new space? We speak to Din Tan Chin Seng, Programme Director of the Bachelor of Interactive Spatial Design from Taylor’s University, to find out. Brought to you by Taylor's University. Rise with the best, where our community is our strength.

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A combination of immersive technology, cutting-edge design, and understanding how to translate experiences from the screen to real-life environments, spatial design is an increasingly important discipline to understand.

So how exactly does it relate to business needs, and what are the future trends in this new space? We speak to Din Tan Chin Seng, Programme Director of the Bachelor of Interactive Spatial Design from Taylor’s University, to find out. Brought to you by Taylor's University. Rise with the best, where our community is our strength.

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What elements of modern design weirdly mimic things that are no longer relevant? We discuss.

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Perikatan Nasional announced its shadow cabinet line up- we get into the question of the cabinet's lack of diversity, along with the role it's expected to play in strengthening the parliament and democracy as a whole.

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A video of a person recording someone at the gym without their consent, and accusing them of allegedly being a creep, has been catching the attention of Twitter. We discuss.

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Bersatu’s party accounts have been frozen by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission following them being accused of receiving RM4 billion from the RM92.5 billion Economic Stimulus Package fund. We discuss what happened.

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A tweet has brought up the fact that they put everything down in their calendar, for the purpose of getting tasks out of one's head. We get into it.

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A High Court judge has held in a non-Muslim matrimonial proceeding that a former wife is not automatically entitled to maintenance from her former husband, due to changing times and circumstances. We discuss.

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A tweet has pointed out the dilemma of having one's name mispronounced. We discuss.

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In December, the Ministry of Health announced that it will carry out a pilot project on the use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) medicine in several hospitals. Following that, the Selangor Mufti Department issued a prohibition of the administration of PrEP, saying that the consumption and distribution of the medication is only required for married couples, and that prescribing PrEP to those who ‘practice a homosexual lifestyle’, would be a form of complicity. We discuss his statement, and why providing PrEP to groups with an elevated risk of HIV is important.

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Marie Kondo, after having three kids, has ‘kind of’ given up on that living that Konmari life. We get into it.

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Nurul Izzah revealed her appointment as a senior advisor to the Prime Minister in an interview with The Star, which has garnered several criticisms accusing Anwar of practicing nepotism. We look into how this impacts perception of Anwar's unity government, and its relevance to Malaysia's current political landscape.

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A tweet expressing how delightful it is to hear someone speak eloquently has been making its rounds. The tweet has opened up a discussion on how important it is to have the ability to fully communicate your thoughts, as well as whether it's fair to see this as a marker of intelligence. We get into it.

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The Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) has called for the Malaysia Competition Commission (MyCC) to be revamped over its perceived inaction on Touch ‘n Go’s alleged “monopolistic behaviour”. On top of that, the calls for the improvement of Touch n Go has been increasing. We dissect these issues, as well as possible ways for the system provider to improve.

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Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli has said that food prices at restaurants are the main components driving inflation, and has called for consumers to ‘play their part’ in bringing down the prices of food, by choosing where they spend their money wisely. Is this a practical suggestion? We explore.

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Former Permatang Pauh MP Nurul Izzah Anwar recently shared on social media that she had a miscarriage, sharing that she had lost her unborn baby while carrying out her duties. We talk about the significance of public figures on subjects that are difficult to talk about, and broadly, what support is needed for people going through a miscarriage.

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Is it difficult for adults to ask friends for help? We get into it.

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A recent article published by Vox detailed stories of how convoluted the job recruitment processes have become for some. We look at why this is happening and whether it is necessary.

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The trailer for the film 'Pulau' recently came under the spotlight after former deputy religious affairs minister Ahmad Marzuk Shaary said the horror thriller "contains scenes that are obscene and excessive". We look at what people are saying online.

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Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has unveiled the new Malaysia Madani concept. What does it mean and will it resonate with the rakyat? We explore.

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On Twitter, a discussion on libraries is blooming. We talk about the larger role that libraries play in our society, and how best to utilise its space.

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Minority Shareholders Watch Group (MSWG) have urged politicians and government ministers to refrain from publicly endorsing business deals of public-listed companies (PLCs), especially through social media channels. This is coming after Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that Energy Absolute PCL will collaborate with Computer Forms (M) Bhd, a local company to develop green tech and EV tech transfer in Malaysia, which resulted in a boost in share price for Computer Forms. We get into it.

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Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has said that no landmarks will be built to mark his administration. We look at the question of legacy, and what people would rather have in place instead.

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The Ministry of Health has decided to include Braille on medical labels, and this has been lauded as a good move. We look at how this move would benefit the visually impaired community, and what else is needed in terms of healthcare services for PWDs.

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Michelle Yeoh’s awards season success has reopened the question of whether the government is doing enough for the local film industry, with filmmaker Pete Teo posting a Twitter thread on the issue. We look at what other Malaysians are saying in response.

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We break down the recently held UMNO General Assembly and the highlights around it.

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Do you prefer having many friends, or just a few? We get into it.

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We look at a study on Malaysian driving culture and behaviour, and what we can learn from it about being better drivers.

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After years of shoddy Bahasa Malaysia subtitles for English movies, people are now praising some recent examples of great translations. We get into it.

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We look at the UMNO General Assembly, and the headlines swirling around it.

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A tweet has questioned whether it's okay to ask for cash instead of a gift. We get into it.

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Attorney-General Tan Sri Idrus Harun has proposed making the Bahasa Malaysia translation of the Federal Constitution the authoritative version. However, there are several concerns around this. A constitutional lawyer breaks it down for us.

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Noma, a 3 Michelin star restaurant in Copenhagen and widely regarded as the best restaurant in the world, will be closing its doors for regular service at the end of 2024. This decision follows scrutiny of their mistreatment of workers, and the fact that they had not paid their interns. We discuss the line between balancing your ambition and creating sustainable working environments.

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A tweet on how people hand money over to customer service and cashiers has drawn plenty of responses from the Twitterverse, with some sharing their own experiences, and some being skeptical that we're really that rude. We get into it.

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We try to understand the ever-shifting dynamics and loyalties in Sabah state politics with Dr Bridget Welsh.

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Today's discussion on Twitter revolves around ministers being on time for events, or rather the lack of this happening. We get into it.

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"Extreme creator" Angela Nikolau and her partner have caught flak for illegally climbing the Merdeka 118 tower. Was it a harmless stunt or are there larger questions around security and the wanton pursuit of social media attention? We explore.

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Malaysians are rejoicing after Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced that "a big change" will be introduced to road tax stickers this year. We get into it.

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Government SMS broadcasts have been a hot topic lately, with recent messages being lambasted for praising the government. In response to this, Deputy Communications and Digital Minister, Teo Nie Ching has said that the ministry will review the SOP for its systems. We discuss how we can fully utilise this system better, and whether it actually has value.

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A tweet has questioned the long drive to work that people experience every day, and whether it's reasonable. We get into it.

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A three minute video of beachgoers in bikinis at a beach on Pulau Besar has been making the rounds on social media. This has prompted a response from Che Sukri Che Mat, chief of the Melaka Islamic Religious Affairs Department (JAIM), who said that they were planning to put up signboards, to remind tourists to dress modestly, and not partake in activities that are considered culturally sensitive. We get into this.

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China's borders are reopening soon and this is happening shortly after they reopened their economy and saw a surge in Covid-19 cases. There have been some responses to ban inbound China travellers, while some have said that this is irresponsible. We discuss what this means for us, and whether health checks for all tourists coming in should be made mandatory.

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A rant on how hard it is to navigate shopping malls has turned into a full-on conversation about shopping mall layouts, where people talk about the best and the worst of malls in the Klang Valley. We get into it.

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A recent opinion piece in The Guardian has highlighted the phenomenon of replacing real conversations with online communications, like texting. We discuss whether this form of communication do more harm than good, with a psychologist.

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What skills are you hoping to learn in 2023? We look into tweets and replies to a question that asks just that.

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Starting 2023, it will be compulsory for workers at F&B outlets in Selangor to wear face masks. How much would wearing a mask help in ensuring hygiene and safety in food preparation? We find out.

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There's no denying that Matilda, the 1996 film directed by Danny DeVito, is a classic in every sense of the word. So, in order to justify a remake, Netflix threw a lot of money at a lot of stellar performers and got them together to make Matilda the Musical. Emma Thompson is unrecognisable as Miss Trunchbill, and Alisha Weir seems like a(nother) perfect Matilda, but does the movie work as a whole? We'll find out in this episode.

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A tweet illustrating the differences between bad, good and great bosses, all measured by how well they encourage employees to take time off from work, has been circulating on Twitter. People discuss the importance of taking time off, and how companies can vet for their employees to do this more often. We get into it.

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The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry plans to introduce a programme named 'Rezeki Suri', which will allow housewives to sell 11 basic necessities direct from the suppliers. What's needed to ensure this initiative succeeds and how helpful will it be in the long term? We explore.

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According to a CodeBlue report, seriously sick non-Covid patients have had to wait at the emergency and trauma department Red Zone for an average of two to three days, sometimes going up to six days for admission into scarce critical care beds. The Health Minister has announced that they are drawing up plans to resolve this issue. We discuss what's needed.

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A meet up between our current Youth and Sports minister Hannah Yeoh and Khairy Jamaluddin, who formerly held this position, is getting some attention from the Twitterverse. We dive into it.

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The holidays are here, and lots of us have made plans to travel and spend time with our family. However, reports of heavy rain and flooding continue to come in nationwide. We discuss how to plan and stay safe during this time.

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Former health minister Khairy Jamaluddin has said that starting 2025, it would be made compulsory for government buildings and public facilities to install automated external defibrillators (AED) at their premises. Early stages of this project involve installing AEDs nationwide, alongside existing CPR training. We find out more with a first aid instructor.

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New York Magazine has recently published an article on how nepotism runs rampant in every corner of Hollywood, and people on Twitter are sharing their thoughts on this. We discuss what it means to use family connections to get a job, and the kind of impact it has.

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The first parliament sitting under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is done and dusted, with a new Speaker and Deputy Speakers, a vote of confidence having passed and also, a lot of heated words exchanged between MPs. We discuss what this might indicate about the trajectory of the new government.

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People on Twitter share what they've done for their mental health, during their darkest moments. We look into it.

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Today is the second and last day of the special parliamentary sitting, the MPs passed the mini budget, and discussed a wide range of topics including good behaviour in parliament, the creation of 50,000 contract jobs for young people as well as casual attire dress codes. There was also a moment of Shakespearean prose.

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On today’s special sitting of the Dewan Rakyat, the MPs voted for a new Dewan Speaker and the debate for Anwar's vote of confidence began, amid some heated exchanges.

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2023 is just around the corner, which is usually the time of year when we start taking stock of our lives, and of course, our finances - especially if you're just starting out in your career or financial journey. We discuss how to build a solid financial foundation in 2023 and how insurance plays a vital role - particularly for young people - with Hugo Khaw, an AIA Life Planner.

To find out more: please visit: https://www.aia.com.my/en/total-wealth-solution.html

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Parliament will commence for a special two day sitting next week, which will involve a motion of confidence for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the election of a Dewan Speaker and the tabling of a mini-budget to approve government spending on civil servants’ emoluments. We discuss what the anticipation of all this.

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Henry Cavill has announced that he will not be returning to play Superman, after announcing that he would return, back in October. We look at people's reaction to this news.

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It's been announced that all political appointees will be let go, with immediate effect. We discuss whether all political appointments are made in bad faith, how crucial these terminations are in the overall quest for insitutional reform and whether this move poses a political risk for Prime Minister Datuk Sri Anwar Ibrahim.

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Elon Musk was invited to Dave Chappelle's comedy show, where the audience greeted him with boos and videos of this have been circulating social media ever since. We look at what people on Twitter have been saying.

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Former cyptocurrency billionaire Sam Bankman-Fried has been arrested for fraud by the Bahamian authorities, and is being touted as the 'one of the biggest financial frauds in America.' We discuss his arrest, the reputation he holds in the crypto world, and how it all ties into the narrative surrounding his crypto empire.

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We're reaching the end of 2022, so it's time for resolutions, growth and being better! We discuss what Twitter has to say about life lessons they've learned from the past year.

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The new Home Ministry Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution has been criticised by CSOs for their denial that there has been mistreatment of detainees at the Kimanis Immigration depot. We unpack his response, and how it would impact migrants, refugees and issues of their rights in the country.

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Due to the increase of shoplot rentals, some operators have taken to running their businesses from home instead. We look at the pros and cons of it all.

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How do you network and have you got tips for others? We look at what people on Twitter are saying.

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Four Sabah Bersatu MPs have announced their departure from the party. We discuss what this means.

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How do you feel about being asked to swap seats on a plane? We look at responses online after a Twitter user complained about a fellow passenger on a flight not wanting to switch places with him.

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With a new government in place, we look at what the most urgent needs are when it comes to the Orang Asli community.

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A group photo of Prime Minister Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim's Cabinet looking noticeably unencumbered by neckties, has made the rounds. What tone does this gesture set and is there a deeper message that they're trying to convey? We get into it.

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Perikatan Nasional saw a landslide victory in Padang Serai and a narrow loss in Tioman as the two constituencies headed to the polls yesterday. We mull over the outcome and what it spells for the future of our political landscape.

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TIME Magazine has named our very own Michelle Yeoh as their Icon of The Year. She has earned Oscar buzz for her latest starring role in Everything Everywhere All At Once (which she quite literally is).

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Indonesia has passed a new criminal code, including sex outside of marriage, cohabitation, and criminalizing insults towards the President and state institutions. We talk about whether this is a political move, or a sign of growing conservatism.

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Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim replied to a tweet of someone calling him 'papa', which he full-on rejected. It raises the question regarding this newly-found Malaysian culture of paternalizing our PMs. Should it be encouraged?

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On his first day in office, Transport Minister Anthony Loke went incognito during peak travel time to spot check Kelana Jaya's LRT line. We get into the significance of the minister's efforts to experience the daily struggle of commuters, and what outcomes we hope to see from his observations.

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Merriam-Webster chose 'gaslighting' as their 2022 Word of The Year, saying it had a 1740% increase in lookups for the past year, but is it really a new word? Are they making it up? They were probably imagining it...

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Terengganu has passed four new Syariah law amendments, involving witchcraft, out-of-wedlock pregnancy, sodomy and gender expressions. These amendments have been panned by various human rights groups, who cited harmful effects it would have on women, young people and minority groups. We spoke to a Syariah lawyer on this.

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Cabinet members have finally been announced by Prime Minister Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim. To get some first impressions, we spoke to Dr Bridget Welsh, Honorary Research Associate from the University of Nottingham, Malaysia.

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Cottagecore. Goblincore. Pumpkin spice. Angst. Nostalgic nights. Top 5 artists and your most loved songs. The time of the year for Spotify to gift people with Spotify Wrapped is upon us! We talk about what your music tastes might say about you, as well as what it means to share snippets of your personality online.

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Period poverty continues to be a big issue in Malaysia. As a way to combat this, Selangor is going to introduce a free sanitary pad programme, as part of the state budget for next year. Will this work? What kind of lessons can other states learn from this? We look into it.

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According to a tweet, more young people are less inclined to not buy cars, even when they can afford it. We get into it.

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Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has said that approvals for government procurements can no longer be conducted without tenders. We look into the impact of this.

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Prime Minister Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim has asked civil servants to be open to change, both in terms of mindset, as well as in how they operate. We get into how this what this change

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Ahead of GE15, we saw an increase in racial rhetorics, both at ceramahs and online. We discuss what needs to be done to mitigate hate speech and racial sentiment in the future?

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The Borneo bloc has officially agreed to be part of Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim's government, giving him the backing of 145 MPs. What will this mean for the future growth and development of Sabah and Sarawak? How can Pakatan Harapan make good on their pledge to decentralize powers back to the Borneo states? We explore with Ariff Adi Putera Anwar, Research Officer at the Institute for Development Studies Sabah.

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We continue our coverage of post-elections and the appointment of Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim as the 10th Prime Minister. This time, we look at the need for an official agreement within the component coalitions of the new government.

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As Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim becomes the country's newly appointed Prime Minister, the question of our economy comes to the surface. We discuss what needs to be prioritised.

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With the formation of a new and unprecedented government, we look ahead at what each coalition is expected to bring to the table and what is needed for this unconventional partnership to succeed.

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In response to Anwar Ibrahim being made the country's 10th Prime Minister, we speak to Bersatu to get a sense of where Perikatan Nasional and its coalition stands, and what role they would play next.

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We spoke to Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah of Gabungan Parti Sarawak about what took place behind the scenes in the lead up to today's developments and his expectations for the new government in regard to Sabah and Sarawak.

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We continue our coverage of Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim being announced the 10th Prime Minister by speaking with Iskandar Fareez of REFSA, and exploring how the potential stability of this government, and how likely the Prime Minister will be able to have a lean cabinet.

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Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim has been announced as the country's 10th Prime Minister. We discuss this appointment, and where his priorities should lie.

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All eyes are currently on Malaysia's newly appointed Prime Minister Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim. We spoke to elected MP for Muar Syed Saddiq about the long awaited decision and what he hopes to tackle as a member of the newly formed government.

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Kitakawan is trending, following the rise of hate speech that has emerged on social media post election day. We look into the posts that highlight the joys of being a nation of many races and cultures, and whether this adequately gets to the core of the issue.

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The Yang di-Pertuan Agong has decreed that all BN MPs must participate in a unity government according to BN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. We look at the constitutional role of the monarch in resolving the question of who should form the next government.

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Upon leaving the palace, Anwar Ibrahim told press members that Yang Di-Pertuan Agong desires a strong government that is inclusive in terms of race, religion, and region to focus on resolving the people's problems and to resuscitate the economy. We unpack these latest developments and what an inclusive deal among parties would look like.

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According to observations from IMAN Research, hateful messaging has proliferated social media platforms, with some even encouraging the repeat of May 13. We unpack the effects of this and what should be done to curb hate speech in the country.

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We’re continuing our coverage of post-GE15 developments, and looking at what the outcome tells us about our democracy.

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Statutory declarations are back amongst our political parties, this time in the form of Secretary-general Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin saying that Perikatan Nasional has submitted more than 112 statutory declarations supporting Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin as the next Prime Minister to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. We look at why SDs are still the way for coalitions to signal their loyalty.

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GE15 has now come and gone. We look into the data we have on the votes outcome, and what it means about this election.

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In the week leading up to GE15, we unpack the political news and speculation of the day with a panel of guests, looking at it all with (hopefully!) some warmth and humour. We talk about what value shifts over time, what it takes to get politically re-educated, and whether the youth and undecideds will turn up on polling day.

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Does it bother you when politicians wear luxury goods? Should our leaders flaunt their wealth when the rakyat struggles to afford basic necessties? How and why does a hoodie cost two thousand ringgit? These are just some questions you're bound to have, after a visit to Voteordié, a satirical e-commerce site that pretends to sell luxury items worn by Malaysia's political elites. We speak to the folks behind the site about their novel take on voter education in the lead up to GE15.

Image source: https://voteordie.gg/

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In the week leading up to GE15, we unpack the political news and speculation of the day with a panel of guests, looking at it all with (hopefully!) some warmth and humour. Today, we talk about giving ceramahs a chance, rhetoric versus reality, and dealing with the day after polling day.

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Melaka state executive council (exco) member Datuk Muhammad Jailani Khami announced that Melaka will build its own Disney theme park, dubbed Disney City, in Jasin. However, there has been some confusion on whether this is really happening or not. We look at what people are saying on Twitter.

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Videos of influencers promoting Perikatan Nasional and Barisan Nasional have been circling the internet, swiftly followed by screenshots purporting that said political parties have been offering to pay Tiktokers for these endorsements. We get into it.

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In the week leading up to GE15, we unpack the political news and speculation of the day with a panel of guests, looking at it all with (hopefully!) some warmth and humour. Today, we talk about how getting to know your MP online is akin to long-distance dating.

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Pakatan Harapan's candidate for Padang Serai, M. Karupaiya passed away this afternoon, just two days before polling day. We speak to a PKR representative about the late incumbent MP, and what his passing means for the Padang Serai seat.

Image source: Karupaiya Mutusami, Facebook

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With voting day around the corner, Malaysia Information Literacy Education (MILE) have come up with "Are you Yang Bijak?", a browser game to help young first-time voters recognize misleading information, extensive politicking and propaganda. We speak to MILE about the game and how it aims to tackle political misinformation.

Image source: https://choicesimake.com/yangbijak/en/

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In the week leading up to GE15, we unpack the political news and speculation of the day with a panel of guests, looking at it all with (hopefully!) some warmth and humour. Today, it's about ceramahs, what the next generation of leadership will look like, and finding the fun in the spectacle of it all.

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VoteMalaysia and Undi18 are collaborating to bring back 50,000 postal votes to Malaysia from various countries. We speak to an organisation in Australia that is on the ground to ensure ballots arrive in time for polling day.

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In the week leading up to GE15, we unpack the political news and speculation of the day with a panel of guests, looking at it all with (hopefully!) some warmth and humour.

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Twitter is alight with discussions on who our next Prime Minister would be, between three names supposedly in the running: Ismail Sabri, Anwar Ibrahim, and Muhyiddin Yassin. We dive into it.

Image source: Seth Akmal, msyaraafiq , NAUFAL ZAQUAN, Shutterstock.

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As we head closer towards polling day, we're being presented with daily predictions, polls and numbers suggesting who’s going to win, and what’s going to happen. But what are the limitations of these polls? We get into it.

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Fahmi Reza's Kelas Demokrasi forum was shut down by UKM yesterday, and then at UiTM Shah Alam today. We look into it.

Image source: Fahmi Reza/@kuasasiswa, Twitter

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RakyatJagaRakyat makes a comeback on Twitter, as people come together to carpool and offer rides to people affected by the Kelana Jaya LRT line shutdown.

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GE15 will see the highest number of independent candidates contesting for parliamentary seats. We look at concerns that some have expressed about how independent candidates lead to splitting of the vote, and the role they play in our political scene.

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As the largest city in Malaysia, KL also has a variety of places to eat at, drink and be merry, and we look at the most delicious spots. We speak to food blogger and Tiktokker Ceddy Ang for all the best places to try new dishes.

Brought to you by Tourism Malaysia.

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As the largest city in Malaysia, KL has a variety of places to eat at, drink and be merry. We speak to food blogger and Tiktokker Ceddy Ang for all the best places to try new dishes.

Brought to you by Tourism Malaysia.

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Almost half of the Kelana Jaya LRT line will not be running until the 15th of November. We look at the reactions online.

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We look at a recent study on cybertroopers and what it tells us about the role they play in Malaysia.

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Which jobs and fields of work pay the least in Malaysia? We unpack some of the more surprising answers.

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Memes have always been a large part of our digital sphere, and this extends to our politics as well. We discuss the effectiveness of political memes, and the influence it has on political discourse.

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A side by side comparison of Dato' Saifuddin Abdullah's campaign video for Indera Mahkota and US Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's 2018 election campaign has been making the rounds. We ponder upon the similarities and the importance of originality in election campaigns.

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PKR Deputy President Rafizi Ramli recently declared RM18 million in net assets, with almost all other party candidates following suit. On the other hand, Khairy Jamaluddin has said that declaring assets should only apply to those who go on to become cabinet members. Should asset declarations be made mandatory and for whom? We explore.

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A Form 1 student from Penang claims that she was told to kneel on a tar road with her hands raised, as punishment for not wearing proper school shoes. On top of that, the lecturer allegedly cut her holy string and told her to remove her pottu (black dot) and holy ash. We discuss where the boundaries are when it comes to punishments in school, especially when they’re in public, and involve different cultures.

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Do you post where you are and what you're doing online? We explore the real issue of online safety, following a tweet that urged people to be more careful about sharing their life and routine online for all to see.

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Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced PH’s manifesto, Tawaran Harapan, comprising of 10 key pledges to the rakyat. We unpack the manifesto from an economic lens.

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Sungai Buloh is trending, with Khairy Jamaluddin being announced as Barisan Nasional's candidate and Pakatan Harapan then saying they may reconsider their strategy. We get into it.

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We look at the recent round of names who have been dropped from the running for GE15, and the significance of it all.

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We go through the responses from people following a flurry of UMNO updates, including rumours of party president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi positioning himself as the BN candidate for PM.

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We speak to a criminal lawyer about the raid that happened at Shagrilla, a Halloween party that was at REXKL over the weekend.

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We go through the responses and reactions following the raid at a private Halloween event at REXKL over the weekend.

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We look at the latest updates on PSM since they’ve announced that their electoral pact with PH is no more.

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How much do you need to know about a political candidate before voting for them? And where would you go for that information? We look at MP Profiling, a new community-led app that aims to help voters get information on the people running to be MPs.

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The NRC has proposed the creation of a centralized system to ease the process of distributing aid and assistance to the poor and the needy. This was going to be given the highest level of priority as there had been an increase in the number of the poor due to Covid-19. We discuss this evolution, and what the future has in store for the NRC.

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Visit Kedah to enjoy the natural beauty of forests and waterfalls, as well as historical heritage sites and museums - and of course, delicious food too! Join us as we chat with Nadge Ariffin, food and tourism consultant, to find out why Kedah is for everyone, no matter your interests.

Brought to you by Tourism Malaysia. For more information, visit malaysia.travel

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Caretaker Prime Minister Dato' Sri Ismail Sabri has declined a proposal by Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim for PM candidates from all major coalitions to engage in a debate, saying that it will bring no benefit and isn't part of our culture. We debate these statements.

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Rishi Sunak is set to become the next UK prime minister, marking a number of firsts - he’s the first Asian to take the post, and at 42, the youngest PM in their modern history. We unpack the significance of Rishi's ascension and what it means for a minority to take the highest office in Britain.

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We look at what the nomination day announcement means for the parties in Sabah and Sarawak.

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With dates for nomination and polling day officially announced, we speak to Bersih about the timing and its impact on voters both in Malaysia and abroad. Then, we talk seat allocations and strategy with representatives from UMNO, PKR, MUDA and Bersatu.

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A senior lecturer posted a tweet about making adjustments at school for people with depression. We get into the responses.

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We talk about how to prevent bullying in the workplace, in conjunction with Workplace Bullying Awareness Week.

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That is the question, after Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka said "tose" was the correct spelling for the traditional Indian dish in the Malay language, instead of "tosai". We tuck into the responses.

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It's been reported that every month, more than 1,000 containers with tonnes of e-waste are smuggled and illegally processed in Malaysia, polluting the country’s land, air and water. We speak to an e-waste specialist about its impact on Malaysia's environment and economy.

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Plans have been set in motion to build an international airport on Tioman Island, amidst concerns of unchecked tourism and the impact this would have on the island’s natural environment and resources.

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We know Bersih as the electoral watchdog that has been pushing for fair, free and clean elections, and playing a seminal role in shifting Malaysia's political tide. But where and how did it all begin? We speak to journalist Danny Lim about his latest book, “We Are Marching Now: The Inside Story of Bersih 1.0”.

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Would having Khairy Jamaluddin nominated as PM change the game? We get into it.

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We speak with a parliamentary researcher to unpack what happens with Budget 2023 now that parliament is dissolved.

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A video of Dato Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, president of UMNO, saying that it’s imperative that they win the election, to avoid more BN politicians being prosecuted has gone viral. We look at the responses.

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Incumbent MP for Klang, Charles Santiago, has filed an injunction to stop elections from being held during the monsoon season. We get his thoughts on why elections shouldn’t be held during this time.

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Twitter was aflutter with the news of parliament dissolving to make way for elections. We check in on responses and reactions to #GE15.

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Budget 2023 was tabled in Parliament, and right after that, Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced the dissolution of parliament. We look at where this leaves the current Budget.

Brought to you by Mah Sing; Reinvent Spaces. Enhance Life.

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Finance Minister Tengku Zafrul Aziz unveiled Budget 2023 today, which was focused on the 3Rs, responsive, responsible and reformist. We look at the highlights and unpack them with our experts.

Brought to you by Mah Sing; Reinvent Spaces. Enhance Life.

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Today in the Dewan Rakyat, policymakers discussed the CPTPP, direct compensation for accidents involving potholes, and the increasing percentage of national revenue going towards servicing debt.

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A tweet has gone viral, all about how comfortable people are doing things alone. We get into it.

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In today's Dewan Rakyat round-up, we hear from policymakers on the issue of child sexual exploitation and allowing students to pursue TVET after Form 3. Then, we ponder with pantuns over whether or not parliament will be dissolved.

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Parliament is back, where we bring you updates from the Dewan Rakyat. The MP's discussed a variety of topics today, including job scam syndicates and the guaranteed minimum price (or GMP) for 1kg of paddy purchased from farmers. Things got heated when Ipoh Barat MP, M. Kulasegaran accused the government of being out of touch with business owners who are facing a critical shortage of migrant workers, while the health ministry talked about some of their anti-suicide initiatives.

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Do you ever choose to sit in your car for a bit, after you have arrived at your destination? We explore this curious phenomenon and why so many of us do it.

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Parliament is back, where we bring you updates from the Dewan Rakyat. In today's session, MPs discussed various topics including the state of our domestic and foreign economic challenges, Pasir Salak MP Dato Sri Tajuddin Abdul Rahman's suspension from Umno, our highway projects, the progress of the LCS Project, and the government’s guarantee that it’ll be done in a period of two years as well as Datuk Seri Najib Razak's attendance in parliament, and his status as Pekan MP.

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Malaysia’s roti canai has ranked number one on TasteAtlas’ latest list of 50 Best Street Foods, with a score of 4.9. We get into it.

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Should MACC be placed under Parliament, rather than the Prime Minister's Department? We unpack this.

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A twitter user raised a question about the lack of public seating for people to hang out. We get into it.

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The killing of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Kurdish Iranian woman who was apprehended by "morality police" for allegedly violating the country's hijab laws, has sparked mass uproar and protest in over 20 cities in Iran. We speak to Musawah about the significance of this, and their call for the public to stand in solidarity with the voices of people in Iran.

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A tweet questioning how people feel about scanning QR codes to order in restaurants has gone viral, and we get into it.

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Safe Kids Malaysia has launched a nationwide initiative to educate children on the importance of pedestrian safety. We talk about the differences in perception and understanding of road safety when kids are involved, and the ways in which this message can be communicated to them clearly and effectively.

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From beautiful beaches and mountains, to adventurous activities and delicious food - Langkawi is a great holiday destination, and one that suits every budget. Join us as we explore the island and its possibilities with Nadge Ariffin, tourism consultant. For more information, visit malaysia.travel

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A Tweet, that has since been deleted, questioned the term “anak dara”, which sparked alot of thoughts on Twitter. We get into it.

Image source: Pusat Rujukan Persuratan Melayu (PRPM)

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BNM is directing the banking industry to put tighter security controls in place to combat scams and financial crimes. We look into it.

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A tweet reveals that students have been using Ai to help write their essays. This brings on a lot of questions, on whether this would affect learning. We dive into it.

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Communications and Multimedia Minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa said that the government will establish a fund for the production of local films that promote patriotism and unity. We speak to a film producer about his thoughts on this brief, and what's needed to elevate the filmmaking industry.

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A tweet has gone viral, about the curious case of a police report being lodged over a bad review of nasi goreng Pattaya, that started going viral first, on Tiktok. We get into it.

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UMNO president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has been declared innocent of all 40 graft charges in relation to the Foreign Visa System, or VLN. We unpack the verdict and judgement that was given.

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We look into the value of having subordinates assess their bosses, and whether it contributes to a better work environment.

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Has a renters’ mentality extended towards not just our homes, but our appliances? We get into a tweet that relates the growing culture of renting appliances to lower salaries and the need to save money.

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We look into a recent anonymous message that’s gone viral about Najib Razak's alleged special treatment and privileges in prison.

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The opposition has called on Putrajaya to set up a procedure to compensate victims of scammers, and to look to a bank in Singapore that gave out goodwill payments to customers who had fallen prey to a phishing scam. We talk about what fair compensation could look like, where the onus lies and how else financial systems can be strengthened to combat online scams.

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Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob has agreed to return the Malaysian Indian Community Transformation Unit, or Mitra, to the Prime Minister’s Department, and has announced an RM2 million allocation for Indian students from poor households. We discuss this development, and how to ensure this initiative will be carried out well.

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Former MIC president Tun S. Samy Vellu passed away, at the age of 86. We look into the various thoughts that have been pouring in.

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Datuk Seri Rina Harun, Minister of Women, Family and Community Development put up a video on Tiktok, featuring Rosyam Nor that has been roundly criticised. We get into it.

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Former Deputy Health Minister Dr Lee Boon Chye wrote a Facebook post calling for the re-evaluation of Malaysia's role in the Commonwealth following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. We unpack some of the points that were made, and take a deeper look at what it means to be a member of the Commonwealth, as we continue to reckon with our legacy as a British colony.

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In July, 12 out of 71 Malaysians were tested positive for cannabis after returning from Thailand as a result of a random screening done by the police at the Perlis border. We look at what the laws say about consuming cannabis in a country where it is legal, and what our rights are when we’re asked to take a drug test by the police.

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You get the email, you put your best clothes on, and you attend the job interview. Then they ask you the ultimate question: "Why should we hire you?" Twitter users weigh in with their opinions, and we join in.

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An article by Malaysian Insight has shed some light about how it is hard for homeless people to break out of their cycle, and one of the reasons is due to difficulties in getting hired. We look into these challenges faced by this group, and how to address them.

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There has been a spike in divorce cases throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. We explore divorce trends in the past couple of years, and the neccessity of divorce when it comes to the wellbeing of partners and children.

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On Thursday evening, Queen Elizabeth II, the UK's longest-serving monarch, passed away in Balmoral, Scotland. She was 96 years old and reigned for 70 years. We look at her life, legacy and the complex relationship that Malaysians have with the late queen as a figure.

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Today we discuss a tweet that called out drivers of big expensive cars who choose to park for free at the side of the road, instead of using paid parking. We explore.

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Apple launched their iPhone 14 series today, which means social media is awash with a mixture of memes, longing, and more memes. We get into the responses and talk about how to decide when it's time for an upgrade.

Image Source: Tim Cook, Twitter

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We look into the ongoing call to separate the role of the AG and public prosecutor, and why it matters.

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Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin announced that face masks indoors will be optional effective immediately. We get into it.

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We delve into the story of Fat Leonard, or Leonard Glenn Francis - a Malaysian who just escaped from custody in the US, weeks before he was due to be sentenced in a trial for bribery involving US Navy officials.

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Who do you think will be an interesting figure in GE15? That's what Hadi Azmi, Malaysian Correspondent for South China Morning Post Asia asked Twitter. We look at the responses.

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According to the Malaysian Institute of Estate Planners, only 20% of Malaysians have written a will. We speak to a lawyer about why so few of us have a will, what goes into estate planning, and some of the factors that are often overlooked in will writing.

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A Tweet highlighting the high cost of healthy food options in Malaysia has prompted a discussion about whether healthy food is only expensive because it caters to western tastes and recipes. We explore, and ask you for your favourite affordable healthy meal.

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Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin has announced that anyone can pledge to be an organ donor via the MySejahtera app. We speak to a living organ donor about her thoughts on this move, and discuss her lived experience as a donor.

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We explore the complex feelings of phone calls in today's modern society where a simple text is often preferred.

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In our Hopes for Malaysia series, we speak to people who are trying to make our country a better place, and asking them: what are your hopes for Malaysia? In this final episode, we close off with a focus on the youth of Malaysia and the role they playing in shaping the future of the country.

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If you could only choose to eat one meal and drink one drink every day for the rest of your life - what would it be? We get into it.

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The High Court has found Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor guilty of three corruption charges relating to a 1.25 billion ringgit hybrid solar project for rural schools in Sarawak. We unpack the verdict.

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We get into a tricky question being asked and debated on Twitter: Do you believe in giving your parents money after you start working?

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In this Merdeka series, we speak to people who are trying to make our country a better place, and asking them: what are your hopes for Malaysia? This time around, we discuss how to make a difference as a social business. We speak to .bungkus, a project made out of a group of designers, artists and recyclers. on how to make a difference as a social business, that aim to transform soft plastic waste into sustainable lifestyle pieces.

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A New York Times article has been making the rounds on Twitter, about the younger generation calling for a stop to the full stop, as the usage of proper punctuation in a casual context like texting can give an impression of “formality bordering on rudeness”. We. Get. Into. It.

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In our Merdeka series, we speak to individuals and businesses who are trying to make our country a better place, and asking them: what are your hopes for Malaysia? In this episode, clinical psychologist Sarah Zehan talks to us about how she wants to see mental healthcare develop in the long term.

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In today's pick from Twitterverse, we unravel a thread about the fear of being judged for one's taste in music and whether you find yourself making judgements about others for their preferences.

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In our Merdeka series, we speak to individuals and businesses who are trying to make our country a better place, and asking them: what are your hopes for Malaysia? In this episode, filmmaker Deepak Kumaran Menon joins us to talk about Malaysian movies and his quest for inclusivity and authenticity in the local film industry.

Image Source: The Gravel Road by Deepak Kumaran Menon, Facebook

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Local musician Imran Ajmain started a Twitter thread for people to share their best and worst subjects in school. We get into the responses.

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In this Merdeka series, we speak to people who are trying to make our country a better place, and asking them: what are your hopes for Malaysia? To kick things off, we speak to one of the country's leading advocates for migrant workers and refugee rights, Adrian Pereira from the North-South Initiative (NSI).

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In a Facebook post early last week, the Kuantan Municipal council reminded local businesses that putting up the flag for National Day is among the conditions for the premise license issued by the council, and failing to do so would result in fines. So we look at the origins of national flags and the significance of flying the Jalur Gemilang here in Malaysia.

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We look at what the verdict for former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's in the SRC International Sdn Bhd scandal's mean for anti-corruption efforts.

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We get into what it's been like on ground, as the Federal Court announced the verdict for Former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's in the SRC International Sdn Bhd scandal.

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We look at what the verdict for former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's in the SRC International Sdn Bhd scandal indicates for governance and public trust in Malaysia.

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We discuss the political ramifications of the verdict for former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's in the SRC International Sdn Bhd scandal

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The verdict has been announced: Former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak will serve a 12-year prison sentence and pay a fine of 210 million in default of another five years imprisonment. Following this announcement, we look into what the ruling means.

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A debate on whether parents with children should be given priority on elevators have taken Twitter by storm, after a parent shared his frustration towards what he claims to be inconsiderate elevator users at KLCC. This has received a variety of mixed responses. We get into it.

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PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang took to Facebook calling for the eradication of corruption in Malaysia, before unceremoniously stating that the majority of people who are involved in corruption were non-Muslims and non-Bumiputera. We talk about the impact of political leaders making such sweeping statements, particularly when they're not backed up with any facts or figures.

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After last night's concert, fans of Billie Eilish have taken to social media to criticise the organisers of the “Happier Than Ever, The World Tour”, for poor seating arrangements and bad audio quality. We get into the responses.

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The DBKL licensing committee had agreed to permanently blacklist the owners of Crackhouse Comedy Club for life from registering a business in Kuala Lumpur. We discuss whether this outcome is fair.

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We go through the continuing twists and turns in Datuk Seri Najib Razak's SRC International appeal, with the latest being Hisyam Teh's move to discharge himself as Najib's lead counsel. We speak to lawyer Fahri Azzat about these developments and how they may affect public perception of the legal profession.

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Do titles affect how you perceive your work and how do you refer to the people you work with? We ponder upon a tweet about being introduced as a “collaborator” instead of “employee” and how language can change the dynamics of any relationship.

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Local Twitter is abuzz with yet another discussion about Mahsuri, and this time, on what the movie should look like. This is coming from a social media exchange between Maya Karin and Syamsul Yusoff, with both of them expressing interest to work with each other. We get into it.

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During a tabling of the amendment bill for the National Forestry Act 1984, Datuk Ali Biju, Deputy Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, said that while Orang Asli communities are allowed to harvest products from the forest reserves, it must only be for domestic use and not commercial purposes. We look at what happens when Orang Asli communities can’t sell produce from the forest.

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A recent tweet questioning why anyone would go to a food court to eat oysters when they could pay a bit more and get better quality went viral, prompting a wider conversation about price and food safety, and whether one really links up to the other. We discuss this, and ask: how do we decide what's safe to eat, especially in an open-air, food court or street food setting?

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We look at what we can learn from South Korea when it comes to improving the Malaysian film industry.

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Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said that he will dissolve parliament to pave the way for the 15th general election if a study by Wanita Barisan Nasional shows that voters favour the coalition. We discuss what this means.

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AirAsia has announced that will offer Malaysia's first air-flown, intercity food delivery from Penang to the Klang Valley. People on Twitter chime in to this idea, and we join the conversation.

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Payment gateway provider iPay88 has confirmed a cybersecurity breach that may have compromised the card data of its users. We explore this case, and what it says about our safety online when it comes to making payments.

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DBKL plans to close Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman to traffic every Sunday from September 28, to encourage the culture of walking. We get into what the responses to this have been like on Twitter.

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CEO of Hypersocial (a company specializing in optimizing LinkedIn posts) Braden Wallake is facing criticism after posting a tearful selfie of himself on LinkedIn, in an effort to communicate the pain that he and other well meaning CEOs feel when they have to lay off their workers. We get into the responses that highlight the toxic nature of LinkedIn that allows such postings to proliferate.

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Johor deputy Chief Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed has said that UMNO should retire old party members and put up fresh, younger candidates in the coming general election, to help them "win in style". We look at the efforts within UMNO to revamp it's candidates, who to look out for and whether it can bring meaningful change to the party's politics.

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The government will likely begin using electric vehicles as the official transportation for Cabinet members from 2023. Naturally, people on Twitter share their thoughts on this. We dive into it.

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Ecuador has a “Men’s Club For Good Treatment”, a counselling class which seeks to give men tools, other than aggression, to deal with conflict. We discuss what this form of rehabilatiation would look like, it's success rate and larger issues surrounding domestic abuse.

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The Federal Court has announced that road accident victims should be automatically compensated without having to sue insurance companies. We discuss what this means.

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Is it love? Money? Meaning? This question was put forward on Twitter, and received a variety of honest responses. We dive into it.

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We pay tribute to singer Olivia Newton-John, who passed away at the age of 73. We look back at her notable works, and the kind of cultural impact she has had on the entertainment and creative industry.

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A project involving six littoral combat ships have been under fire recently, after the Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee submitted its findings on the procurement to Parliament, where it was revealed that not a single ship had been completed although the government had already paid the RM6 billion. We discuss the controversy surrounding this project, and the impact it has on the nation.

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The Court of Appeal has overturned the landmark High Court ruling that would have allowed children born overseas to Malaysian mothers to be entitled to Malaysian citizenship. We discuss what led to this, responses from people and what the next steps are.

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BeReal, a new photo-sharing platform hailed as the anti-Instagram app, is rising up the social media ladder. We get into how this app works and what people have been saying about it.

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Digital upskilling plays an important role in ensuring that employees are capable of adapting to a tech-driven world, while also avoiding skill gaps that would essentially make them or their existing roles redundant. We look at how MDEC and their MYWiT incentives are helping to facilitate this transformation.

Apply before 31st August for MYWiT incentives. Find out more at mdec.my/mywit. Terms and conditions apply.

Brought to you by the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation, MDEC.

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The Court of Appeal overturned the 2021 landmark Kuala Lumpur High Court decision for Malaysian mothers to have the same right as Malaysian fathers to confer citizenship to children born overseas. We look to Twitter for reactions.

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We look back at this session of parliament, what it achieved, and other notable highlights.

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Kelantan PAS Deputy Commissioner Dato Dr Mohamed Fadzli Hassan said that the amendment to the Syariah Courts Act 1965, or better known as Act 355 will soon reach its desired conclusion. We discuss the statement and the potential impact the amendments would have.

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Mahsuri has returned! Or at least, her 7th generation descendant. Naturally, both her and Langkawi are trending on Twitter, and we get into it.

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In today's Dewan Rakyat roundup, we look at efforts to restore Tasik Chini, the need to declare a climate emergency, the various ways in which scammers are levelling up their scamming ways and what the government is doing to get ahead of it all.

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Malaysia was part of US Speaker's Nancy Pelosi Asia Pacific Tour- we get into the significance of this brief visit. Then, a look at the highly fraught visit she subsequently made to Taiwan and the reverberations it may have across the region.

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What line of job would you take up if money was an option? This question was discussed on Twitter after personal financial blogger on Ringgit Oh Ringgit, Suraya, asked this exact question. We get into it.

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In today's session, the MPs discussed a variety of topics, including measures to address food wastage, plans for the new Tioman Airport and whether it's been approved by the government, our beauty industry and concerns surrounding booster shots.

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Recently, in a written parliamentary reply, Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin warned the public against recording police raids or arrests. We look at the legality around this issue and what it means for transparency and accountability.

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If you're a resident in the Klang Valley you would have heard the warnings against giving money to beggars, as they're likely to be part of sydincates that use children, mothers and disabled people to carry out their activites. A Tweet making this very warning went viral, prompting responses from users on what they do when they're approached on the street.

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Today's round up of the Dewan Rakyat include news of an SMS alert system to warn residents in flood prone areas, a question on contradicting policy approaches to labour shortage in the plantation sector, and a surprise tabling of the US State Department's Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report, which happened to fall on the same day as US Speaker Nancy Pelosi's arrival in Malaysia. Image source: Prostock-Studio, istock

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Former Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim has passed away at the age of 75. We speak to Tricia Yeoh, CEO of IDEAS about his legacy and her memories of working with the late Tan Sri as a research officer during his tenure as chief minister.

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In today's session, the MPs discussed financial assistance given by the Social Welfare Department, the impact of abolishing the UPSR and PT3 examinations, and period poverty and what the government is doing to address it.

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Following Wednesday's Semenanjung-wide #blackout, we look into whether our power grid is future-proof, and what sustainable avenues there are to mitigate the risks of power outages.

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Should schools ban junk food from canteens? Because in a letter to NST, a Dr Victor David from AIMST University is making that suggestion. We speak to a dietitian who works with kids on whether this is the right approach and how to explain the concept of healthy eating to children.

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A husband on Twitter recounted his experience in opting to cheer his wife up with nasi kukus instead of flowers, having discovered how expensive they were to buy. We get into the responses and explore whether food or flowers is the way to a person's heart.

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Sad news for Marvel fans: Thor, Love and Thunder will not be released in Malaysia. This was revealed by a tweet from GSC Cinemas, so we get into the response that this has received.

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In today's session, the MPs discussed the Orang Asli Development Policy, developing public transportation in Sarawak, and a suggestion to penalise political parties who accept party hoppers.

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The frustration of speaking to a chatbot customer service is an experience many people can relate to, and the Spain government is doing something about this - by proposing a law to ban automated customer service. We discuss how automation technology have changed the landscape of customer service, and how it compares to the human touch. Image Source: Alex Knight, Pexels

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In today's rundown from the Dewan Rakyat, we get updates on our international trade activities post RCEP, mull over the idea of trams in the city, and go through the latest provisions in the Anti-Hopping Bill.

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According to the Women, Family and Community Development Minister, child marriages in Malaysia are on a downward trend. We discuss what we know of the measures being taken that's led to this.

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Several parts of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor were hit by a major blackout today- we check in on the tweets and hashtags that ensued.

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A video of rats in a steamboat restaurant being chased around by staff has circulated on Twitter, as the original poster expressed some concern after her complaints to the management were brushed off. People chip in, and we get into it.

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The Department of Orang Asli Development (Jakoa) is expected to begin a study on amendments to the existing Aboriginal Peoples Act (APA) 1954 this year. We look into the significance of this move, and what amendments are most urgently needed.

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In today's parliamentary sitting, the MPs discussed proposals to draft a new agreement to replace MA63, issues surrounding the Musang King plantation following the Baling floods as well as shortages in medicine supplies, most notably paracetamol.

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ReformARTsi released a press statement urging the government to develop incentives aligned with cultural work to assist the struggling performing arts community. We look at the issues around existing funding programmes, and whether there is enough being done to support art and artists in Malaysia.

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In today's session, the MPs discussed a variety of topics which include bottled cooking oil subsidies, stalled housing projects, the implementation of the minimum wage that started on the 1st of May, as well as issues cropping up from cosmetic products being promoted on various media platforms using the professional title ‘doctor.’

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Bukit Batu assemblyman Arthur Chiong has called for the government to make a special allocation for the inclusive educational programme (PPI) that is targeted at special needs students so they are not left behind. We discuss whether schools are doing enough to accommodate special needs students.

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We're seeing interest in tiny homes pick up here in Malaysia, with people investing in them in the outskirts of the city. With this, comes discussions on what it means to own one, as well as the comparison of these homes to small homes that the urban poor have to live in. We explore this.

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After Pasir Salak's less than ideal behaviour in Parliament during the debate session of the Anti-Harassment Bill, people take to Twitter to talk about this, and use it as an example to counter the perception that women cannot lead in the workplace, as they're often believed to be more emotional.

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A game called Politik Mamak, developed by a team named Error 404, has emerged as the champion in Demokrasi Lab, a challenge by Undi18. The game aims to create awareness of voters’ education to prepare first-time voters for elections. We speak to one of their developers to get more insight into what the game involves.

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In today's session of the Dewan Rakyat, the MPs discussed a variety of topics including the government’s plans to postpone or cancel new projects that have yet to begin, reforms and latest initiatives introduced by Tabung Haji in looking after the welfare of pilgrims performing Hajj during this endemic phase, homes for military veterans and their families, and last but not least, whether discussions regarding matters of national interest should be discussed behind closed hotel doors.

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A man who recently posted a video of a road rage incident during traffic congestion has come out to say that people should stop harassing the male driver and female passenger of the car. We discuss the impact of sharing videos like this online, as well as the realities of doxxing in the age of social media.

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A tweet talking about the idea of working via Whatsapp and being forced to be accessible around the clock has ignited a conversation on the pros and cons of using this platform for this purpose. We discuss.

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In today's session, MPs discussed the challenges to ensure our supply chain is stable, our status on legislating menstrual leave, as well as action to address period poverty, as well as the implementation of the one-off special teacher recruitment process. We also saw MPs getting into a row after the Pasir Salak MP attempted to bring up accusations made against him for making sexist remarks in Parliament.

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The new version of the Anti-Hopping Bill has been tabled to the Dewan Rakyat, which dictated that an MP might lose their seats should they quit a party or cease being a member. We get into it.

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A recent tweet referencing a TikTok video of a girl currently working in KFC, despite having graduated with an honours in Chemistry, has been circulating on Twitter. This brought up the issue of underemployment faced by graduates in our country, and led many others to share their own struggles of finding a job on par with their qualifications. We dive into this.

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In today's session of the Dewan Rakyat, the MPs discussed a variety of topics including Indonesia’s decision to impose a temporary freeze on its workers from entering Malaysia, the status of our railway projects, the prevalence of online scams, as well as online government systems in relation to foreign worker applications.

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A robust discussion on Twitter about what it means to be rich has been making its rounds, as people share their own definitions of it: Being able to 'buy time', freedom to chase your goals, as well as being debt-free. We dive into it.

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We're back with our updates from the Dewan Rakyat, and the first day of the session involved a variety of topics. The MPs discussed measures being taken to help the hardcore poor, the criticism against the new Jihad Against inflation Special Task Force to discuss issues relating to price hikes, measures made to counter flash floods in our city, as well as the implementation of compulsory voting. Today's session also included a dose of chaos involving the issue of the Sulu Sultanate court case, which resulted in an MP being ejected and suspended from the Dewan.

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In California, parents and policymakers have proposed a law that would require tech companies to provide online protection for children. This involves a clause for parents to be able to sue social media platforms if their children become addicted, as well as enforce these companies to create an age-appropriate design code for sites typically accessed by kids. We get into it.

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The Communications and Multimedia Content Forum of Malaysia recently issued a revamped version of the Content Code, which came into effect on May 30 2022. This came after a public consultation forum last year, which identified eight key focus areas based on the feedback they received. We discuss the findings.

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Today's discussion comes from a viral tweet on mind-blowing discoveries about things people do differently in other countries. This sparked a lively discussion on all sorts of differences, from the funny to the downright odd.

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The first images taken by the most powerful telescope ever - the James Webb Space Telescope - have finally been released after decades of waiting, showing us, among others, a stellar nursery where stars are born, interactions between galaxies and a unique view of an exoplanet. The images also include the deepest and sharpest infrared image of the distant universe to date. We discuss the significance of these pictures, and what they might tell us about the mysteries of the universe.

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After a promise to resign, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled Sri Lanka, leaving behind a number of questions, including: what happens now? We look into what things are like on the ground in Sri Lanka at the moment, as well as where things might go when it comes to leadership and government moving forward.

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Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi said the guidelines on the punishment of students as practiced in the Western education system are not suitable to be adopted in Malaysian schools. We unpack this statement and talk about the role of discipline within our school system, and specifically, whether physical punishment is ever the answer.

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At its 14th annual general meeting last month, FGV Holdings shareholders passed resolutions to increase the director fees for its chairman and non-executive directors by between 25% and 60%. So we look into the larger impact of high salaries for people in positions of power in GLCs, especially against the backdrop of #PotongGajiMenteri.

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Today's show has its roots in a tweet from @paultantk, saying: 'How many of you used public transport to go to secondary school but now as parents cannot even imagine your kids doing the same?' This prompted a healthy discussion about all the reasons why fewer students take public transport in this day and age.

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Senior Education Minister Datuk Dr Radzi Jidin recently announced that Sejarah will continue to be a mandatory pass subject in SPM - and this came after nearly 12% of the SPM 2021 candidates failed either the Bahasa Malaysia or Sejarah paper. This opens up the question of how we could improve when it comes to the way Sejarah is taught, especially since it's meant to encourage nation-building, and becoming a better citizen.

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In conjunction with Hari Raya Haji and the first truly widescale pilgrimage since the pandemic, we look into the aviation market between Malaysia and Saudi Arabia, exploring b0th the current landscape and future opportunities, including Hajj, umrah, tourism and business travel. We also touch on where Amal fits into all of this.

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A Twitter user shared a screenshot of his Airbnb fees and expressed his dissatisfaction that cleaning fees were being imposed despite instructions for customers to clean up after themselves. This prompted people to chime in on whether Airbnbs are still worth it, and the different reasons that travellers might choose them over hotels (and vice versa).

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An incident that happened at the Crackhouse Comedy Club, involving a woman who allegedly offended Islam during an open mic session, has raised the question of where the line falls when it comes to differentiating between comedy and insult. We look into it.

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A recent article in The Star raised the topic of saving for rainy days. But that can be complicated right now, with wages in Malaysia being low, and the rising cost of food, gas and loans. So we look at the practice of saving money in the Malaysian context, and how to do it even - or perhaps especially - when times are tough.

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British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has finally agreed to step down, following a string of scandals that led to nearly 60 members of his government members to step down. We examine the effects of his resignation, and the responses from the public and the international community.

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A viral tweet from a Sabahan working in the Peninsular opened up a flood of responses about the discrimination East Malaysians face here. We get into it.

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PKR lawmaker, Hassan Karim argued that Article 34(3) of the Federal Constitution which prohibits the Yang di-Pertuan Agong from business ventures, also applies to the other rulers. Constitutional lawyer, Kee Hui Yee, breaks this down for us.

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Kevin Ford, a Burger King employee, went viral after receiving a goodie bag containing pens, chocolate, candy, a coffee cup, and a movie ticket, to commemorate his 27th year work anniversary. We discuss whether workplace attendence still matter in the modern work environment.

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Rafizi was officially declared as PKR deputy president, and has been bombarded with a wave of dssatisfaction, which has caused him to call forhis rivals within the party to accept their defeat and move on. We discuss what this means for his party moving forward.

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People are discussing the intricacies of handling rejection, or more specifically, how to understand when you're being told 'no'. This comes following a tweet that shared a screenshot of a one-sided conversation, which led to people pondering whether silence should be considered an answer, in both romantic and professional settings. We get into it.

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Our country's standing when it comes to racial unity has always been a longstanding point of conversation, and this time it comes following a post shared by our Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, who said he felt pride after being told that our country was touted as a role model when it comes to fostering racial harmony. We dive into how we're really performing in this regard, and what we can do to improve.

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Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob has announced that GLCs and GLICs are now required to appoint a representative from the Malaysian Trades Union Congress to their board of directors, as a way to ensure employees' voices can be heard We get into what this latest decision means for employee rights, as well as what else the government can do to centre workers' wellbeing.

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A tweet questioning the safety of our tap waters has opened up the floodgates as people weigh in on both sides of the argument. We get into it.

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Penang Makan: Heritage Food Recipes, a cookbook infused with stories about life in Penang with highlights on its famous hawker and street food culture, has won the Gourmand Awards 2022 in the Street Food category. We speak to author, Dayana Wong, about the Malaysian cuisine and street food scene

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An issue involving guarded communities, in which a residents' association issued an order for people who refused to pay monthly service fees to operate the automated boom gates on their own, have reached an apparent conclusion: A Selangor High Court has ruled in favor that the association cannot do this. We unpack this situation, and issues surrounding guarded communities.

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We look into a conversation happening on the Twitterverse about the rising costs of movie tickets, which naturally takes us to the increasing costs of... everything else.

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A new national logo was unveiled last week ostensibly for Merdeka and Malaysia Day, which has evoked a variety of responses: From confusion, to anger to others questioning whether it was meant to represent our wifi connection. We unpack these reactions, and discuss what it takes to create a logo that reasonates with people, and the nation.

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Atiqah Nadiah Zailani, a Malaysian Stanford graduate built a tiny home measuring 530 square feet in the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur for RM300,000 after being inspired by Western camping culture and the tiny-home movement. This sparked a vibrant conversation about tiny homes, their cost, and why people do it. We get into the discussion.

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50 Residents from Taman Sri Muda who were affected by the floods on December last year are suing the Malaysian government and nine others for negligence and breach of statutory duties. A resident and one of the lawyers representing their case tells us more about this lawsuit.

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A Twitter poll was taken down by the Prime Minister's Office after the feedback that came in was a tad too honest. This opened up the question of how government agencies can make use of social media to get feedback from the rakyat. We discuss the value of government agencies utilizing social media for feedback and what happens when such a move backfire.

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A case of racism is trending yet again on Twitter, this time involving holiday rentals, after a Twitter user shared their experience of failing to book a place for their Christmas trip. This opened up conversations on this longstanding issue, as people shared their own stories. We get into it.

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It’s been a tumultuous time in the world over the last two and a bit years, with the pandemic, wars affecting commodity prices across the world as well as our our own economic rollercoaster. We discuss how all these ups and downs have changed the way people think about investing.

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The Rappler was ordered to shut down after the Securities and Exchange Commision (SEC) revoked the certificates of incorporation for the news site. We take a closer look at the latest development and what it bodes for media freedom in the country.

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Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin recently downplayed immigration detention centre deaths with some callous remarks that brought on backlash from all fronts. These remarks come as a report detailed the deaths of 149 Indonesians in five Sabah Detention centres over 18 months between 2021 and 2022. We speak to Joseph Paul from Tenaganita to unpack the issue of living conditions and accountability that contributed to these tragic deaths.

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A tweet about the costs of sending your children to therapy has opened up a conversation on whether there’s more openness for parents to send their children to receive mental health services. We get into it.

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Health groups are calling for the Ministry Of Health to introduce policies to return unused, unwanted or excess medication. We unpack this and discuss how the issue of medical wastage can be addressed.

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Datuk Seri Tajuddin Abdul Rahman was removed as a member of the UMNO Supreme Council last week. Following his dismissal, he has been openly critical of UMNO president Datuk Seri Zahid Hamidi, and also revealed that there were SDs signed supporting Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's bid to be PM. We speak to Ben Suffian, Programme Director at the Merdeka Centre to get his thoughts on the latest developments.

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Here's something many Malaysians have experienced: forgetting a word in one language, trying to replace it in another, and not quite getting it right. We get into all the funny anecdotes shared on Twitter, as well as some of our own stories.

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There are a lot of upsides to becoming an entrepreneur: being your own boss, owning your own time, building something from the ground up. Or so go the promises. But what about the downsides and risks? We talk about how to assess whether being an entrepreneur really is what you want to do and why young people in particular are often sold this as a model of success.

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A report from Free Malaysia Today has highlighted the concerns of nightclub owners about a potential increase in police raids, following a statement by a former police chief that some nightclubs supply recreational drugs to patrons under protection of rogue authorities. Trade groups have urged authorities to hold conversations with owners to solve this issue. We discuss the rights that nightclub owners have, and the financial costs they bear when raids increase.

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The government has revealed they will be spending close to RM80 billion on subsidies with the bulk of it being spent on fuel. We speak with Professor Dr Hafezali Iqbal Hussain from Taylor's University to wrap our head around this amount and also how subsidies shape our mindset on public spending, as well as our own.

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Mat Kilau has been trending on Twitter, following the success of the blockbuster biopic about the Malaysian warrior. We get into the conversations about this legendary figure, as well as the impact that film and art have on reigniting culture and tradition.

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The Federal Court has upheld the acquittal of S.Ambika, who was charged for murdering her domestic worker, Adelina Lisao 4 years ago. Indonesia has accepted but expressed their disappointment with the verdict. We look at what this outcome indicates about the will to protect the safety and wellbeing of foreign domestic workers in Malaysia.

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The customer is always right, or so it’s been since time immemorial. But are they? We look at a call to normalise answering back and reasoning with customers when the situations calls for it, following a viral video of a fast-food store employee defending herself in an argument with a customer.

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Stories of the mistreatment of animals and pets have been circling the news, with the recent case being a man who was arrested for allegedly abusing a cat. This comes hand in hand with reports of pets being abandoned by people during the pandemic. We discuss these issues, as well as what laws need to be put in place to protect the rights of these animals.

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The Sales & Service Tax (SST) exemption currently enjoyed by passenger vehicles since June 2020, will end as planned on June 2022. This full waiver covers locally assembled cars with a 50% waiver on imported cars. The program was aimed at helping the automotive sector through the pandemic. We discuss the effectiveness of this initiative and the current state of the industry.

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Malaysia Airlines new safety video has been the talk of the town, with its musical themes, muhibbah vibes and major cameos. We discuss the concept, what it does for the airline and the realm of performance arts, as well as the image of Malaysia that it puts forward.

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A tweet on how people should practice admitting they don't have enough information to form an opinion has been making its rounds on Twitter, and naturally, people are sharing their opinions on this. We get into it.

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We look at the ongoing battle to have children who are born abroad to Malaysian mothers recognised as citizens of our country and discuss the latest developments with Suri Kempe, President of Family Frontiers.

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Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka has announced that disrespecting the national language can get you a fine of up to RM50,000, or imprisonment. We look into what disrespecting a language might mean in this context, and responses of the public to this announcement.

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The Shah Alam High Court acquited and discharged Samirah Muzaffar and two teenagers on the charge of murdering Cradle Fund CEO, Nazrin Hassan four years ago. We speak with Goh Cia Yee, a criminal lawyer to understand the details of the case and the judgment rendered.

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A tweet on prominent fashion trends of today, cropped top being a prime example in this case, has gone viral. This has opened up a conversation on how fashion trends can make it difficult for people to get the clothes that suit their needs, and alternate shopping platforms to consider. We get into it.

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We're all familiar with the joy and subsequent disappointment that comes with chancing upon an empty parking spot on a crowded street, only to find that it has been 'chup-ed' by traffic cones, flower pots or other such placeholders. Is that allowed, and what can we do? We speak to Rajiv Rishyakaran, Assemblyperson for Bukit Gasing about the legalities of it all.

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Based on Lembaga Hasil Dalam Negeri's (LHDN) findings, some 31,958 entities consisting of individuals, businesses, companies and others have yet to declare their income. They were reported to be responsible for leakages in our tax collection amounting to around RM 665m. We speak with Jagdev Singh, Tax Leader at PwC Malaysia to discuss these leakages and the prevalance of this problem in Malaysia.

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Disney's latest animation Buzz Lightyear starring the voice talent of Chris Evans as the titular character has been banned in Malaysia, due to it having depictions of same-sex relationship. We speak to film writer, Samuel Lim to hear his thoughts on the impact of this film ban.

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Beloved performer Adibah Noor has passed away at the age of 51. In a career spanning over 30 years, she has shown her versatily and talent in multiple roles such as singing, acting and hosting duties. We pay tribute to this great Malaysian entertainment icon.

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The government is proposing for 2 government-linked cooperatives to get into poultry farming to bolster Malaysia's food security. We get into what this means for the industry, as well as our food security.

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A cinema branch was fined RM 45,000 by the Ayer Keroh sessions court for profiteering, after being found to have overcharged customers for F&B sold at their concession stand. We speak to senior lecturer of law, Dr. Ong Tze Chin to understand how profit crosses the line into profiteering.

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SPM results are out, and Congratulations Ain is trending! This is after Ain Husniza shared the top marks she got despite the hate messages she received for purportedly prioritizing activism over her studies.

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Have you tried booking a Grab during peak hours recently? Earlier this month, it was reported that some drivers have been turning off their apps during peak hours, thanks to the crazy traffic lately. We got an anonymous Grab driver to break this down for us from their perspective.

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Google suspended one of it's engineers after he argued that their AI system LaMDA was showing signs of conciousness. Google has since denied LaMDA's sentience, a response which has raised suspicions over how far they have actually come in their AI development. We dive into this story, and what it would mean for an Artificial Intelligence system to gain sentience.

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A conversation on the act of paying for public toilets is trending on Twitter, following a tweet from Marina Ibrahim of DAP on complaints that public toilets at the Taman Ungku Tun Aminah bus terminal were too expensive. She explained that the public's usage of these restrooms have been less than ideal, and that these charges are used to accomodate price of goods and the salaries of workers. We join the discussion.

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According to economist Jomo Kwame Sundaram, Malaysian data on labour and foreign workers are inaccurate. Based on telco estimates, there are about 6.7 million foreign workers but based on labour data, there are about 15 million people in Malaysia's labour force, of which only 2.2 million are foreign workers. We speak to Dr Niaz Asadullah about this disparity in numbers and discuss the importance of getting it right.

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The pandemic has been tough on many people, and animal welfare groups have been no exception to this, as they struggle to stay afloat during these difficult times. We talk about how the situation has been, and the efforts that have been made to get more consistent funding.

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200 smart lamp posts are going to be installed around the Klang Valley, to help with 5G networking - they also come equipped with safety features and the latest technology... and they cost approximately RM154,000 each. Which has of course prompted questions about how this price is justified, and how this contract was awarded in the first place. We dive into these tricky issues of procurement and transparency with Sri Murniati Yusuf from IDEAS.

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A tweet talking about the lack of maintenance of Stadium Shah Alam is making its rounds on twitter, as people go back and forth between sharing their memories with our various cultural landmarks, and pointing out our country's issue with maintaining our iconic buildings. We get into it.

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The Education Ministry is being asked to increase the number of music classes in primary school, from half an hour to an hour. We unpack this and look at how these classes can benefit students in the long run.

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Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri M. Saravanan is being asked to clarify the decision to allow only 25 Bangladeshi agencies to recruit workers for Malaysia. We discuss the concerns and questions around these restrictions with Mahi Ramakrishnan from Beyond Borders Malaysia.

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The government has plans to introduce compulsory integrity and anti-corruption courses in universities. We discuss what these courses might look like and how effective they could be.

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A recent tweet shared how delightful it was that young women are being more open about living solo, and celebrating that independence - and equally delightfully, it gained a lot of traction and got a lot of responses! We get into it.

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Shein is currently trending on twitter, amidst allegations of unethical practices. They've since responded, denying these allegations and making clear that they prohibit supplier from using child or forced labor. We weigh in on the conversation about concerns surrounding fast fashion.

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The Bon Odori Festival has been in the spotlight all this week, following the Religious Affairs Minister advising Muslims against participating in the event, and subsequently, the Sultan instructing Jais to allow the festival to proceed. We find out what this festival entails, what it signifies for people in Japan, as well as it's cultural celebration in Malaysia.

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Earlier this week, a group of military veterans held an assembly urging the government to look into their welfare and to review pension rates and payments, to demand a pension scheme for veterans who retired early. We look into what exactly they're asking for, and why there's been delays in fulfulling their requests.

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The QS World University Rankings for 2023 are out, accompanied by the usual fanfare around where our local institutions rank. We revisit the merit of such rankings, the impact they've had on our higher education landscape and whether there is a better way to gauge the quality of our institutions.

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A senior police officer reportedly told FMT that it isn’t the police’s responsibility to help scam victims recover their money. This came after a person, having failed to get assistance from police authorities, tracked down his scammer and successfully got them to return money belonging to him and nine other victims. We discuss this, as well as how scams can be properly investigated.

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The military junta has announced that it would be executing 4 political prisoners, after being convicted on charges of terrorism in a military tribunal. We look into the response to this, and the political implications that Myanmar could face if this were to be carried out.

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A list of ranking 50 best cuisines in the world has generated some heat from Malaysians. We weigh in.

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Wedding plans were put on hold during the pandemic, as couples grappled with restrictions and fears of the virus. Now that things are moving back to semi-normalcy, weddings have seen a return, but with a slight shift as couples plan on more smaller-scaled weddings, according to an article from The Malaysian Insight. We discuss this shift, and what it means for both couples and businesses.

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In a hypothetical question on how he would tackle corruption if he was in a position of power, Tan Sri Nazir Razak said that an amnesty and "Shoot To Kill" anti-graft policy is what the country needs. We unpack these strategies and whether they would work in Malaysia.

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Finance Minister Tengku Zafrul announced that the MOF will be 'adopting' Kuala Selangor and building the Puncak Alam station as part of the ECRL network. We get into what it means for a ministry to 'adopt' a district and how might it affect Kuala Selangor's development, and what the potential political implications are.

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A tweet went viral advising people in their 20s to go all out on work without regard for proper work-life balance. Is it a sure fire way to mental and physical burn out or a tried and tested approach to achieving financial stability by your 30s? We get into it.

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Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali has called for the Public Service Department to consider punitive measures in enforcing the use of BM in the civil service. We discuss the use of BM in our civil service and the pushbacks from this directive.

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The Shah Alam High Court has allowed Nigerian national Simon Momoh’s judicial review application against the Immigration Department’s order to detain and deport him, and subsequently, Judge Shahnaz Sulaiman has ruled that a traffic offence is not a justification for the deportation order. To celebrate the news, Simon shares how he feels about the ruling.

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There have been calls from within UMNO for parliament to be dissolved and GE15 to be held as soon as possible. However, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri has said that with inflation and the rising cost of goods, this isn't the right time. We look at where we are in our economic recovery and whether initiating an election could have repercussions.

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Tech Entrepreneur Elon Musk has called for an end to WFH culture for Tesla employees. Earlier this week, Elon sent an email to employees asking them to return to the office or leave the company. Needless to say, this brought on debates on the pros and cons of this directive. We get into it.

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It's been reported that many recent graduates have been struggling to find full-time jobs, as they are now competing with retrenched workers who lost their jobs during the pandemic. We discuss the challenges that job hunters might face in looking for employees, and whether this issue is making it harder for people to secure jobs.

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Nagaenthran K Dharmalingam’s lawyers have been ordered to pay the cost of RM64,000 to Singapore's Attorney-General’s Chambers, sparking criticism from civil society organisations. We discuss the impact of court orders like these, as well as the basis behind the decision.

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A tweet about having to park next to someone who parks outside their designated box sparked discussions on what to do if you find yourself in a similar situation. Would you do the same to get the spot and risk looking like the bad guy? We get into it.

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Datuk Nurulhidayah Ahmad Zahid, daughter of Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, said that women are not born to be leaders, in a clip for a TV program that has since gone viral. We explore the implications of this statement and the different forms in which leadership takes.

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The devastating story of Rania Asyifaa, or Baby Syifaa, is back in the news after announcement of the case's inquest is fixed to be on July 29th, and we're revisiting concerns of safety standards in our childcare services. We speak to a child rights activist on this issue, and what needs to be done to address it.

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Health DG Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham ordered the recall of Jif peanut butter from our shelves, because of a potential salmonella contamination. We get into how this could have happened, and the importance of detecting it.

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Swedengate is trending, prompting a conversation on Swedish culture in relation to feeding guests when they come over. We get into it.

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PKR’s party elections for the 2022-2025 term came to an end, with unofficial results showing that Rafizi Ramli has defeated Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution for the Deputy President post. We look at the catalyst for this outcome and what it means for the future of the party.

Image source: Rafizi Ramli, Official Facebook Page | Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Official Facebook Page

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A study recently concluded that Malaysians are the 3rd most overworked city in the world out of 100 cities with Dubai and Hong Kong taking the top 2 spots. We speak to economist, Dr. Geoffrey Williams to understand the results from this survey and what it says about Malaysia's work culture.

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Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin announced that MySejahtera will be reactivated today due to growing concerns surrounding the monkeypox virus. We look into the possibility of a monkeypox outbreak, and dissect the strategy that the MoH has to anticipate the risk of infections.

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Tanjung Malim MP Chang Lih Kang tweeted a picture while waiting in a long queue to collect his passport. For context, he added the online application process was efficient while the collection process needs some work. This got netizens responding with their own experiences. We get into it.

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Prime Minister Dato' Sri Ismail Sabri Yaakob was widely criticised on social media for wearing a RM5,500 Burberry shirt during a meeting with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in Japan. We look at the significance of wardrobe as a form of non verbal communication, the bearing this would have on the PM's public image and what makes appropriate attire for elected officials.

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When is it okay for brands to copy other brands? We explore this, following a tweet that compared and contrasted Bata's recent copy of a Bottega Venetta bag against a popular local brand that was called out for copying the designs of a much smaller indie brand.

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A survey conducted by Architects Of Diversity and Undi18 found that 41% of youth voters are unsure of their political preferences. We catch up with Jason Wee, co-founder of AOD to talk about takeaways from the survey and what it all means in the lead up to GE15.

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Deputy President of Barti Bangsa Malaysia, Haniza Mohamed Talha has suggested that Putrajaya should consider enacting a law that would allow women who suffer from severe menstrual pain to take leave from work pointing out that Indonesia allows up to two days a month for menstrual leave. This comes after Spain recently approved a bill granting up to 3 days of menstrual leave a month. We get into discussions around this proposal and the stigma surrounding menstrual pain.

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Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Dr Adham Baba revealed plans to educate livestock breeders on the use of technology to address issues around chicken production like the high cost of animal feed. We speak to Dr Carmelo Ferlito, CEO of the Center For Market Education about the challenges on the ground and whether applying more technology is the answer.

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'Kuala Lumpur', 'Selangor' and 'Klang Valley' are all trending as people share their worries about the Klang Valley flooding once more. We get into it.

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A study involving 1,500 employees of a telecommunication company in Finland, Hungary, India, Israel and Portugal found that people are worse at generating creative ideas during a video call compared to a physical meeting. We speak to a psychologist about this and what supports creative thinking.

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Last week, a student in Kulai, was hospitalised after her PE teacher allegedly forced her and her classmates to run 30 laps around a volleyball court while wearing face masks, for failing to complete their homework. This has brought on questions about guidelines when it comes to punishing students. We look into what needs to change.

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We look at RSVP etiquette, particularly for open houses, following a tweet about being stood up after sending a Raya open house invitation to friends who neither replied nor showed up.

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There have been reports that the Ministry of Finance might provide assistance to Sapura, which has accumulated debts totaling RM10.3 billion and is at risk of collapse. We look into what's led to this situation with Sapura, what it means for the economy, and the possibility of a government bailout.

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E-hailing service providers have been asked to address complaints of expensive fares that have reportedly gone up as much as 400% or 5 times the usual rate at peak hours. We dissect the factors behind the price hike and look into alternatives and the possibility of government intervention.

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A tweet recently went viral after suggesting the high economic value of communication skills, with users sharing pointers on how they practice the art of conversation. We get into it.

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Malaysia came in 6th at the recently concluded SEA Games, having achieved our targetted medal tally of 36 gold medals. Nevertheless, this was the worst performance in nearly 40 years where Malaysia has always finished in the regional top 5. We unpack the results and some of the crticisms that followed.

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There have been calls for drastic policy changes to tackle high corporate debt in Malaysia, with the warning that it will stunt economic recovery if left unaddressed. We get into the factors behind this and how corporate debt impacts our economy.

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A pair of tweets talking about having to wake up early to get to work has sparked an ongoing conversation about the Malaysian experience of work commute, traffic congestion, and work-life balance. We dive into it.

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Beruas MP and DAP spokesperson for law and parliament, Ngeh Koo Ham, has called for the heads of government departments to focus on improving the performance of their staff over policing the outfits of customers who come to seek service in government offices. We look into this issue and what the law says about enforcing these dress codes.

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A tweet went viral after it told the story of how job hopping 4 times in 8 months helped a friend increase the salary range by RM 1200. We get into the responses from people on how they feel about job hopping.

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As Malaysia transitions into the endemic phase, live acts are opening up to full capacity with foreign acts returning to our shores. We discuss this with comedian, Rizal van Geyzel and also touched on why some Malaysian performers choose to 'ply their trade' outside Malaysia.

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Yesterday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced doing away with Approved Permits (AP) for food imports. With the prices of our food increasing lately, we discuss the umbrella effects of this decision and how it relates to our food security.

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Oil-and-gas company Serba Dinamik Holdings Bhd and its four top executives were charged with submitting a false statement to Bursa Malaysia last December. Just last Friday, they were acquitted of all charges by the Attorney General’s Chambers. We look at the impact this could have on the integrity of the capital markets.

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Earlier this month, several tech companies including Apple, Google and Microsoft announced that they were looking into the possibility of going password-free, and replacing passwords with a more secure way to access accounts or devices. We discuss what this would look like.

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Last Saturday, two reporters were allegedly harassed by a security guard at the Pudu UTC Immigration Department while attempting to cover a story on passport renewals. As a result, several groups have called for protection for journalists and reporters. We look into the incident and what is needed to create a safer environment for members of the media.

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In Kuala Lumpur, about one-third of construction costs for residential buildings go to building car parks, and this has caused the prices of houses to go up. We discuss the larger issues of being a car-centric nation and how that can affect us as homeowners.

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Welcome back to the fifth installment of Mind Your Business, where we get into some of the major headlines and talk about how they impact businesses and our economic landscape. This week we discuss: - The OPR hike - Malaysia's Q1 GDP results

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We unpack the long awaited debate between opposition leader Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim and former Prime Minister Dato' Sri Najib Razak to discuss the fate of Sapura Energy Berhad as well as issues pertaining to the country's governance and economy.

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Last week, we saw many families celebrating Hari Raya returning to their hometown for the first time in two years, as travel restrictions were lifted. We speak to PLUS Malaysia on the break down of the Raya exodus traffic, and what we can learn from it. Image source:

Alexander Popov, Unsplash

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There has been a spirited back and forth on Twitter about taking MCs, faking MCs, and the culture of coming to work even when we don't feel well. We get into the responses and the prevailing office practices that keep us from taking a break when we need it.

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Yesterday, temperatures of up to 34°C were recorded in KL and Selangor, following the arrival of the South West Monsoon winds. This has naturally caused some concerns about switching on air-conditioners and running the risk of raking up electricity bills. We explore the ways we can keep cool in weather like this and the role that our built environment plays in adapting to high temperatures.

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The National Solutions Forum is an initiative by Sunway Group and the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) Malaysia to showcase the most impactful solutions to Sustainable Development Goals–related challenges in Malaysia. We spoke to Professor Woo Wing Thye about the outcome of the forum, and what we learned from it.

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A Tweet questioning why Malaysia lacks the culture of complimenting drew some attention. We get into the responses and explore whether we are indeed bad at receiving and giving compliments.

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Passengers have taken to social media to complain about flight delays and rescheduling during the Raya period, without any proper compensation given. With the Transport Ministry now asking relevant airlines to rectify the issue, we discuss the various factors that are affecting the aviation industry, post COVID-19.

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Voting in the Philippines presidential election concluded yesterday, and an unofficial tally revealed that Ferdinand Marcos Jr., known as BongBong Marcos, won nearly 31 million votes. We look into the significance of this outcome in light of the Marcos family history in politics, and how it could affect diplomatic dynamics in the region.

Image source: Bongbong Marcos, Official Facebook Page

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A tweet questioning the need to include pictures in CVs has incurred a discussion on whether we're putting too much information on them when applying for a job. We get into it.

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The Ministry of Health has launched a probe into a fake blood screening campaign that was aimed at selling health products. We get into what an actual health screening should entail as well as how we can identify their authenticity.

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Bangi MP Dr. Ong Kian Ming has announced that he will not be contesting in the next elections, saying that he wants to take a break to regroup and recharge. We look into the merits of politicians taking a break from politics, and the impact this decision would bring.

Image source: Dr. Ong Kian Ming - 王建民, Official Facebook account

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There's been a wide and heated discussion on Twitter regarding flight delays with AirAsia, with people criticising the airline for their poor services. We get into it.

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Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong has announced that severe action can be taken against anyone who allows underaged individuals to drive, after news of a tragic incident in which a grass cutter was killed after being hit by a 16-year-old driver. We look into why this issue is still prevalent in the country, and what can be done to curb it.

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Welcome back to our fourth installment of Mind Your Business, where we go through some of the major headlines and talk about how they impact businesses and our economic landscape. This week we discuss the below topics :

Minimum wage that took effect on 1st May 2022
Malaysia's current inflation
Malaysia's economic growth for 2022

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A recent tweet sparked a conversation on navigation apps, dividing netizens into two teams - Google Map and Waze users. We dive into the discussion to see what people are saying about their preferred travel companion.

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Last week, Arulkumar Singaraveloo, Malaysia HR Forum and Social Compliance Malaysia’s CEO and co-founder, called for the government to consider making rest days mandatory for all workers, in line with ILO standards. We look into Malaysia's current policy and discuss the importance of rest days.

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The Bar Council has announced they will be holding an EGM to discuss several issues circling around recent allegations of judicial intimidation, as well as the 'Walk For Justice' that former Malaysian Bar presidents are calling for. We discuss these allegations and their impact on our legal and social systems with Karen Cheah, president of the Malaysian Bar Council, as well as what the EGM hopes to achieve.

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Getting back to work, especially after a long break, is a struggle most of us can relate to. We discuss how to manage post-holiday blues and make the transition back to work easier.

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A tweet about duit raya sparked a discussion on the tradition of giving money to children and younger relatives, and the key question of how much money to give. We get into the varied opinions and creative ways netizens have dealt with this.

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We're back with our third installment of Mind Your Business, where we take you through some of the major headlines and talk about how they impact businesses and our economic landscape. This week we look into these topics:

Development and climate in response to the flash floods
Recruitment of foreign workers in the country

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The long Hari Raya and Labour Day weekend is right around the corner, and coupled with the new loosening of restrictions, many people are planning their drive back to their hometowns to visit their families. We get into the ultimate traffic question: When is the best time to leave?

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Bank Negara Malaysia has just approved 5 new Digital Bank Licences. We get into the significance of this as well as what digital bank services might look like with these new players.

Image source: Bank Negara Malaysia, Official Website

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Last month, five Bornean MPs called for one-third of parliamentary seats to be from Sabah and Sarawak. This demand is in line with the terms outlined in the 1963 Malaysia Agreement (MA63). We look at the significance of this demand and the challenges that stand in the way of achieving it.

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Yesterday, our Health Ministry announced a relaxation of SOPs that will come into effect beginning 1st May 2022. This includes no longer needing to check-in via MySejahtera when entering a premise. Malaysians took to Twitter to share their reactions to this change.

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A survey conducted on 5000 women across 10 countries found that more than half of them have plans to quit their jobs within the next 2 years. We discuss the reasons behind this, and how employers can address this issue.

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The European Union has signed a Digital Markets Act, which is expected to come into force in October, and this act could require messaging apps developers to make their apps work together. We explore what it would mean to compel companies to make messaging apps cross-compatible, and the pros and cons of this move.

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Nagaenthran, #RestInPeace and #Abolish DeathPenalty are all trending on Twitter after the news that Nagaenthran K Dharmalingam was executed this morning in Singapore after exhausting all legal avenues.

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There's been a lot of discussion on the act of eating in public during the fasting month, following an incident where an employee at a fast-food restaurant posted CCTV footage of three Muslim women dining in the restaurant, along with a caption condemning them. We discuss the cultural context of this action, and how we should navigate conversations surrounding issues like this.

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Pusat KOMAS, a Human Rights NGO, has issued the Malaysia Racial Discrimination Report 2021 which detailed how Malaysia is doing in this regard. We dissect the contents of the report and and what it means for us.

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tweet calling for the Government to declare a climate emergency has sparked conversations surrounding how climate change has impacted us and how the govenrnment isn't taking urgent action to address this. We look to social media to unpack the discourse.

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Malaysia produces around 17,000 tonnes of food waste per day out of which 24% is avoidable food waste. We get into the mindset that perpetuates the problem as well as discuss how we can minimize wastage while preparing our food.

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Indonesia is the world's largest palm oil producer, contributing to 60% of the market supply. They recently banned exports of their palm oil in a move to control their domestic cooking oil prices. We discuss the factors contributing to Indonesia's decision, its effect on the global markets, and how Malaysia may stand to benefit.

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People on Twitter are discussing how STEM-related careers bode lower pay, following Berita Harian’s tweet on the decline of students choosing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics streams. We join this conversation.

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Various criticism has been raised against the Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF), which said that workers choosing to work from home should be given smaller wages, including a deduction of travel allowances. We discuss this, drawing into the expenses that workers working from home bear and the impact of having their salaries cut.

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We're back with our weekly segment of Mind Your Business, where we take you through some of the major headlines and talk about how they impact businesses and our economic landscape. This week we look into:

How entrepreneurs are responding to digital transitions
The importance of digital payment systems in e-commerce
The MoA between MATRADE and MARDI to commercialise MARDI’s new technopreneurs in international markets.

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A tweet about an incident where a parent stopped their child from cleaning up while they were eating out has gone viral, prompting a discussion on the act of cleaning up after dining in public. We get into it.

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Lately, a few incidents relating to stolen creative work have surfaced. The most recent one involved illustrator Lai Theng Seng, who shared a post about seeing his artwork on a window display at a shopping mall. We dissect how much protection artists and creatives have in Malaysia.

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Nagaenthran Dharmalingam is scheduled to be executed in Singapore next week despite calls to reconsider as he suffers from intellectual impairment. We discuss what more we can do to stop this.

Image source: Ravi MRavi, Official Facebook Page

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Netflix has been losing out on their subscribers, amidst news of rising subscription costs and cancelling popular shows. We look to Twitter for reactions.

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There's been a rise in the usage of micro-mobility vehicles (or what we typically know as e-Scooters) on the road lately. Transport minister Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong has announced that the government will introduce a by-law to regulate the use of these vehicles. We discuss what this legislation might look like, and how it would affect the sale of these vehicles, as well as road safety overall.

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A riot broke out at a temporary immigration detention centre in Kedah, leading to 528 detainees escaping the facility and 6 deaths. We discuss the conditions at the detention centres as well as some of the larger issues that might have led up to the riot.

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The Education Ministry has recently issued a circular phasing out the usage of workbooks in the classrooms. We speak to a primary school teacher to hear her thoughts while discussing the benefits of going without workbooks and what future classrooms might look like without them.

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Flights to East Malaysia have gone up drastically as Malaysia started opening it's borders. We dissect the factors at play here as well as what goes into determining airfare prices.

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A video of a man refusing to wear a mask and swearing at a security guard has recently gone viral. Needless to say, people weren't amused. We look to twitter for the reactions.

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With Malaysia's borders opened, more foreign vehicles have been driving in from our neighboring countries. This has contributed to reports that they've been filling up on subsidized RON95 petrol. We take a look at how prevalent this issue is and it's larger economic impact.

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How often do you clear your email inbox? According to The Good Planet, nearly 107 billion spam emails were sent and received per day back in 2019 and if everybody deleted 10 emails, we could potentially save around 55.2 million kilowatts of power. We look to twitter for the reactions.

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We kick off our new weekly segment, Mind Your Business, where we take you through some of the major headlines and talk about how they impact businesses. This week, we discuss: how the food crisis caused by the war between Russia and Ukraine is impacting existing business models; promoting digital entrepreneurship among Malaysian youths; and, how our businesses are doing since transitioning to the endemic stage.

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Communication and Multimedia Minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa has suggested the formation of a professional body for our creative industry. We discuss what this might look like, and what support the creative field need.

Image source: Tan Sri Annuar Musa, Official Facebook Account

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As schools fully reopen, parents are finding it hard to find the service of school buses. We discuss the impact of this on parents and traffic while looking into the possible solutions. Finally, we talk about what it would take to revitalize the industry.

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Local airline companies have increased flight fares during the festive season, particularly for flights to Sabah and Sarawak. This has prompted complaints from people looking to return to East Malaysia to celebrate Hari Raya. We discuss this issue.

Image source: Sorbis, Shutterstock

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Twitter is abuzz with people sharing some potentially unpopular opinions about our local foods. Among the food items mentioned are Milo, Nasi Lemak, Durian and many more. We get into it.

Image source: Lano Lan, Shutterstock

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DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang has declined the role of party mentor as he plans to fully retire. We discuss the significance of this decision and the value of the party mentor role in the Malaysian political landscape.

Image Source: Lim Kit Siang, Official Facebook Page

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Sam Ke Ting has been charged under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987, which provides for a jail term of up to 10 years and a fine not exceeding RM20,000, upon conviction. We discuss.

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A viral tweet has opened up a conversation where people are reminiscing their younger days and the amount of energy they had back then. We look into these shared experiences. Image Source: TORWAISTUDIO, Shutterstock

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There have been worries coming from lawyers about Artificial Intelligence being used in court sentencing. We get into the details of what AI-aided sentencing is and the concerns surrounding this method.

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Studies conducted in France recently has shown that serving 3 vegetarian meals a week would create a good ratio of maintaining nutritional balance while reducing the carbon footprint of school meals. We discuss the benefits of this approach and also the possibility of doing this in Malaysia.

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New guidelines on hiring domestic workers have been introduced, following the signing of the MoU between Indonesia and Malaysia, one of which is that Indonesian domestic workers will reportedly be paid no less than RM1500 in wages, among others. We look into what this means for them, and also more broadly, how to move away from Malaysia’s reliance on foreign domestic help.

Image source: Shutterstock, Rawpixel

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A tweet asking influencers to think twice before featuring small food businesses in their content has gone viral, sparking a conversation on how 'going viral' has its cons. We look to Twitter for opinions on this.

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Parliament was in session today to discuss the constitutional amendment bill to Article 10, aiming to push the anti-party hopping bill through in the future. We dive into what the amendment means, and the ramifications that could ensue if it is passed.

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Former Prime Minister Tun Mahathir has suggested Malaysia can still cater to foreign direct investments (FDI) but should not be dependent on them for its economic and industrial growth. We dive into his statement and the possibility of investing more in developing our own industries.

Image source: Tun Dr Mahathir bin Mohamad, Official Facebook Page

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Ramadan bazaars are back for the first time in two years, and the crowds have returned in full force. We check in with a vendor to see how the first week went.

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The tabling of the Anti-Party Hopping Bill, scheduled for April 11, has been delayed for a second time. We explore the implications of this decision, specifically in relation to Pakatan Harapan.

Image source: Dato Sri Dr Haji Wan Junaidi Bin Tuanku Jaafar, Official Facebook Page

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Doraemon is trending as its co-creator passed away today at the age of 88. We revisit the beloved manga, and the impact it had on people's childhoods.

Image source: Dream Story, Shutterstock

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Umno veteran and former finance minister Tan Sri Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah has asked the Election Commission to take control of all political funds to be used for election campaigns. We explore the feasibility of this idea.

Image source: Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah, Official Facebook Page

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Bersatu has been speaking with other parties on a possible cooperation ahead of the GE We discuss the dynamics and relationships behind the possible tie-ups.

Image source: Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Official Facebook Page

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A tweet questioning how to appropriately ask about a man's financial status without looking materialistic has gone viral on Twitter, opening up conversations on the right time for couples to discuss money matters in their relationship. We get into this.

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There's been a number of recent cases involving incidences of molestation at a Cyberjaya carpark, raising concerns about how we can design our public spaces with better safety in mind, especially for women. We discuss how this can be made possible.

Image source: istockphoto, Shutterstock

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Train To Busan is trending in Malaysia after news of a ‘zombie epidemic’ happening in Canada. We get into it. Image Source: Train to Busan (2016)

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Following a foreign exchange crisis in Sri Lanka that led to a currency devaluation, the nation are currently facing what's described as the worst economic crisis in decades. Yesterday, cabinet ministers and the central bank governor in Sri Lanka resigned, as protestors in the capital defy curfew orders and call for the resignation of the President. We look into what led to this crisis, and the repercussions of it.

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A recent studyhas opened up conversations on whether Malaysians are waiting longer to have children. We get into the reasons for this shift in perspective, and whether the pandemic has anything to do with it. Image source: Pavel L Photo and Video, Shutterstock

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Klang MP Charles Santiago mentioned Klang residents are considering taking legal action against the government for the recent floods. We get into what it means to sue the government, and the justifications for it.

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Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced there will be no toll increase for Klang Valley highways including LDP, SMART, SPRINT, and Kesas. This comes after the government agreed to restructure toll concessions which should provide for net savings for toll subsidy payments of at least RM 4.3b. We get into it.

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A study conducted by Confused.com found Malaysia to be 8th on a list of the most stressfull countries to drive in. We discuss how we compare to other countries and the factors contributing to our ranking placement.

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Tabung Haji has announced plans to freeze the accounts of debtors who owe support to their ex-wives and children, and to allow for those payments to be directly deducted. We explore the concept of alimony in the context of Shariah Law, and whether direct measures like these are the right way to go.

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It's April Fools Day, so we're looking into the value of pranks and why some people love them, while others don't. Then, we discuss when a prank crosses from being harmless into being harmful.

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A water war is brewing between Kedah, Perak, and Penang, as Kedah is asking for Penang, a state that depends on Kedah's rivers for most of its water supply, to pay RM50 million in annual raw water fees. Experts are calling for intervention from the government, amidst concerns that the states’ agricultural sectors will suffer. We get into this.

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We've seen numerous stories blow up on social media this past week, including what happened at the Oscars, and also the video of a lecturer berating a student for not having a laptop for virtual classes. We dive into the culture of reacting immediately on social media, and how to slow things down.

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As we transition into the endemic phase, is the tracking funcion on MySejahtera still needed? We get into the details of MySejahtera's functions and also the possibility of moving away from it in the near future.

Image source: fuadstephan, Shutterstock

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A tweet went out imploring people to check with a person before sharing their contact with others. Do you share other people's contacts without a second thought? We look to social media for opinions on this.

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English is considered a global language and is used extensively. We explore the levels of English proficiency amongst our graduates and how we can balance the use of our National Language with English.

Image source: Eiko Tsuchiya, Shutterstock

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We catch up with BookDoc to learn more about how the app is collaborating with the Ministry of Health to facilitate testing and vaccination efforts.

Image source: BookDoc Official Website

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Following the infamous Oscar slap, a Twitter user shared his own memory of a school era slap that he described as 'life changing'. We get into the responses and experiences shared.

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How do we approach housing and properties in a time where environmental issues like floods and landslides have sadly become the norm? We explore with a housing expert.

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Former Pandan MP Rafizi Ramli has started an “Ayuh Malaysia” campaign, which aims to persuade those experiencing political fatigue to vote. We discuss what this campaign means, and the impact it might have on the upcoming election.

Image source: AyuhMalaysia Twitter Page

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Will Smith’s name is trending on Twitter after his altercation with comedian and Oscar host Chris Rock. We get into what people have been saying about this.

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This year's Oscar awards ceremony came with a shocking moment when Will Smith walked onstage and hit host Chris Rock on the face for making a joke about his wife, Jada Pinkett-Smith. We discuss what it means to lose your temper in public with a psychologist.

Image source: Andrea Raffin, Shutterstock | Kathy Hutchins, Shutterstock

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A tweet about our reliance on cars in Malaysia has gone viral. We dive into Twitter for the reactions.

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Deputy Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias has said that 20% of rescued homeless people in Kuala Lumpur eventually return to the streets. We get the sitrep on the ground and discuss what can be done to help the 20% who return to the streets.

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A green group has come out to condemn the government's decision to allow retention ponds to be developed into residential areas. After the recent floods, this move also raised concerns on the safety of the developments. We discuss the need for balance between development, climate preparedness and livability.

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We delve into the commotion surrounding a local drama, Perempuan Itu - or more accurately, one provocative teaser that was shared on social media by actor Zul Ariffin.

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Bahasa Malaysia and Bahasa Indonesia are trending after the government proposed for BM to be made the second language of ASEAN. We look into whether these two languages are one and the same.

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Today was the last sitting of the Dewan Rakyat, and some of the things that the MPs discussed include tiger encroachment into human dwellings, the cost of oil subsidies being borne by the government, as well as the motion to allow the royals to be excluded from voting. The kerfuffle from yesterday's SOSMA vote that led to the opposition being accused of breaking terms of the MoU was also clarified.

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The National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP) has revealed that teachers have been paying for teaching supplies. We dissect how prevalent this issue is and what can be done to address it.

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In today's rundown from the Dewan Rakyat, we heard from policy makers on the real cost of recruiting Indonesian domestic workers, the absence of an anti-hopping bill, and the controversial motion to extend a provision that allows a 28 day detainment without trial under SOSMA.

Image source: Nutlegal Photographer, Shutterstock

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Justin Bieber will be performing in Malaysia which would mark the first time in a while that we have had a major act coming to perform. We explore the reactions on social media.

Image Source: Justin Bieber, Twitter

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Hari Seniman Negara, or National Artists’ Day, has been brought forward to commemorate P. Ramlee’s birthday, which is today the 22nd of March. We discuss the significance of this and look back on P Ramlee's artistic and cultural legacy.

Image source: iMdb

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A post written by Dr Sheikh Muzaphar, in which he shares tips to convince a reluctant wife to have more children has gone viral on Twitter. We get into it.

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In today's session of the Dewan Rakyat, the MPs discussed a variety of topics including shifting ‘goal posts’ by critics of our palm oil productio, the country’s preparedness in facing floods and landslides, reopening of borders and readiness for possible new covid-19 variants and concerts to encourage young people to vote. Image source: Sufian Hanif, Shutterstock

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What started as a question about Mr. M on a chemistry paper ended with students sharing memes in a bid to help Mr. M who 'can see things that are not there'. We get into the reactions from netizens.

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Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob has announced that the new minimum wage of RM1,500 will be implemented beginning May 1st this year. We explore how this would impact both workers and businesses.

Image source: CHOTTHANIN THITIAKARAKIAT, Shutterstock

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In part of today's round up of the Dewan Rakyat, the Ministry of Education shares their plans to reduce the weight of school bags, the Communications and Multimedia ministry calls for the government to recognize cryptocurrency as legal tender, and Permatang Pauh MP Wan Nurul Izzah expresses her surprise at the PM's announcement of a minimum wage increase at the UMNO General Assembly.

Image source: DaLiu, Shutterstock

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There’s been a call for The Attorney-General’s Chambers to draw clear guidelines for lawyers to make representations to reduce or drop charges against accused persons. We speak to a lawyer about why this is important.

Image source: Afif Abd. Halim, Shutterstock

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We discuss period poverty in Malaysia, following plans in Perak to install vending machines for sanitary pads in schools and recreational areas.

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Selecting the new Johor Menteri Besar was a contentious issue that concluded with the appointment of Datuk Onn Hafiz. We dissect the turn of events and how it reflects on the push and pull that has long existed between elected leaders and the monarchy.

Image source: Onn Hafiz Facebook Page

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EPF withdrawals were announced for the fourth time by Prime Minister Dato' Sri Ismail Sabri Yaacob. We look to Twitter for the reactions.

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In today's parliament sitting, the Finance Minister's absence is felt on multiple occasions, and we revisit questions around deaths in immigration detainment and those in relation to the Covid-19 vaccine.

Image source: Tengku Zafrul, Facebook

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Eligible contributors can withdraw up to RM10,000, making this the fourth round of special EPF withdrawals since 2020. We look at the implications of this move on contributors, the fund itself, and the economy.

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A food reviewer's messages with one of their viewers on whether the food he features in his videos are actually halal or not, has circulated on Twitter. We get into the discussions it's brought on, and what people consider when deciding to eat somewhere.

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In today's session, we looked at developments on electrical vehicles, postal votings for those residing in Sabah and Sarawak, Malaysia’s stance on Afghanistan, power to issue or cancel compound notices, forced labour allegations as well as whether MPs should have breakfast first before coming in to parliament.

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Chief Minister of Malacca Sulaiman Md Ali has mentioned plans for an undersea tunnel linking Malacca with Dumai, Indonesia. We unpack what this tunnel would look like and the benefits of having this tunnel built.

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Rafizi Ramli released a statement saying he's stepping back into the political ring and contesting the PKR vice president's post. This comes after Rafizi announced he was stepping away from politics back in 2019. We get into the reactions of netizens.

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In today's rundown from the Dewan Rakyat, we have Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin admitting woeful underfunding of the healthcare system, a call to regulate Buy Now Pay Later schemes, and updates on the MRT3.

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Trade group coalition Industries Unite urged the government to allow nightclubs to operate with health and safety measures in place. We discuss the impact that this closure would have on the industry, and how these businesses have been dealing with it.

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Today’s Dewan Rakyat highlights include online fraud cases, discussions on abandoned local housing, the government’s decision to announce the increase of minimum wage and also EPF withdrawals.

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As part of our ongoing conversations with PADU, we look into the Program Pendidikan Pintar Cerdas, an initiative under the Malaysian Education Blueprint that is dedicated to harnessing the potential of gifted students through specially tailored programs and schools. We’ll be finding out what exactly a gifted student is, how they can benefit from attending the latest Akademi Sains Pendang and what the enrolment process entails.

This show is brought to you by Education Performance and Delivery Unit (PADU). For more information visit www.padu.edu.my

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The Federation of Malaysian Business Associations (FMBA) has suggested that there should be a system to record employment histories to prevent frequent job-hopping, and this has gained a lot of criticism. We get into how this system would impact people, and discuss perceptions on job-hopping.

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A tweet about learning English through fictional books has prompted discussions on the ways that people learn a language. We explore.

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Flood-logged cars can be seen scattered around following the recent flash floods in Selangor, and there's been reports that used car dealers are most likely not to accept flood-damaged vehicles. We discuss what we can do to keep our cars safe in floods with a mechanic and owner or a car workshop.

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A video of a woman calling out a man who had secretly filmed her has been circulating on Twitter. We look at the reactions of Twitter folks.

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In today's sitting, policymakers talked about the possibility of targeted fuel subsidies to help those who need it, reviewing the ceiling price for COVID-19 test kits and a suggestion that parliamentarians should not hold positions in GLCs.

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Malaysia's borders are reopening on 1st April after 2 years of lockdowns. We speak to our guest on whether this would revitalize the industry and explore the impact this would have on our economy.

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A tweet gain traction today lamenting the lack of finances to care for elderly parents and looking after children of their own. We look to twitter for the reactions from netizens.

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In today's sitting, Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Azhar Harun apologizes for granting Najib Razak's request to delay his response on the comments made about 1MDB debts, until after the Johor elections. An emergency debate for flash floods also took place, along with more fleshed out health protocols for our transition into the endemic phase.

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The signing of the MoU between Malaysia and Indonesia on the recruitment of domestic workers is expected to be signed this month. We speak with representatives from PERTIMIG and AMMPO to understand the issues they face as well as the movement to recognize their rights as an employee.

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In today's highlights from the Dewan Rakyat, aside from MPs making their point using songs, they also discussed a variety of issues including affordable housing for young people, Malaysia's stance on unilateral sanctions, chicken and eggs, as well as recent floods that happened in the Klang Valley.

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Yesterday, Women’s March Malaysia held a picnic protest to demand better human rights, which was attended by 200 members. We speak with Mila, an organizing member to understand what is at stake.

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Yet another video went viral where an ambulance was stopped by traffic police to give way to a VIP convoy. We look to Twitter to capture the reactions this time round.

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Today's Dewan Rakyat involved a variety of discussions, including cost-benefit analysis of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, alleged encroachment of vessels from China into Malaysian waters, updates on the National Vaccine Development Roadmap, income gaps affecting women and also the reopening of our borders.

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With Muda making it's electoral debut, we catch up with Syed Saddiq to discuss preparations and some of the criticisms that have been levelled at the party, ahead of the Johor state election.

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A tweet questioning the relevance of Kemahiran Hidup has gone viral, prompting users to share their memories and experiences of their time in class. We reflect on the life skills it may or may not have equipped us with.

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The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the loss of income for many, giving rise to more one-income couples. We explore the implications this would have on relationship dynamics and responsibilities relating to financial matters.

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Russia says its troops have taken Kherson on the Polish-Belarusian border as it continues to bombard Kyiv and Kharkiv. The UN human rights office has said that 227 civilians have been killed and 525 others injured, more than one million people have fled. We hear directly from a Ukrainian citizen who was in Kyiv during the attacks.

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A question posed by a Twitter user on which office cultures should be changed has prompted a lively conversation. We get into it.

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In today's Dewan Rakyat rundown, we go through the aftermath of Najib's comments on the country's debt payments for 1MDB, and we also look into questions around JKMPay and the idea that logging helps the tiger population.

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We revisit the story of Loh Siew Hong and the ethical considerations around unilateral conversions, as the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department in charge of religious affairs, Datuk Idris Ahmad holds a roundtable discussion this evening on the subject.

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There's been a discussion on the usage of Bahasa Malaysia in official functions abroad, on Twitter. We join the conversation.

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In today's Dewan Rakyat sitting, questions around Omicron and vaccinations came up, along with suggestions of improving waste segregation and reducing household waste. And then to top it off, Najib tries to explain why 1MDB has nothing to do with the country's national debt.

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The European Union (EU) has agreed in a historic first, to jointly finance the purchase and deliveries of weapons to help Ukraine fend off the Russian invasion, following an emergency special session. We speak to ambassadors from France and Germany about this.

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SPM2021 is trending as students born in 2004 prepare to face their examinations tomorrow, with people wishing each other luck, sharing uplifting encouragements, and talking about challenges they've faced during the pandemic. We get into this.

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We're back with our updates from the Dewan Rakyat, and the first day of session includes a variety of topics: The MPs discussed the ongoing floods in the East Coast, the regulation of carbon trading activities between Sabah State Government and foreign companies, the country's ranking decline in the Corruption Perceptions Index and issues surrounding the RFID technology.

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People on Twitter are praising President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy for his courage and decision to fight along his people, despite being offered to be extricated. We discuss this.

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A 2-hour parking limit will be imposed in selected commercial areas in Subang Jaya. We look into the merits of this plan and whether a time limit is going to successfully address our perennial street parking woes.

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The Johor elections are around the corner, and we look into the many stories surrounding it, involving Muda versus PKR, women in politics, and also football. We dive into it.

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We continue to look into the ongoing crisis following Russia's launch of a full scale military attack on Ukraine. We spoke to members of the EU on their response to the invasions, and the subsequent sanctions being imposed on to Russia.

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World War 3 is trending, as people start to make jokes and memes about it, while others point out why it's problematic to do so. We get into it.

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Tremors were felt in a bunch of different places in the Klang Valley, and several west coast states on Peninsular Malaysia this morning, after a 6.1 magnitude earthquake hit Sumatra. We get into it in more detail.

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A report by electoral reform watchdog Bersih and citizen-driven Rise of Social Efforts (Rose) have called out 60 electoral irregularities and misconducts that was alleged to have been committed during the recent Sarawak election. We look into the issue and what this report indicates.

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Earlier today, Russia fired missiles into Ukraine in an act of aggression that has brought condemnation from world leaders. We look into how the international community will respond to this and the potential ramifications from this action.

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Social Media is abuzz with news of a well-known shopping platform reducing their rider commission by 50% come March. We look into the reactions from netizens.

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A resort in Tioman was bombarded with bad online reviews, but not for the reasons you would imagine. We take a broader look at our reliance on online reviews and how far they go in helping or harming a business.

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How do you feel about Whatsapp messages being played out loud in public? A new Whatsapp feature has been rolled out that enables voice notes to be played outside of Whatsapp. We explore the reactions.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered troops into two separatist Ukrainian regions, to carry out “peacekeeping operations”. We look at the potential implications of this move.

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22.02.2022 is trending, because of the amount of 2s in it, and couples everywhere are choosing today to get two-gether. We get in-two it.

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The MySejahtera app will be launching a new feature, which will allow users to upload a photo of their test results when updating their health status. We look into this, as well as the best way to do self tests.

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The Kuala Lumpur High Court has ordered for the immediate release of the children of single mother Loh Siew Hong from the care of the Welfare Department. We speak to Loh's lawyer about the outcome of the application and whether the children's unilateral conversions will be challenged.

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A picture of a long queue at just the RFID lanes on the Jalan Duta tolls has reignited the frustration and exasperation of road users. We get tucked into it.

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A nine-member panel at The Federal Court unanimously decided that it is unconstitutional for the Selangor legislative assembly to pass a provision to grant judicial review power to the state Shariah High Court. This decision relates to a judicial review application against a Selangor religious authority’s fatwa labelling Sisters In Islam as “deviant”. We speak to the lawyer representing SIS about the significance of the Federal Court outcome.

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Syed Saddiq has announced that Muda might contest against PKR in the upcoming Johor state elections, following failed negotiations between the two, as PKR announced candidates for seats that Muda was lobbying for. We get into it.

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Jolibee is trending, as videos of people waiting in long queues to get their hands on this Filipino fried chicken goes viral.

We discuss. Image Source: benloneee85, Instagram

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Malaysia will develop the National Robotics Roadmap (NRR) to mainstream the use of robotic technology in the country. We speak to a robotics expert about the significance of a top-down approach to automation, and which sectors stand to benefit most.

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Bersih has urged the government to establish an independent audit committee to look into voter registration, after Kuantan MP Fuziah Salleh pointed out certain irregularities found in the Election Commission's (EC) electoral rolls. We discuss this.

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Tan Sri is trending, because of the official conclusion to the case involving an Indonesian domestic worker who had not been paid by her Tan Sri employer for 12 years. We go through the outcome of the mediation and the online responses that followed.

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The coalition's Chairman, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, announced that each of its candidates will take an anti-corruption oath ahead of the Johor state elections. How does this pledge reflect on the state of politics in Malaysia, and what would it mean to be a truly clean government? We discuss.

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A tweet calling out the use of a certain term to address Bangladeshi immigrants in our country has prompted debates around the evolution and context of the words we use. We get into it.

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KTMB is offering a Malaysian Family Package discount for train services on the ETS and KTM Intercity. We explore who stands to benefit and whether this is going to encourage more people to take public transport.

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The Sarawak Legislative Assembly has passed the Bill to change the title of the head of the state's executive branch from "Chief Minister" to "Premier". We discuss what may have led up to this, as well as how this change could help Sarawak achieve greater autonomy.

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Human resources minister M Saravanan and home minister Dato Seri Hamzah Zainudin have been reported to have different stances in reaching an agreement on the intake of domestic helpers, which has led Seputeh MP Teresa Kok to urge for PM Dato Sri Ismail Sabri to take over negotiations with Indonesia on the memorandum of understanding on domestic workers recruitment. We get into this issue.

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According to the national census, the average size of Malaysian families has shrunk from 4.2 per household in 2010 to 3.8 per household in 2020. We find out why and what it means for us all.

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Akademi Science Malaysia has published a Science Outlook 2020 Report, which aims to give a holistic picture of Malaysia’s Science, Technology and Innovation landscape. We speak to Professor Dr Mahendhiran to get into what this report involves, and what's set for them for the future.

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SOPs are trending, following calls for Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein’s resignation, after he was found breaching SOPs. We get into it.

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The floral industry usually flourishes on Valentine's Day, but global flower shortages have left florists with higher prices and smaller margins, with some even opting out from participating in the occasion. We speak to a florist about how she is managing the shortages and the pivots she has made to ride out these thorny times.

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Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin has called for employers to improve the ventilation in their office, highlighting that companies which do so are eligible for a tax deduction of up to RM300,000. We look into the practicalities of this incentive and whether the pandemic will encourage developers to think differently about how buildings are ventilated. Image source: LYCS, Unsplash

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Particularly if you're the victim of a love scam. Following the buzz around Netflix's The Tinder Swindler, which highlights love scams and how damaging they are, we look at this issue in the Malaysian context.

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Following Sister In Islam's call to remove stigma around teen pregnancies, we devle into the taboos that prevent conversations around sexual health and keep people from getting the help they need.

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Fahmi Reza is trending after being charged for posting "offensive" online content on his social media. We get into the details of the case and the messages of solidarity that followed his latest appearance in court.

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Chief Justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat said that judges must be apolitical when interpreting the constitution, and have regard for the political and social context of when it was drafted. We discuss what it means to recognise the political and social context that influences the federal constitution.

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Over the weekend, there was a motorcycle convoy from Penang to Putrajaya, of contract hospital cleaners, aiming to deliver a memo to the Health Minister, Khairy Jamaluddin. Khairy has responded and said he would work to find solutions to help with the problems faced by contract workers. We speak to Sivaranjani Manickam, who was part of the convoy, on the significance of this events.

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There's been a discussion on Twitter over PCR tests, after a tweet about its high costs went viral. We get into it.

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The government has announced that temperature checks and log books will no longer be mandatory by the end of this week, following feedback from the Health Ministry that fevers has no correlation with whether someone has Covid-19 or not. We get into how this would look like, and whether restaurants will continue to reinforce it.

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Last week, PAS President and Malaysia’s Special Envoy to the Middle-East Hadi Awang met with Taliban envoys in Doha. Following that, a spokesman for the Taliban said that Hadi promised that Malaysia would do what it could for the Afghan people, prompting criticism that Hadi had spoken too quick on support for Afghanistan's Taliban government. We get into the implications of this, as well as our diplomatic approach toward the Talibans.

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A post claiming the "psychological distress" that a man would suffer if his wife makes more money than him, is making the rounds on Twitter. We get into the responses.

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F&B operators are having difficulties staying open round the clock, thanks to worker shortages. We look into the business and cultural costs of losing 24 hour restaurants.

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Omicron is trending, which has brought on discussions about how workplaces would be adapting to this new variant. We get into it.

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Batu Kawan MP Kasthuri Patto has called for the government to instruct authorities to prepare a report on the investigations and findings of custodial deaths, and for these reports to be tabled in Parliament. We dissect what this report should cover, and why it's important.

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The Universiti Malaya Students Union has been asking their university to conduct final exams online as opposed to in person, due to safety concerns amidst a surge of Covid-19 cases of the Omicron variant. We speak to a student representative to find out more.

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Following allegations of water being stolen through illegal means, Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Bung Mokhtar Radin is in talks with the Sabah Water Department to ensure those living in squatter settlements have access to water. We discuss this in depth.

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UITM is trending due to a perennial debate between the camp who are calling for it to remain exclusive to bumiputeras and the opposing group who think it should be open to all. We look to Twitter to review the viewpoints and arguments.

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Norway is the latest European country to announce that they’re scrapping their COVID-19 restrictions despite a surge in Omicron. We look into what this means, the rationale behind it, and whether we can expect Malaysia to eventually follow suit.

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Evian is trending on Twitter after a video of the Prime Minister Ismail Sabri chairing a meeting of the National Action Council on Cost of Living goes viral. We get into the responses.

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A top police official has suggested that undocumented migrants who repeatedly enter the country illegally should be whipped. We discuss why this is not the way to treat undocumented migrants.

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Unhappy taxi drivers want the government to launch its own e-hailing service after asserting disharmony and double standards between private e-hailing and taxi drivers. We delve into whether this works from a business and consumer perspective.

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Today on Twitter, messages of gratitude and farewell for MAEPS and its frontliners, as the country's largest quarantine centre closes after two years of operation.

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Works Minister Dato Sri Fadillah Yusof recently announced that our highways are moving towards a multi-lane free flow system (MLFF) by 2025. Comparisons to Singapore immediately began - so we’re looking at what we can learn from our neighbours.

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Spotify has been under a lot of criticism lately for allowing Covid-19 disinformation, and big names including Neil Young and Joni Mitchell have left the platform in protest. We look at what this means.

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Yesterday, the Sustainable Development Goals Trust Fund was launched by the government, with an aim to eradicate poverty and fight inequality. We get into it. Image source: Ismail Sabri Offcial Facebook Page

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Today on Twitter, we get into strategies to fend off all those uncomfortable questions that come up when families gather during Chinese New Year (or frankly anytime families get together).

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Are students still keen on studying abroad? How has the pandemic changed that? We explore whether COVID-19 has shifted perspectives on going overseas and what to consider if students are unsure about what path to take with higher education.

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Anthropologist and Gender Studies lecturer Dr. Vilashini Somiah has published a book exploring the relationship between irregular migrants from the southern Philippines and the sea, in their struggle against the realities of state power in Sabah. We speak to her to find out more.

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Recently, a viral video highlighted how personal beliefs might get in the way of a pharmacist dispensing their expertise (and contraception). We dive into the details of where this stigma stems from, how important is it for a pharmacist to uphold their practice and also discuss the public perception around contraceptives.

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Following a tweet that highlighted the popularity of Upin and Ipin among parents, we look at some children's shows that have made fans out of adults too. We discuss why some family friendly programming resonates across all ages and go through some of your favourites.

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The Johor State Assembly officially has been dissolved as of Jan 22 after the Johor State Speaker Suhaizan Kaiat announced the government gazette, and a state election is around the corner. We discuss the various party tie-ups that are happening following this, and where the parties all stand at the moment. Image source: YuriAbas, Shutterstock

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Amanah youth and sports committee chairman Mohamad Taufek Abd Ghani has proposed to establish a roti canai-making academy, after observing that a career in roti canai tossing could be lucrative for youths. We get into the responses.

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MITI has approved two new airlines to operate in our country - we explore what effect this is going to have, and what they might offer travelers.

Image Source: Imran Khan's Photography

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PartyGate is trending on twitter, following allegations that British Prime Minister Boris Johnson held an indoor birthday party during a national lockdown. We get into it.

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Organised by the SDSN Malaysia Chapter, the National Solutions Forum (NSF) aims to showcase the most impactful solutions to Malaysia's SDG-related challenges, and bring together various stakeholders such as researchers, CSOs and private enterprises. We discuss the event and what it hopes to achieve, with Professor Woo Wing Thye.

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According to Works minister Dato Sri Fadillah Yusof, we'll soon be able to pay tolls using any digital payment provider, not just Touch 'n Go. We look into the details of this plan and the varying responses to phasing away from our current toll system.

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The court has ruled that Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi will have to enter his defence on the 47 charges against him. We get into the case, what this ruling means for him and what might happen moving forward.

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Lately, Twitter has been awash with an array of tweets involving green, yellow and grey boxes. We get into Wordle, the online word game that's prompted these colourful Twitter trend. Image Source: Tada Images, Shutterstock

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Last week, the Badminton Association of Malaysia announced that both Lee Zii Jia and Goh Jin Wei will not be registered for any international tournaments for 2 years, after they both withrdrew from BAM. We look at the repercussions of this decision on both the players and the sport as a whole.

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In the wake of comments from the Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Datuk Zuraida Kamaruddin that went viral on social media, and the subsequent reaction from the ministry, saying they were taken out of context, the time felt right to re-examine official communications on palm oil, the tone they strike, and what else could be done.

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Pasir Salak is trending on twitter, after a shouty dispute happened in Parliament today. We look into it, and get suggestions on how we can improve d. Image Source: Shahjehan, Shutterstock

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A 4 day work week is going to be tested out in the United Kingdom, with 30 companies participating in a 6 month trial. So essentially - 32 hours of work, but for the same salary and benefits. Proponents of a shorter work week argue that it leads to better productivity, retention and employee wellbeing... so we look into whether this could actually work in Malaysia, and what it could look like.

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Last month, a memorandum of understanding between Malaysia and Bangladesh was signed, to resume the recruitment of foreign workers. However, there are some concerns around transparency and ethical treatment of workers, so we explore.

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Twitter is abuzz today with 'orangutan' trending, after a clip of Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin went viral. We get into it.

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In today's special parliamentary sitting, the Prime Minister and relevant cabinet members explain what transpired during the December floods and the parties they believe to have fell short in providing aid and rescue to flood victims.

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There's been a lot of speculations about a snap election happening in Johor, following the the death of the former menteri besar and Kempas state assemblyperson Dato’ Osman Sapian, who passed away in December. With the GE not far off, there' been questions on whether this is necessary.

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SOPs are trending, after new SOP guidelines were announced by the government today on Chinese New Year celebrations. We get into it.

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Fake vaccine certs have been in the news lately, and a report in The Star uncovered how this is happening. We look into the gaps that has allowed for this to happen

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A man who was stopped at a roadblock was charged with obstructing a public servant, for recording the interaction. We get into the legalities of recording a police interaction, and what the police can and cannot do during a routine stop.

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A tweet on the costs of owning a car have garnered a variety of responses. We discuss whether it's all worth it.

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Philippe Coutinho returns to the EPL with Steven Gerrard's Aston Villa to haunt Man United, Leed's Jack Harrison claiming the match ball after putting three past West Ham, Man City's victory over Tuchel's Chelsea means one hand on the championship? We review last weekend's matches, mull over some of the hottest transfer rumours - and of course, a healthy dose of VAR talk.

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At Suria KLCC, a Chinese New Year pagoda-like decoration has drawn criticism for its resemblance to a ‘Qing-ming’ prayer paraphernalia. We look at the responses and discuss the significance of decorations as a cultural touchstone for religious and festive seasons.

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The Attorney General is being prompted by the Malaysian Bar to explain why cases of public interest have been dropped. We look into the powers accorded to the AG as well as the checks and balance that are needed to make sure these powers of discretion are used prudently.

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Twitter was abuzz with netizens complaining about CIMB Clicks being down. We get into the feedback.

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AirAsia was officially classified as PN17 today, which relates to companies that are in financial distress. We unpack its repercussion to the budget travel industry as a whole as well as what it means for pending refunds to affected customers.

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New SOPs for Thaipusam have been announced, which are different and more restrictive than those initially agreed upon during discussions with the temple commitee. This has brought on criticism from devotees, so we discuss how these new guidelines work, and whether they're fair.

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With the announcement that there there will be at least one RFID lane available at all the tolls along the North-South Expressway from January 15, it's no wonder that 'RFID' is trending on Twitter, with people sharing experiences both good and bad. We discuss what this change will mean and whether we're collectively ready for it.

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We pay tribute to former national footballer and broadcast icon, Shebby Singh, who passed away at the age of 61. Friend and former colleague Andrew Leci join us to look back at Shebby's life and career, and the special place he'll forever hold amongst Malaysian football fans.

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Mandarin is trending on Twitter, after a discussion on how Mandarin and Tamil should be taught in national schools. We get into it.

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The Election Commission has finished up the process of automatic registration, and will see an additional 5.8 million voters to the electoral roll. However, re-delineation of electoral boundaries can only be done by 2026. We discuss the impact of this.

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MACC Chief Tan Sri Azam Baki has been embroiled in controversy lately, starting with allegations of extensive ownership of stocks, followed by his admission of sharing his trade account with his brother. He's now said that he has no plans to resign, and that his fate is up to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. We explore this relationship between public figures, controversy and resignation.

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Following the flood disaster that hit several parts of the country last month, The National Disaster Management Agency has channeled RM106 million to assist with flood relief victims. We speak with YB Nurul Izzah, on whether this is enough, and what else needs to be done.

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Earlier this month, videos of Rohingya children walking on roads and knocking on people's cars to ask for money went viral on social media, and garnered a variety of responses. When asked to comment on the videos, Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin issued a warning against Rohingyas, telling them that they shouldn't view Malaysia as a ‘cemetery’ country. We discuss his response, and the impact this message sends.

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An "unpopular opinion" tweet saying that Pendidikan Moral should be taught to all school students, regardless of religion, has gone viral. We head to Twitter for thoughts.

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Much loved comedian and TV icon Bob Saget has passed away (January 10, 2022). From being on Full House to hosting America's Funniest Home Videos, he brought joy and laughter to millions around the world. We look to twitter for tributes.

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International restaurants have reported an uptick in bad customer behaviours, amidst the new guidelines in place post-lockdowns. We talk to a local restaurant owner, to find out how it's been like here.

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Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor’s bribery and corruption trial is currently underway, and today it was announced that Datuk Seri Najib Razak won’t be testifying. We look into this.

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It’s that time of year when people are making and breaking their New Year’s resolutions in quick succession. So we check in with Dr Chua Sook Ning about this practice of making resolutions, and how to do it in a way that is helpful (and doesn't create unnecessary stress and pressure!).

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Whistleblower Lalitha Kunaratnam has received a letter of demand from MACC Chief Tan Sri Azam Baki over the publication of two articles that purportedly questions the latter’s share purchases. She has been asked to issue a public apology within 14 days, remove the aforementioned articles and pay RM 10 million in damages for tarnishing his reputation. We speak with lawyer Goh Cia Yee to find out more about the situation, as well as what this says about how much protection is offered to whistleblowers.

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Lion dances are a traditional part of Chinese New Year celebrations, and one that people look forward to every year, with the drum beats and thrilling stunts. As we say goodbye to the Year of the Ox and hello to the Year of the Tiger, we check in with the first National Southern Lion Dance Championship, and discuss the role they play in keeping this tradition alive.

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A new policy was recently announced that returning Umrah pilgrims are required quarantine at a designated facility. This came after news that a large number of Umrah travellers had tested positive for the Omicron Covid-19 variant, and had not followed proper quarantine SOPs. This has led to public outrage about the high hotel quarantine costs they've had to bear. We look into this.

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A tweet calling out a movie-goer for posting snippets of the new film, "House of Gucci" goes viral. We go through Twitter for reactions.

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World Number 1 and nine-time Australian Open winner, Novak Djokovic, has had his entry visa revoked to Australia, and may not be able to play in the 2022 Grand Slam. While he’s contesting it legally and the Serbian president and Australian prime minister are lobbing statements back and forth, we get into the wider repercussions of a prominent athlete and his refusal to vaccinate.

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As of yesterday, Blackberry devices running the original in-house operating system are no longer being supported. We commemorate the end of the legendary Blackberry era.

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On January 2nd, President Joe Biden told the Ukrainian President that the US will "respond decisively" if Russia further invades Ukraine. This comes amidst Russia's demands that the West not interfere with Ukraine. With talks between the US and Russia scheduled for January 9th and 10th, we look at the implications of these events.

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A report by The Malaysian Insight has shed light on the increase of porn consumption amongst children, during the pandemic. We discuss the wider social impact of this and how parents can encourage healthy conversations on sex-related topics with their children.

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lt's been two years since virtual negotiaions began, and now Malaysia will be facilitating physical peace talks between the Thai government and Barisan Revolusi Nasional. What goes into such negotiations, and will a face to face meeting finally put an end to the ongoing conflict in the Deep South? We explore.

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An intern at Mydin has landed themselves a permanent position with a tweet. We discuss this and what it says about the current job hunting scene in Malaysia.

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Videos of Rohingya children walking on roads and knocking on car windows to get drivers’ attention are going viral on Twitter, and have garnered a variety of responses. We get into this.

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A dad in Singapore discovered his daughter had made online transactions worth RM61, 936 to upgrade her avatar in the mobile game Genshin Impact. We look at the details of this discovery and the larger questions around microtransactions in games that this brings up.

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Penang is trending on Twitter, after an article on CNN Travel named it one of the best destinations to visit in 2022.

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Bread company Massimo has decided to hike up the prices of their products, after Gardenia announced their price increase a few months ago. We find out more about this decision.

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In our last story of the year, we look back at some of the biggest global headlines and developments of 2021, and how it impacted us, as well as what they might mean for us as we move into 2022.

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We're reaching the end of 2021, which is the second year of the pandemic, and mental health is a topic that is more significant than ever. We discuss how it's been throughout the year, and some ways we can approach our mental health as we enter 2022.

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Today on Twitter, we look at tweets on the new years, and how people are celebrating the end of 2021. Image Source: Özgür Öztürk, Unsplash

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Universiti Malaya Press has published a book aiming to educate Malaysians on the electoral process, written by two former members of the Electoral Reform Committee, which was established to review election laws and systems. We spoke to Dr G Manimaran, one of the authors, to find out more.

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Today, we look into the trending hashtag #CucukMYAZ as more AstraZeneca vaccine recipients receive their booster shots.

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After years of being rejected, a group of Malaysian mothers, whose children were previously denied citizenship because they were born overseas to foreign fathers, finally managed to start the process to get the children’s citizenship confirmation certificate at the National Registration Department (JPN) yesterday. We discuss their response to this, and what it took for them to get to this point.

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A report has shown that 90 government websites are still ‘not secure’ five months after the audit announcement. We look into what this means, and the risks it involves.

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HighCourt is trending, after the court ruled that the use of Tamil and Mandarin in vernacular schools is constitutional. We look into it.

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Six retention ponds were approved by DBKL for development, despite the developments posing a risk of rivers in the city overflowing. We look into what goes into development order approvals, and whether they’re being considered properly.

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There’s been several calls to investigate the allegations against MACC Chief Commissioner Datuk Seri Azam Baki, on his ownership of about 2 million shares in a publicly listed company. We look into the case.

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The MySJ Trace function will use bluetooth technology to solve the issues we all have with checking out and to ease the process of contact tracing. We go through the mechanics of the function and the questions on privacy that have naturally come up.

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Food containers, specifically Tupperware, has been trending on Twitter in relation to the floods that happened in the country since last week. We find out why.

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Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is making the argument that timber firms should contribute more financial aid to flood victims, saying that they were partially responsible for local flash floods. We discuss this.

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There is a video making its rounds on social media, of authorities stopping an ambulance at an intersection so the Prime Minister’s convoy can pass through. We go to Twitter for reactions.

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Ministers and VIPs have been receiving a lot of public backlash over the photos and videos they have shared on social media, of them helping with flood relief. We look into where the criticisms are coming from, and how it can be handled better.

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It’s been a tough week for many Malaysians dealing with the floods and its effects, but one bright spot has been seeing so many of us coming together to try and help where we can. And in the last week, one initiative has come up time and time again, and that’s the aid provided by Sikh houses of worship.

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Today, Twitterverse gives shine and love to Azwan Omar, who drove from Melaka to Shah Alam to rescue flood victims, with nothing but RM50 in his pocket and a boat tied to the roof of his Perodua Viva.

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MCMC were unsuccessful in their attempt to remove Twitter posts and hashtags that were critical of the government’s handling of the floods. We get into the details and response to this story.

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Despite the discovery made during a heritage impact assessment (HIA) for the Melaka Waterfront Economic Zone, experts have given the greenlight for the mega reclamation project to proceed. We speak to the researcher of the HIA to get a better understanding of how the decision was made and what goes into these undersea explorations.

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