Tue Nov 05 2024
Consider This: 2024 US Election (Part 2) — Gaza and the Ballot
It’s Election Day in the US, and swing state Michigan is in the spotlight. Michigan has the country’s largest proportion of Arab-Americans, and was once a Democratic stronghold. But frustrations over America’s support for Israel in its war on Gaza, means that in Michigan, the race between Kamala Herris and Donald Trump is impossibly close. On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks with Hayg Oshagan, Founder and Director of New Michigan Media. He’s also an Associate Professor in the Department of Communication at Wayne State University.
Consider This : PKR Party Polls (Part 2) — Who After Anwar?
PKR will be heading into its most closely watched elections at the party congress on the 24th May. Anwar Ibrahim is widely expected to retain his presidency unchallenged, but this will be his final term—as the party constitution caps the president’s tenure at three terms. That makes the race for the number two post all the more significant—it could determine who succeeds Anwar as the leader of PKR, and potentially be the next prime ministerial contender. Who might lead PKR after Anwar—and what kind of party will it become? On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks with Dr Azmi Hassan, Fellow at the National Council of Professors.
Consider This: PKR Party Polls (Part 1) — Who After Anwar?
PKR will be heading into its most closely watched elections at the party congress on the 24th May. Anwar Ibrahim is widely expected to retain his presidency unchallenged, but this will be his final term—as the party constitution caps the president’s tenure at three terms. That makes the race for the number two post all the more significant—it could determine who succeeds Anwar as the leader of PKR, and potentially be the next prime ministerial contender. Who might lead PKR after Anwar—and what kind of party will it become? On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks with Dr Syaza Shukri, Associate Professor of Political Science at International Islamic University Malaysia.
Consider This: Barisan Nasional — Cracks in the Coalition?
In recent weeks, cracks within the once-dominant Barisan Nasional coalition have widened, as top leaders from MCA say the party's at a crossroads and must chart its own path after more than two years of drift since the last general election. MIC, too, appears increasingly disengaged. As speculation swirls that both parties could abandon Barisan Nasional—and even join the opposition coalition Perikatan Nasional—does the future of Barisan hang in the balance? And what does this moment reveal about the realignment of Malaysian politics? On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks with James Chin, Professor of Asian Studies at University of Tasmania in Australia, and long-time observer of Malaysian politics.
Consider This: India-Pakistan Tensions (Part 2) — Fault Lines in South Asia
Tensions are growing between India and Pakistan, after 26 tourists were shot and killed in an ambush in Pahalgam, a popular tourist destination in Kashmir. What does this latest attack—and the reactions it provoked—reveal about the fragility of peace in South Asia? On #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks with Dr Rahul Mishra, Associate Professor at the Centre for Indo-Pacific Studies, School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University in India.
Consider This: India-Pakistan Tensions (Part 1) — Fault Lines in South Asia
Tensions are growing between India and Pakistan, after 26 tourists were shot and killed in an ambush in Pahalgam, a popular tourist destination in Kashmir. What does this latest attack—and the reactions it provoked—reveal about the fragility of peace in South Asia? On #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks with Umair Jamal, Correspondent for the current affairs publication, The Diplomat.
Consider This: Singapore Votes (Part 2) — The PAP’s Next Test
Singapore heads to the polls tomorrow in what is widely seen as a defining general election for the city-state. This is the first electoral test for Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, who succeeded Lee Hsien Loong last May. The ruling People’s Action Party, which has been in power since 1959—longer than any other elected party in the world—is now seeking a strong mandate under new leadership—but faces growing pressure over the rising cost of living and calls for more political diversity in Parliament. On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks with Associate Professor Dr Ja Ian Chong from the Department of Political Science at National University of Singapore.
Consider This: Singapore Votes (Part 1) — The PAP’s Next Test
Singapore heads to the polls tomorrow in what is widely seen as a defining general election for the city-state. This is the first electoral test for Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, who succeeded Lee Hsien Loong last May. The ruling People’s Action Party, which has been in power since 1959—longer than any other elected party in the world—is now seeking a strong mandate under new leadership—but faces growing pressure over the rising cost of living and calls for more political diversity in Parliament. On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks with political analyst Dr Bridget Welsh, honorary research associate at the University of Nottingham Malaysia's Asia Research Institute.
Consider This: Abandoned Housing (Part 2) — Why Do Buyers Bear the Risk?
The Housing and Local Government Ministry recently blacklisted 109 property developers and their boards of directors, for failing to adhere to regulations for their projects. But many say simply blacklisting errant developers doesn’t truly address the problem of abandoned housing projects. On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks with Datuk Chang Kim Loong, Founder and Honorary Secretary-General of the National House Buyers Association.
Consider This: Abandoned Housing (Part 1) — Why Do Buyers Bear the Risk?
The Housing and Local Government Ministry recently blacklisted 109 property developers and their boards of directors, for failing to adhere to regulations for their projects. But many say simply blacklisting errant developers doesn’t truly address the problem of abandoned housing projects. On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks with Theebalakshmi Kunasekaran, Research Associate at Khazanah Research Institute, where her research interests include housing, urban studies and regional development.
Consider This: Feeding a Nation: Rethinking Food Security
Food security often makes headlines during price hikes or crises—but the real work of ensuring a secure food system happens long before supermarket shelves run low. What will it take to secure Malaysia’s food future — and are we thinking about food security in the right way? On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks with Sarena Che Omar, CEO of PNB Research Institute, a policy research think tank funded by Permodalan Nasional Berhad.
Consider This: ICJ Hearings (Part 2) — Malaysia Challenges Israel’s UNRWA Ban
The international rules that govern war, occupation, and humanitarian relief are being tested this week at the International Court of Justice. Israel’s decision to ban a UN agency from working in the Occupied Palestinian Territories has sparked a global legal challenge, with forty-five countries and organisations—Malaysia included—weighing in at this week’s public hearings at The Hague. On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks with Datuk Dr Ahmad Faizal Mohd Perdaus, President of Mercy Malaysia.
Consider This: One Month On: Myanmar After the Quake (Part 2)
It’s been nearly a month since a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar, killing over 3,700 people and injuring thousands more. The military junta has announced it will extend its ceasefire after meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Bangkok for rare backroom talks with ASEAN. Is this disaster a brief window for peace and cooperation—or does the humanitarian response risk becoming another front in Myanmar’s civil war? On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks with Moe Thuzar, Senior Fellow at ISEAS Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore. She’s also the Coordinator of its Myanmar Studies Programme.
Consider This: One Month On: Myanmar After the Quake (Part 1)
It’s been nearly a month since a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar, killing over 3,700 people and injuring thousands more. The military junta has announced it will extend its ceasefire after meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Bangkok for rare backroom talks with ASEAN. Is this disaster a brief window for peace and cooperation—or does the humanitarian response risk becoming another front in Myanmar’s civil war? On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks with Alexander Matheou, Asia Pacific Regional Director for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).
Consider This: Judicial Appointments — Guarding the Bench
The Government has committed to a review of the Judicial Appointments Commission Act, following calls to remove the Prime Minister’s role in judicial appointments. The timing is crucial. In 2025, three-quarters of the 12-member Federal Court—including the four highest posts in the judiciary—will become vacant this year, as Malaysia’s top judges will reach the mandatory retirement age of 66. On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris @MelisaMelina_Idris speaks with Datuk Seri Mohd Hishamudin Md Yunus, Chairperson of SUHAKAM, who retired Court of Appeal judge in 2015 after serving 23 years on the bench, and lawyer Christopher Leong, who served as the 30th President of Malaysian Bar, from 2013 to 2015.
Consider This: Edufluencers (Part 2) — Teaching or Trending?
Education is evolving, and so are teachers. Today, some are no longer just standing at the front of a classroom—they’re also creating bite-sized, engaging lessons on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. The rise of teacher-influencers or ‘edufluencers’ is responding to the way students consume knowledge. But is this an innovative leap forward, or does it blur the lines between education and entertainment? On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks with Muhammad Nazmi Rosli, Senior Assistant of Student Affairs at Sekolah Kebangsaan Long Sebangan in Lawas, Sarawak. Cikgu Nazmi is the Winner of the 2023 Malaysia Teacher Prize, and he was also shortlisted as one of ten finalists for the 2025 Global Teacher Prize.