Evening Edition

A year has passed since 131 MPs met at Sheraton Hotel on 23 February 2020, a controversial event that led up to Perikatan Nasional's takeover of the government. We look back at the twists and turns that have taken place since Langkah Sheraton, and talk about where Malaysian politics is heading. Image Sources: Adam Yusof, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A year has passed since 131 MPs met at Sheraton Hotel on 23 February 2020, a controversial event that led up to Perikatan Nasional's takeover of the government. We look back at the twists and turns that have taken place since Langkah Sheraton, and talk about where Malaysian politics is heading. Image Sources: Adam Yusof, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the restrictions imposed due to the pandemic creating difficulties in fulfilling contractual obligations, the Covid-19 Mediation Centre was set up by the government to provide mediation services to settle disputes. We get some insights about the services from Dr. Punitha Silivarajoo. Image Source: Bill Oxford, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A study by the Terengganu Socso found that only 3,900 self-employed workers contributed to Socso under the Self-Employment Social Security Scheme. Shawn Tanis shares with us why the benefits outweigh the cost when it comes to the protection Socso provides. Image Source: Kelly Sikkema, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong has said that the government is considering the possibility of providing those who are vaccinated with a universal certification, so that they can travel out of the country. We speak to Prof Dato' Dr Awang to understand if vaccines should be made mandatory for travel. Image Source: Hans Isaacson, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The first batch of Covid-19 vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech arrived in Malaysia yesterday to the excitement and relief of many. We speak to Ibrahim Mohamed Salleh, CEO of MASkargo to hear what the journey has been like. Image Source: HAL9001, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With attention mounting towards courier services like J&T, Shawn Tanis shares a pair of vastly different stories on such services, ranging from a kind deed to a robbery. Image Sources: Claudio Schwarz | @purzlbaum, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A study found that people with extremist views are less capable of carrying out complex mental tasks. Is it helpful to look at biological differences, in dealing with extremists? We speak to Dr. Anasuya for her insights. Image Source: Wesley Tingey, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has launched the Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint (MyDigital) with the aim to develop digital infrastructure and capacity by 2030. We speak with Khairil Yusof to take a look at the key initiatives of this blueprint. Image Source: Headway, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following the announcement that schools are reopening next week, some safety concerns have led to proposals of including teachers in the first phase of the vaccination plan. Harry Tan from NUTP shares his insights on how teachers are feeling about this. Image Source: Lano Lan, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Civil societies are criticising the Immigration Department's plans to deport 1,200 Myanmar nationals next week, saying that this could put their lives at risk given the political turmoil in their home country. We speak to Katrina Jorene Maliamauv for her insights. Image Source: Grant Durr, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Federal Court handed down a fine of RM500,000 to Malaysiakini for contempt of court, over third-party comments by readers on their website last year. We check in with Premesh Chandran of Malaysiakini, then speak with Wathshlah Naidu for her thoughts on how this will affect online media in the country. Image Source: MalaysiakiniSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pressure for parliament to sit is mounting, as politicians from both sides of the divide question the government's move to suspend sitting till the Emergency is over. We speak to Wong Chin Huat for his views on why this is necessary, and how the Perikatan Nasional government can call for parliament to sit without losing the power of government. Image Source: S.O, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A waitress was fired from her job in New York after refusing to receive the Covid-19 vaccine, opening up conversations about how businesses should deal with vaccination in the pandemic. Image Source: Steven Cornfield, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

South Korean Food App founders have recently promised to donate at least half their wealth as they take part of the Giving Pledge initiative. We speak to Jayant Menon to help us answer the question of whether the uber rich are obligated to contribute their wealth to society and what impact this could have. Image Source: Giorgio Trovato, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The High Court has allowed educationist group IGuru to reinstate its lawsuit, which sets out to challenge the constitutionality of vernacular schools. We speak to Professor Dr Shad Faruqi for his insights on this matter. Image Source: Ivan Aleksic, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following the promise made by YB Khairy Jamaluddin to not arrest undocumented migrants coming forward to get vaccinated, The DAP Socialist Youth has encouraged the government to run a legalisation scheme to solve possible problems. We speak to Adrian Perreira of the North South initiative to find out how the vaccination programme can be improved. Image Source: Hakan Nural, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We take a look at the rollout of DidikTV, and discuss the types of support that teachers need so that they are equipped to transition to different mediums such as TV. Image Source: Erik Mclean, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Facebook has blocked all Australian news content, in an act of retaliation against the Australian government's push for the social media giant to pay news publishers. Sabrina Magdalene gives us the details. Image Source: Solen FeyissaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Swimming schools across the country are facing the risk of closure, given that they are not allowed to operate during the MCO. We speak to EJ Yeap to understand their situation, and discuss possible SOPs so that swimming pools can reopen safely during the pandemic. Image Source: Taiki Ishikawa, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

To Malaysian youth under 35: Do you have leadership qualities, excellent results in your field of study, and the ability to provide policy development ideas? We speak to Tharma Pillai for his take on the government's call for ten such candidates to act as advisors to the Prime Minister. Image Source: Brooke Cagle, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With new clusters still emerging from prisons, several groups are questioning the efficacy of Covid-19 SOPs in prisons when overcrowding is still a problem. Senator Liew Chin Tong shares his insights on what needs to be done, including a proposal to grant eligible prisoners early or conditional release. Image Source: Michelle Oude Maatman, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some PR1MA public housing projects that were scheduled to be completed January 2020 have seen delays up to April 2021. Under the Covid-19 Act, developers are exempted from the need to compensate buyers for this delay, causing added distress to an already bad situation. We speak to Prof Dr Ismail Omar for his insights. Update: After this story was broadcast, we received an official statement from PR1MA Corporation Malaysia with details on the completion rate of the Residensi Tebrau project, and the status of LAD payments. You'll be able to find it here. Image Source: Hendrik Will, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Clubhouse, the popular invite-only, audio focused social media app, is being scrutinised for its privacy policies. Sabrina Magdalene tells us more. Image Source: Dmitry Mashkin, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Global communications expert Muddassar Ahmed has called for Malaysia to promote sustainable tourism to revive the pandemic-beaten sector. We speak to Nigel Wong to understand how that looks like in Malaysia, and if it is truly the way forward. Image Source: Reign Abarintos, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rina Harun has been receiving flak from the public, after photos of her posing in baju kurung at the ministry office surfaced on social media. The comments ranged from remarks on her appearance, to the shortcomings of her ministry's work throughout the pandemic. But is it fair to criticise a someone's appearance if you're unhappy with their performance? We speak to Nisha and Nadine for their thoughts. Image Source: Robin Worrall, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rina Harun has been receiving flak from the public, after photos of her posing in baju kurung at the ministry office surfaced on social media. The comments ranged from remarks on her appearance, to the shortcomings of her ministry's work throughout the pandemic. But is it fair to criticise a someone's appearance if you're unhappy with their performance? We speak to Nisha and Nadine for their thoughts. Image Source: Robin Worrall, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We take a look at the prevalence of the culture of "publish or perish" that has forced academicians to publish their research on pay-to-publish journals, further hurting the reputation of universities in Malaysia. Prof Zaharom gives us his insight to this matter. Image Source: Shravankumar Hiregoudar, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

SIRIM will be introducing a method for consumers to check if electrical appliances bought online are verified and approved for safe use. We speak to FOMCA to understand how this move would better protect consumers. Image Source: Daniel Salgado, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A company based in the US, Pymetrics, is implementing the use of AI in its recruitment process, claiming that it ensures fairer hiring. Sabrina Magdalene gives us the details. Image Source: Arnold Francisca, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The beloved ntv7 will bid its final goodbye to Malaysian airwaves today, with a national education TV channel set to take its place starting tomorrow. We talk to previous and current hosts of the TV station for a walk down memory lane. Note: Media Prima has since clarified that ntv7 will not be pulled off airwaves, and the DidikTV KPM program is a strategic partnership between the media house and the MoE. Image Source: Victoria Borodinova, PixabaySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This World Radio Day, we celebrate by talking about the role of community radio. We speak to Lester Miol about how Kupi Kupi FM both entertains and provides a sense of community to Sabahans, in addition to bringing exposure to local talents in the state. Image Source: Fringer Cat, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This World Radio Day, we celebrate by talking about the role of community radio. We speak to Lester Miol about how Kupi Kupi FM both entertains and provides a sense of community to Sabahans, in addition to bringing exposure to local talents in the state. Image Source: Fringer Cat, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is sugar dating as empowering as advertised on the tin? Or does it merely open up more avenues for abuse and exploitation of women? With the renewed outcry and debates surrounding sugar dating in Malaysia, we speak to Sharon Bong for her perspective. Image Source: Renee Ranisch, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This World Radio Day, we celebrate by talking to community radio stations about the roles they play in their communities. We speak with Gee Mojina about KK12FM, which broadcasts in Kota Kinabalu. She talks about how they build connections with the community there, and why radio is a unique medium for the diverse population in the city. Image Source: Dave Weatherall, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With rumours circulating about the government's lack of commitment in lowering the national age, there are worries that the change will not be realized as promised by July 2021. We speak to Ibrahim Suffian to understand why political parties might be anxious about an influx of younger voters, and where the youth vote will likely sit in the coming GE15. Image Source: Alexandru Nika, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the weekend, several women drivers shared their accounts of being harassed by police at roadblocks, leading to questions about what rights people have when pulled over while driving. When is a question by the police not in line with the law? How should you respond? Vivian Kuan shares her insights. Image Source: Djohan Shahrin, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Coca-Cola is testing its first ever paper bottle, in a bid to do away with plastic packaging. Sabrina Magdalene gives us the details on the challenges that lie ahead for the beverage giant. Image Source: Bradley Pisney, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the arrival of the festive season, the government is putting a cap on the price of selected food items, to ensure there is no price hike. But how is the supply of food products managed, to ensure that they are sufficient? We ask Professor Dr Shaufique Fahmi Ahmad Sidique to find out more. Image Source: Pexels, PixabaySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Malaysian government has agreed on principal that foreigners - including undocumented migrants, refugees and students - will be included in Malaysia's free Covid-19 vaccination program. We speak to Dr. Farham for his insights on on how the process of rolling out these vaccines can be better refined. Image Source: Hakan Nural, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Chinese New Year being a little different this year, we check in with a lion dance company to see how they are coping as the new SOPs disallow for lion dance performances to take place. Image Source: Cegoh, PixabaySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We check in with a Chinese opera singer to understand how they have been faring during the pandemic, amidst the government's ban on these performances during Chinese New Year. Image Source: Master Pik Har, FacebookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Starting today, the government is making it compulsory for people to check-in through the MySejahtera app instead of writing in logbooks, except in areas without internet access. We speak to Rachel Gong for her thoughts on whether this is a good idea for the government's contact tracing efforts. Image Source: Scott Gummerson, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sarawak will be placing ministers who enter the state in a 14-day quarantine, overriding the federal government's decision to allow ministers a 3-day quarantine exemption. We get Tricia Yeoh's thoughts on whether states can make independent decisions on Covid-19 SOPs. Image Source: Tok Anas, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The police have received 134 reports on Tommy Thomas' new memoir, My Story:Justice in the Wilderness, and sources from the Home Ministry have said that they are not ruling out the possibility of banning the book. We speak with lawyer Fahri Azzat to understand what the law says about the banning of books. Image Source: Tom Hermans, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We talked to a doctor yesterday to understand how volunteering at the CPRC will help lighten the burden of healthcare workers - but what is it actually like to volunteer? We speak to Jace Chong to find out how she signed up, and what her experience was like. Image Source: Mulyadi, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A recent video of Adibah Noor correcting a TV3 news anchor's pronunciation has been circulating the internet, which raises the question: Should you correct someone else's English? We get Dr Surinderpaul Kaur's thoughts. Image Source: Clarissa Watson, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ministers returning from official duties overseas can now undergo a three-day observation instead of the 10-day mandatory quarantine, garnering criticism from the public. We talk about the scientific implications of this decision with Dr. Rosmawati Mohamed. Image Source: Ken Yam, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Traditionally, Chinese New Year is a period where traders would experience a surge of business. But with a worsening pandemic in tow and restriction in movements, how will they fare this year? We speak to Tan Luan Huat to find out. Image Source: Aaron Kiru, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The CPRC is calling for medical and non-medical individuals to sign up as volunteers at Covid-19 Assessment Centres (CAC). We speak to Dr Mohammad Farhan Rusli for some insights on what role volunteers would play, and how this will help in Malaysia's fight against Covid-19. Image Source: JC Gellidon, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.