Fri Dec 13 2024
Consider This: Bullying (Part 2) — When Traditions Turn Toxic
Dewan Rakyat has passed amendments to the Penal Code that criminalises all forms of bullying, including cyberbullying. This comes after several fatal bullying cases-- most recently at military academies—institutions often cloak harmful practices under the guise of traditions of discipline and character-building. Will this new law be enough to tackle bullying across such diverse contexts? On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks with Dr Mohamad Naqiuddin Dahamat Azam, Senior Lecturer at UPM’s Faculty of Human Ecology.
Consider This: Sosma Under Review (Part 2) — What Reforms Are On The Table?
The government is reviewing the controversial Security Offences (Special Measures) Act, or Sosma, with plans to refine certain provisions and present them during the next Dewan Rakyat sitting in July. The Home Ministry says this will be about fine-tuning the law to strike a better balance between national security and detainee rights— but will these reforms truly be meaningful, or do they leave the core problems of Sosma intact? On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks with Suhakam commissioner Ragunath Kesavan.
Consider This: Sosma Under Review (Part 1) — What Reforms Are On The Table?
The government is reviewing the controversial Security Offences (Special Measures) Act, or Sosma, with plans to refine certain provisions and present them during the next Dewan Rakyat sitting in July. The Home Ministry says this will be about fine-tuning the law to strike a better balance between national security and detainee rights— but will these reforms truly be meaningful, or do they leave the core problems of Sosma intact? On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks with Sevan Doraisamy, Executive Director of Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM).
Consider This: PETRONAS — Between People, Planet, Profit
Petronas is cutting its workforce, as part of a survival plan to stay afloat in an increasingly challenging global operating environment. But when the National Oil Company that has fueled Malaysia’s growth for 50 years starts shrinking, is it a sign of trouble ahead? Can Petronas adapt fast enough to survive the clean energy transition—or is Malaysia facing the beginning of the end of its oil era? On this episode #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks with Distinguished Professor Datuk Dr Rajah Rasiah, Distinguished Professor of Economics at Universiti Malaya’s Asia Europe Institute. He was previously a member of the special advisory body to the Finance Minister.
Consider This: Corruption Perceptions Index 2024 — From 57 to 25: What Will It Take?
Malaysia seems to be stuck in the fight against corruption, as the country ranked 57th on Transparency International’s latest Corruption Perceptions Index—the same spot as last year. With all the anti-corruption promises from the Madani Government, why is nothing shifting? On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks with Dr Muhammad Mohan, President of Transparency International Malaysia.
Consider This: National Oil Companies — The End of Easy Oil
Tonight, we confront some hard truths facing National Oil Companies in a changing world. As the world races towards cleaner energy, National Oil Companies like PETRONAS face tough choices ahead amid job cuts, declining reserves, and survival in a post-oil world. Is Petronas ready for life beyond easy oil—or is its survival on the line? On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks with economist Professor Dr Jomo Kwame Sundaram.
Consider This: Whistleblower Protection Act (Part 2) — Will the Amendments Go Far Enough?
Malaysia’s Whistleblower Protection Act has long been criticised for its limited safeguards. But now the government is considering amendments to Act 711, including stronger confidentiality measures, expanded physical protection, and even a standardised reward scale. But will these changes truly strengthen whistleblower protections, or do they still fall short? On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks with Wathshlah Naidu, Executive Director of the Center for Independent Journalism.
Consider This: Whistleblower Protection Act (Part 1) — Will the Amendments Go Far Enough?
Malaysia’s Whistleblower Protection Act has long been criticised for its limited safeguards. But now the government is considering amendments to Act 711, including stronger confidentiality measures, expanded physical protection, and even a standardised reward scale. But will these changes truly strengthen whistleblower protections, or do they still fall short? On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks with Pushpan Murugiah, CEO of The Center to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4 Center).
Consider This: e-Waste (Part 2) — Malaysia’s Silent Environmental Emergency
In our digital age, the latest smartphones, laptops, and gadgets are just a click away. But what happens when we upgrade? This year, Malaysia is expected to generate 24.5 million units of electronic waste—a hidden cost of our tech-driven lives. Much of this e-waste ends up in landfills, releasing hazardous materials that poison our environment and communities. So on today’s episode, we’ll take a closer look at Malaysia’s growing e-waste crisis and the efforts to address it. On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks with Mohamed Tarek El-Fatatry, Founder & Director, ERTH (Electronic Recycling Through Heroes).
Consider This: e-Waste (Part 1) — Malaysia’s Silent Environmental Emergency
In our digital age, the latest smartphones, laptops, and gadgets are just a click away. But what happens when we upgrade? This year, Malaysia is expected to generate 24.5 million units of electronic waste—a hidden cost of our tech-driven lives. Much of this e-waste ends up in landfills, releasing hazardous materials that poison our environment and communities. So on today’s episode, we’ll take a closer look at Malaysia’s growing e-waste crisis and the efforts to address it. On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks with Datuk Mohd Zain Hassan, Director of Eco Risk Digital Management Sdn Bhd. He recently retired as the CEO of Malaysia’s largest solid waste management company.
Consider This: Data Centres — What’s In It for Malaysia?
In the past couple of years, Malaysia has emerged as Southeast Asia’s leading investment destination for data centres. But amidst the buzz, concerns are mounting. Data centres are electricity and water guzzlers—straining national resources without necessarily delivering high-skilled jobs or significant economic value. So how do we ensure that these investments truly benefit the nation? On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks with Professor Dr Ong Kian Ming, Pro Vice-Chancellor for External Engagement at Taylor’s University. He previously served as Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister.
Consider This: Parliamentary Reform (Part 1) — Reviving the Parliamentary Services Act
In 1992, the Malaysian government under Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, repealed the Parliamentary Services Act—placing Parliament services under the jurisdiction of the Prime Minister’s Department. Now, the current government has promised to table a new PSA in this parliamentary session, to restore Parliament’s independence. What does a truly independent and effective parliament look like—and why should it matter to you? On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks with Thomas Fann, Founding Member of Projek SAMA, and former chairperson of BERSIH.
Consider This: Parliamentary Reform (Part 2) — Reviving the Parliamentary Services Act
In 1992, the Malaysian government under Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, repealed the Parliamentary Services Act—placing Parliament services under the jurisdiction of the Prime Minister’s Department. Now, the current government has promised to table a new PSA in this parliamentary session, to restore Parliament’s independence. What does a truly independent and effective parliament look like—and why should it matter to you? On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks with Maha Balakrishnan is a Parliamentary and Institutional Development Specialist and Member of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Integrity, Governance & Anti-Corruption.
Consider This: Yayasan Tunku Abdul Rahman — Reimagining Scholarships
Many people think scholarships are just about money. But the Tunku Abdul Rahman Foundation (Yayasan TAR) is proving that education support can be much more than financial aid. By redefining what it means to qualify for a scholarship, YTAR now prioritizes equity and representation—giving opportunities to those who need them most. On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks with Ida Thein, CEO of Yayasan Tunku Abdul Rahman & Co-Founder of Closing The Gap Malaysia, and Kuhaneetha Bai, 2022 AHAM-Tunku Scholar.
Consider This: Trump’s Tariffs (Part 2) — Global Trade on Edge
The US has imposed a 10% tariff on imports from China, while a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico has since been delayed for a month. Are President Donald Trump's tariffs a strategic negotiation tool or reckless brinkmanship? What are the global economic consequences of these opening shots? On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks with Tan Sri Dr Munir Majid, Visiting Senior Fellow at the Centre for International Affairs, Diplomacy and Strategy at the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Consider This: Trump’s Tariffs (Part 1) — Global Trade on Edge
The US has imposed a 10% tariff on imports from China, while a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico has since been delayed for a month. Are President Donald Trump's tariffs a strategic negotiation tool or reckless brinkmanship? What are the global economic consequences of these opening shots? On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks with Dr Juita Mohamad, Consultant for the UN Conference of Trade and Development and Co-founder of TIA Editors & Consultancy.