Evening Edition

Six mothers and an umbrella group called The Association of Family and Welfare Selangor & KL have filed a constitutional challenge, seeking a declaration that Malaysian mothers can automatically convey their nationality to their children if they’re born abroad and have foreign fathers. We speak with lawyer Chee Yoke Ling about the background to the challenge. After that, we hear Wai Li's experience as a mother who is still fighting for her son to gain Malaysian citizenship. Image Source: rohan rangaswa, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As we wrap up 2020, we look back at the biggest news this year - starting with the virus that has disrupted normal life as we knew it. In this year-end special, we revisit how it all started, a frontliner's story, and the anxieties surrounding Covid-19 vaccines. Image Source: Macau Photo Agency, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Federal Territories Minister Ku Nan was sentenced to 12 months' jail and fined RM2m today by the KL High Court, for his RM2m corruption case. We speak to Cynthia Gabriel for her thoughts on this ruling, and discuss how this decision might affect future corruption trials involving high-profile individuals. Image Source: ashadhodhomei, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Federal Territories Minister has announced that all flats in KL above 40 years old will be receiving a face lift under the Urban Renewal Programme. We speak to Ihsan Zainal Mokhtar for his thoughts on what this face lift should include. Correction: We mentioned in the podcast that the government is planning to expand these flats to 750-800 square meters. It is actually 750-800 square feet.  Image Source: Try_my_best, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Federal Territories Minister has announced that all flats in KL above 40 years old will be receiving a face lift under the Urban Renewal Programme. We speak to Ihsan Zainal Mokhtar for his thoughts on what this face lift should include. Correction: We mentioned in the podcast that the government is planning to expand these flats to 750-800 square meters. It is actually 750-800 square feet.  Image Source: Try_my_best, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Higher Education Minister Datuk Noraini Ahmad announced that her ministry wants students to have a marketability rate of 75% in 2021. We speak with Elizabeth Lee, CEO of Sunway University, about the role of universities in boosting the marketability of graduates. Image Source: Adeolu Eletu, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yesterday, the Ipoh High Court ordered the police to submit a full report on their efforts to find Indira Gandhi's daughter, Prasana. Indira's lawyer, Rajesh Nagarajan, said that the police has failed to file a single report since 2014. We speak with him to find out more. Image Source: NAUFAL ZAQUAN, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pantun and the Wangkang ceremony have been recognised as intangible cultural heritage under Unesco. We speak with Pauline Fan about how these cultural forms have evolved over time, and what impact this recognition will have. Image Source: Digital Images, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Starting January 1st, the government will tax all cigarettes at duty-free islands and zones, as part of efforts to combat the smuggling of cigarettes. Will this be effective? We speak with Dr Zarihah Zain to for her thoughts. Image Source: vladee, shutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The vulnerability of contract workers is in the spotlight, as Opposition MPs and NGOs like JPKK call for the government to absorb them into the civil service to better protect their rights. We speak to Sivaranjani Manickam about difficulties these workers face, and speak to Professor Dr. Rajah Rasiah for his views. To reach out to JPKK, you can call their hotline at +60 11-1076 7989 Image Source: Verne Ho, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After failing to block the final Budget 2021 vote, Mat Sabu and Lim Guan Eng released a joint statement calling for a political reset in Pakatan Harapan. We speak to Adib Zalkapli for his thoughts on what this reset means, and what the future looks like for the coalition. Image Source: msyaraafiq, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the vaccines set to be available in countries worldwide (including ours!), we speak to Dr Mahaletchumy Arujanan to understand what the government can do better in relaying information on the vaccines, and discuss which groups should be first in line to receive it. Image Source: Daniel Schludi, UnsplashDr Mahaletchumy Arujanan, Executive Director, Malaysian Biotechnology Information CentreSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Shariah Court released and acquitted Ezra Zaid today, ending an eight-year-long trial over the Malay-language publication of Irshad Manji's book, Allah, Liberty and Love. We check in with how he's feeling after this win, and talk about what's next for him.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Shariah Court released and acquitted Ezra Zaid today, ending an eight-year-long trial over the Malay-language publication of Irshad Manji's book, Allah, Liberty and Love. We check in with how he's feeling after this win, and talk about what's next for him.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today was the last day of the Dewan Rakyat in session for 2020. Highlights of the debates include a motion to debate an anti-sexual harrassment law in the next sitting, resumption of the ferry service in Penang Port, and a suggestion for MPs to be vaccinated first, in order to lead by example. Image Source: CDC, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The iconic Penang Ferry will cease its operations on January 1st, and it will be replaced by speedboats. We speak with Trevor Sibert about his nostalgia for the Penang Ferry, and his thoughts on alternative modes of transport. Image Source: Azhana Binti Zainuddin, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin announced that stateless persons will have a one-year window to submit their documents, in order to apply for citizenship. But activists argue that having insufficient documents is one of the key challenges they face. We speak with Maalini Ramalo to find out more. Image Source: Alistair McDonald, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Dewan Rakyat heard the second reading of various amendments to bills such as Finance Bill 2020, Customs Bill 1967 and the Excise Bill. Highlights includes discussions on the nation's tax revenue projection and questions on why the amendments should be made right now. Image Source: YuriAbas, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Dewan Rakyat heard the second reading of various amendments to bills such as Finance Bill 2020, Customs Bill 1967 and the Excise Bill. Highlights includes discussions on the nation's tax revenue projection and questions on why the amendments should be made right now. Image Source: Laboo Studio, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Budget 2021 was passed at the third reading with a slim majority, with 111 MPs voting in favour, and 108 against. We speak to Dr. Oh Ei Sun for his insights on what political ramifications this would have. Image Source: Aaron Lee, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Top Glove worker Yubaraj Khadka was reportedly terminated, after he shared photos revealing a lack of physical distancing in the factory he was working in. We speak to J Solomon to understand the rights of whistleblowers in the workplace, and what protections are available to them. Image Source: Filip Filkovic Philatz, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What do you do after opening delivery packages? Have you ever wondered about the safety of your personal information on the delivery labels? We speak to Adzim Halim of Ninja Van Malaysia, to discuss what they are doing to protect customers' personal information. Image Source: Claudio Schwarz, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak wrote a Facebook post, asking why tech giants like Google, Amazon and Tesla are choosing to invest in Indonesia over Malaysia. Is Malaysia really falling out of favour with foreign investors? We speak with Dr Jayant Menon for his thoughts. Image Source: OhTilly, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's highlights from the Dewan Rakyat include discussions on Malaysia's Fitch rating downgrade, GLC appointments, and measures to revive the aviation industry. The session ended with the passing of the third reading of Budget 2021. Image Source: Lens Hitam, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Leaked messages, internal criticisms, opportunists - all the latest drama in PKR. We speak to Professor Datuk Dr Shamsul to understand the alledged criticisms made by PKR Youth Chief towards party president Anwar Ibrahim. We also get his thoughts on the surprise press conference by Ku Li and Tun Mahathir. Image Source: YuriAbas, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Starting next year, authorities will take legal action against individuals who ride electric scooters on non-gazetted areas. We speak to Edi Khuskhairy for his thoughts on this move, and discuss if there are alternatives to allow e-scooter users to ride safely on our roads. Image Source: Marat Mazitov, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's highlights include discussions on restoring Felda's cashflow, and follow-ups on the Election Reform Committee's report. The Dewan Rakyat also saw a ruckus when Opposition MPs protested against new SOPs, which allowed three lawmakers under home quarantine to attend a bloc vote. Image Source: Afif Abd. Halim, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to reports, the number of investigations under the Sedition Act and the Communications and Multimedia Act rose sharply in 2020. In response, Amnesty International Malaysia launched the Unsilenced campaign to raise awareness on the importance for freedom of expression, and to encourage people to fight back against censorship. We speak to Katrina Jorene Maliamauv to find out more. Image Source: Aaron Burden, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The National Unity Minister, Halimah Mohamed Sadique has proposed to set up committees in local councils to identify "illegal" non-Muslim places of worship. In response, interfaith and Christian groups called for more discussions, instead of demolitions. We speak to Emeritus Professor Datuk Dr Shad Saleem Faruqi to understand the details around the laws that regulate non-Muslim places of worship, and discuss the need for better approaches to handle the issue. Image Source: Matthew T Rader, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The National Unity Minister, Halimah Mohamed Sadique has proposed to set up committees in local councils to identify ""illegal"" non-Muslim places of worship. In response, interfaith and Christian groups called for more discussions, instead of demolitions. We speak to Emeritus Professor Datuk Dr Shad Saleem Faruqi to understand the details around the laws that regulate non-Muslim places of worship, and discuss the need for better approaches to handle the issue. Image Source: Matthew T Rader, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Business intelligence analyst Pingalayen Rabinthra Kumar found on iBilik.com that close to half of all room rental advertisements explicitly stated preferences for tenants based on race. We speak with Wong Whei Meng for his solutions to address discrimination in the rental market. Image Source: Tim Hüfner, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A bipartisan committee has been set up in the Parliament to tackle prison reform, an issue that has seen even more attention with the high number of outbreaks in prisons during the pandemic. We speak to Nurul Izzah Anwar, Permatang Pauh MP and a committee member, to understand the policies they are seeking to implement. Image Source: Grant Durr, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Esports Business Network is set to launch an esports city in 2021, spanning 6,000 square meters, and equipped with an arena and broadcasting facilities. We speak to Clement Hui for his take on how this new facility will further develop the industry. Image Source: Florian Olivio, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Studies are showing that some parts of the world have seen a backslide in human rights, with some governments using the pandemic to tighten their grip on power. We speak with Phil Robertson for his insight. Image Source: Bill Oxford, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Several quarters have voiced concerns about vaccination for Covid-19. Some state governments and religious authorities, for example, have asked Putrajaya to ensure that the vaccine is halal. We speak with Dato' Dr Musa Mohd Nordin about addressing the anxieties, and on building public trust. Image Source: Kristine Wook, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following a series of crimes within the police force, NGOs and civil society leaders have urged Bukit Aman to implement police reforms and improve the integrity of law enforcement agencies. We speak with Dato Seri M. Ramachelvam for his insights. Image Source: Safuan Salahudin, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following a series of crimes within the police force, NGOs and civil society leaders have urged Bukit Aman to implement police reforms and improve the integrity of law enforcement agencies. We speak with Dato Seri M. Ramachelvam for his insights. Image Source: Safuan Salahudin, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cinema operators are asking the government to allow them reopen in CMCO areas, since SOP restrictions have been relaxed. We speak with Cheah Chun Wai and Lina Tan on how the pandemic has affected the cinema and filmmaking industries, and their plans moving forward. Image Source: Felix Mooneeram, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Highlights from the Dewan Rakyat today include the law minister's response to calls for a no-confidence vote, discussions on the challenges of single mothers, and talks of a special pension for athletes who have competed in the Olympics. Image Source: Jonathan Chng, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government has unveiled plans to become a tech developer by 2030. A tech CEO shares his thoughts along with the potential challenges in making this transition. Image Source: NASA, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Daily use of words and phrases such as "lockdown" and "social distancing," led to "sanmitsu" becoming Japan's word of the year. We speak with Dr. Surinderpal Kaur on the criteria in picking word of the year, and how the pandemic has shaped our everyday speech. Image Source: Jorien T, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Highlights from the Dewan Rakyat include discussions on the number of Malaysians imprisoned overseas, initiatives to increase youth participation in the livestock industry, as well as demands for the Deputy Minister of the Health Ministry to explain the "implicit and explicit" allocations in the MOH budget. Image Source: Luis Melendez, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Highlights from the Dewan Rakyat include discussions on rare earth mining in Kedah, improving the national poverty database system, Malaysia's contraceptive prevalence rate, as well as a heated debate around the push for a no-confidence vote against Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin. Image Source: Afif Abd. Halim, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

RapidKL has decided to cancel 13 bus routes, citing low ridership and revenue due to the pandemic. We speak to RapidKL user Mak Amir for her experience, as well as Ajit Johl for his thoughts on the impact of Covid-19 on public transport. Image Source: Aiman Khair, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the uncertainty continues in Perak over its next Menteri Besar, talks have surfaced of a possible partnership between Umno and DAP in the state. We speak Amir Fareed for his thoughts on the viability of this partnership. Image Source: Lens Hitam, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a landmark court ruling, Sunway Parking Services was been ordered to pay RM117,000 in damages to a car rental company, for the theft of a vehicle in its parking premises. We dive into the case with New Sin Yew to find out more. Image Source: Egor Myznik, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After protests from Jeram assemblyperson Mohd Shaid Rosli, a Jaya Grocer in Puncak Alam boarded up its non-halal section, leading to backlash on social media. We speak with lawyer Adlin Abdul Majid to understand the legalities around selling non-halal products in supermarkets. Image Source: Phil Aicken, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While loan moratoriums and stimulus packages may have helped keep some Malaysians afloat this year, the larger question remains: how can we make the most of what we have, financially, and come up with a plan that works for us? We discuss financial empowerment and planning with Tara Latini, of HSBC Malaysia, and find out more about the We Can We Do initiative. Image Source: Charles Deluvio, UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How does Fitch's downgrade of Malaysia's sovereign rating impact the economy? How seriously should we take the advice of rating agencies? We speak to Laurence Todd to find out. Image Source: Ruslans Golenkovs, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We speak with criminal lawyer Sreekant Pillai, for an explainer on the High Court's decision to grant Ku Nan a discharge not amounting to acquittal for his RM1m corruption case. Image Source: NAUFAL ZAQUAN, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.