Evening Edition

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.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.Image Credit: Bernama See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.Image Credit: Anwar Ibrahim, FacebookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.Image Credit: Anwar Ibrahim, FacebookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

5. 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.4. 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.3. 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.2. 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.1. Our top story: We reflect on the life and legacy of the late Syed Husin Ali with Juliet Chin, Activist and Former ISA Detainee.Image Credit: Fahmi Fadzil,FacebookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

5. The first US presidential debate between incumbent President Joe Biden and his Republican rival Donald Trump has wrapped, with Trump coming out the winner. 4. 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. 3. 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. 2. 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. 1. 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.Image Credit: Azami Adiputera, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

5. 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.4. 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.3. 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.2. 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.1. 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.Image Credit: Danishch,ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

5. 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.4. 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 RM10,000.3. 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.2. 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.1. 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.Image Credit: WikiLeaks, XSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

5. 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.4. 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. 3. 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. 2. 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. 1. 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.Image Credit: Ida09,ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

5. 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. 4. 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. 3. Transport Minister Anthony Loke has warned driving schools to stop giving out 'kopi-o' licenses, threatening to revoke their licenses if caught. 2. 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. 1. 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).Image Credit: yeshaya dinerstein, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

5. 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.4. 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.3. Malaysia and China have signed an MOU to recognize the lion dance in UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage list. Florence Kuek, senior lecturer at the Chinese Studies Department at Universiti Malaya, shares her thoughts on the significance of this nomination.2. 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.1. 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.Image Credit: Anwar Ibrahim, FacebookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's countdown covers:5. 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.4. 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.3. 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.2. 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.1. Uproar over the detainment of students from an alternative school in Sabah, following their involvement in a protest over Sabah's water woes. We hear from our guest, Mohammad as well as revisit a conversation with Wan Shakila Adiela Wan Azmi from Borneo Komrad.Image credit: Vadim Kulikov, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's countdown covers: 5. 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. 4. 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. 3. 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. 2. 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. 1. 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. Image credit: D.Bond, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's countdown covers: 5. 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. 4. 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. 3. 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. 2. 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. 1. 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. Image credit: Uzairilation, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's countdown covers:5. 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. Datuk Dr Alzamani Mohammad Idrose, President of the College of Emergency Physicians share this message in conjunction with this day.4. 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. We hear thoughts from Karla Correa, Regional Child Rights and Business Specialist, from UNICEF East Asia.3. 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. For this, we hear from Dr Gabriel Wee, a lecturer at the Swinburne University in Sarawak.2. 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. Dr Rosli Khan, a transport consultant weighs in on this.1. 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.Image credit: Faiz Zaki, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.