Consider This: Drug Policy Reform — How the War on Drugs Fuels Organised Crime

In a region long associated with manufacturing-led growth, the services sector is quietly but significantly transforming economies in East Asia and the Pacific. According to a newly released World Bank report, services are now contributing more to labour productivity growth than manufacturing—with exports and foreign direct investment in services outpacing traditional goods industries. In Malaysia, this shift could redefine how we think about economic development, digital innovation, and even gender equality in the workplace. But is Malaysia doing enough to harness this momentum, and how prepared are we to navigate the challenges of reform and competition in this space? On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks with Dr Aaditya Mattoo, Chief Economist, East Asia and Pacific, World Bank.

2024 has been a year of unrelenting humanitarian crises—conflict and violence inflicted on so many, the climate crisis displacing millions, and all of it, ultimately, caused by human actions. But amidst the chaos, there’s still hope. On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks with Alexander Matheou, Regional Director of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) for Asia Pacific. We explore the work of the IFRC in Afghanistan and Myanmar, and the lessons humanitarian diplomacy has taught us that hope isn’t passive but built through action, advocacy, and collaboration.

In Malaysia, 75% of teenagers use social media daily—but with this constant connection comes a growing number of risks. A new report by the think tank SERI titled ‘Teens, Tech, and Trust’ reveals that fewer than half of Malaysian teens feel safe online— with cyberbullying, scams, and hacking being everyday realities. Meanwhile, questions are being raised about whether schools, parents, and even social media platforms are doing enough to protect our young digital citizens. On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks with Dr Benjamin Loh, senior lecturer at Taylor’s University School of Media and Communication and director of the Impact Lab for Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.

In Malaysia, 75% of teenagers use social media daily—but with this constant connection comes a growing number of risks. A new report by the think tank SERI titled ‘Teens, Tech, and Trust’ reveals that fewer than half of Malaysian teens feel safe online— with cyberbullying, scams, and hacking being everyday realities. Meanwhile, questions are being raised about whether schools, parents, and even social media platforms are doing enough to protect our young digital citizens. On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks with Vyshnavi Charrlotte, Researcher at the Social & Economic Research Initiative (SERI).

To mark International Migrants Day on the 18th of December, today we reflect on the millions of workers who have left their homes and families to cross borders in search of better opportunities. In Budget 2025 the Malaysian government unveiled a bold proposal to extend mandatory EPF contributions to non-citizen workers. The move is seen as a step forward in improving worker welfare and aligning Malaysia closer to international labour standards. But for business owners, the measure raises red flags about increased costs and potential economic impacts. On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks with Gopal Kishnam Nadesan, Secretary General of the Labour Solidarity and Learning Resources Association, which is a broad coalition of 58 Malaysian trade unions and worker organisations from various sectors.

To mark International Migrants Day on the 18th of December, today we reflect on the millions of workers who have left their homes and families to cross borders in search of better opportunities. In Budget 2025 the Malaysian government unveiled a bold proposal to extend mandatory EPF contributions to non-citizen workers. The move is seen as a step forward in improving worker welfare and aligning Malaysia closer to international labour standards. But for business owners, the measure raises red flags about increased costs and potential economic impacts. On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks with Professor Niaz Asadullah, Southeast Asia Lead of the Global Labour Organisation.

Following the conclusion of COP29 in Baku, the global climate conversation shifts once again to action—or the lack of it. What lessons can we draw from those global negotiations? And might they shape Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship in 2025? On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks with Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability. His new book is titled ‘Saving the Planet: Climate and Environmental Lessons from Malaysia and Beyond’.

In 2025, Malaysia will take the helm of ASEAN and lead its human rights commission, during what is a pivotal time for the region. From addressing the ongoing Rohingya humanitarian crisis to strengthening institutional accountability, Malaysia faces high expectations. Will we rise to the occasion, or will ASEAN’s tradition of cautious diplomacy hold back progress? On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks with H.E. Edmund Bon, Representative of Malaysia to the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (2024-2026) and the incoming chair for 2025.

Major amendments to the Communications and Multimedia Act have been proposed to address a myriad of online safety issues, including hate speech, scams, and unsolicited messages. It also includes new explanations to refine and clarify the contentious Section 233, which has long been used by those in power against political dissents. What do we need to know about these proposed amendments? On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks with Wathshlah Naidu, Executive Director of the Center for Independent Journalism.

Major amendments to the Communications and Multimedia Act have been proposed to address a myriad of online safety issues, including hate speech, scams, and unsolicited messages. It also includes new explanations to refine and clarify the contentious Section 233, which has long been used by those in power against political dissents. What do we need to know about these proposed amendments? On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks with Foong Cheng Leong, Deputy Chair of the Bar Council Committee on Intellectual Property.

Major amendments to the Communications and Multimedia Act have been proposed to address a myriad of online safety issues, including hate speech, scams, and unsolicited messages. It also includes new explanations to refine and clarify the contentious Section 233, which has long been used by those in power against political dissents. What do we need to know about these proposed amendments? On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks with Karen Lai, Programme Director at the Women’s Centre for Change (WCC Penang).

Putrajaya is set to roll back RON95 subsidies by the middle of next year. How should policymakers manage the complexities of eligibility categorisation of this subsidy reform? On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks with Dr Ahmad Razman Abdul Latiff, Director of Coursework Programmes at Putra Business School.

Putrajaya is set to roll back RON95 subsidies by the middle of next year. How should policymakers manage the complexities of eligibility categorisation of this subsidy reform? On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks with Dr Elya Nabila Abdul Bahri, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Economics under the Faculty of Business & Economics at Universiti Malaya.

Malaysia is experiencing one of the worst flood crises seen in a decade, with more than 150,000 people evacuated and tragically lives lost. While many have returned to their destroyed homes as floodwaters receded, the Malaysian Met Department has warned of a second wave—a monsoon surge likely to occur from December 8th to the 14th on the east coast. On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks with Dr Nor Eliza Alias, Lecturer at the Faculty of Civil Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. She’s also the Group Leader of the Hydraulics and Hydrology Research Group.

Malaysia is experiencing one of the worst flood crises seen in a decade, with more than 150,000 people evacuated and tragically lives lost. While many have returned to their destroyed homes as floodwaters receded, the Malaysian Met Department has warned of a second wave—a monsoon surge likely to occur from December 8th to the 14th on the east coast. On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks with Professor Ir Dr Lee Wei Koon from UiTM’s School of Civil Engineering.