Evening Edition

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.Image Source: hudzaqwan, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.Image Source: Ginger Polina Bublik, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

#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.Image Source: Toshio Chan, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.Image source: Image source: Hafiz Johari, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Image Source: KYTan, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Image Source: MAEPS Facebook GroupSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Image Source: Shahjehan, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Image source: Image source: Kaspars Grinvalds/Kathy Hutchins, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 PageSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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).Image Source: Twinsterphoto, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.Image Source: Prostock Studio, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.Image Source: Phuangphech, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.Image Source: Upin and Ipin Official Facebook PageSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Image Source: Cubankite, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 PhotographySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

#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. Image Source: Cubankite, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Image Source: YnetteT, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.Image Source: S.O, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Image Source: Abdul Razak Latif, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Image Source:Photoongraphy, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Image Source: Andrii Zastrozhnov, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Image Source: Ochivis Pictures, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Twitter is abuzz today with 'orangutan' trending, after a clip of Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin went viral. We get into it.Image Source: Chuttersnap, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Image Source: masuti, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Image Source: Tang Yan Song, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

#SOPs are trending, after new SOP guidelines were announced by the government today on Chinese New Year celebrations. We get into it. Image Source: Angela Roma, PexelsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Image Source: PIC SNIPE, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Image Source: SL Chen, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A tweet on the costs of owning a car have garnered a variety of responses. We discuss whether it's all worth it. Image source: Kintara Pong, ShuttlestockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Image Source: Malaysia Shopping Mall Facebook PageSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Image Source: Arnain, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Twitter was abuzz with netizens complaining about CIMB Clicks being down. We get into the feedback.Image Source: Rahman Aziz, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Image Source: Abdul Razak Latif, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Image Source: Helen_Hems, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.Image Source:rumruay, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Image Source: Team Malaysia Official Facebook PagefooSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mandarin is trending on Twitter, after a discussion on how Mandarin and Tamil should be taught in national schools. We get into it. Image Source: Lano Lan, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Image Source: Farhan Abdullah, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Image Source: Lim Kit Siang Official Facebook PageSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Image source: Ruzely Abdullah, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Image Source: ceruh, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.Image Source: Lano Lan, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.Image Source: Photo Courtesy of Bob SagetSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Image Source: Rod Long, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Image source: Bonma Suriya, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.