Thu Mar 06 2025
Consider This: GLC Reform — Who Really Controls Malaysia’s GLCs?
For decades, Malaysia’s GLCs—government-linked companies—have been central to the economy, controlling vast sectors from banking to telecommunications. But according to political economist Dr Edmund Terence Gomez, they are also at the heart of what he calls the Political-GLC complex—a deeply entrenched system that allows the ruling elite to use GLCs for political control, patronage, and grand corruption. Can the Political-GLC complex ever be dismantled? On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks with Dr Edmund Terence Gomez, Emeritus Professor of Political Economy at Universiti Malaya, and author of ‘Misgovernance: Grand Corruption in Malaysia’.
Consider This: The State of Southeast Asia 2025: Regional Relevance, Rivalry & the Road Ahead
What does Southeast Asia really think about the state of the region, and of ASEAN? That’s the question at the heart of The State of Southeast Asia 2025 survey — it’s a unique gauge of sentiment from the region’s policymakers, academics, civil society, and private sector leaders. With the US and China doubling down on their influence, where does that leave ASEAN? And what role will Malaysia play as ASEAN Chair this year? On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks with Joanne Lin, Senior Fellow and Co-coordinator of the ASEAN Studies Centre at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore. She is the co-author of the ‘State of Southeast Asia Survey’ 2025.
Consider This: Malaysia-China (Part 2) — Are We Xi-ing Eye to Eye?
China’s President Xi Jinping is in Malaysia, as part of a Southeast Asian tour—visiting Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia—as Beijing seeks to shore up ties with the region, amid escalating trade tensions with Washington. With Southeast Asia caught in the middle of the world’s two largest economies, President Xi’s visit takes on heightened geopolitical and economic significance. What does it signal about China’s intentions in the region—and with the US watching closely, how might it shape Malaysia’s standing with both superpowers? On #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks with Ivy Kwek, Executive Director of the geopolitical risk analysis company, Aurora Insights.
Consider This: Malaysia-China (Part 1) — Are We Xi-ing Eye to Eye?
China’s President Xi Jinping is in Malaysia, as part of a Southeast Asian tour—visiting Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia—as Beijing seeks to shore up ties with the region, amid escalating trade tensions with Washington. With Southeast Asia caught in the middle of the world’s two largest economies, President Xi’s visit takes on heightened geopolitical and economic significance. What does it signal about China’s intentions in the region—and with the US watching closely, how might it shape Malaysia’s standing with both superpowers? On #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks with Dr Lam Choong Wah, Senior Lecturer at UM’s Department of International and Strategic Studies.
Consider This: The Next Chapter for Malaysia
The United Nations turns 80 this year—at a time when its credibility is under pressure. As wars rage in Gaza, Ukraine and Sudan, many are asking: Is the UN still relevant? But away from the headlines, the UN’s development arm, UNDP, continues its work on the ground—including in Malaysia, where it’s been present since the 1960s. As Malaysia pushes toward high-income status, what does meaningful development look like in an age of colliding crises? And as trust in multilateral institutions wanes, can the UN still deliver on its promise of peace, progress and dignity for all? On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks with UN Assistant Secretary-General Kanni Wignaraja, Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific at UNDP.
Consider This: Remembering Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi: A Gentle Statesman’s Legacy
As Malaysia mourns the passing of its fifth Prime Minister, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, we reflect on the legacy of a leader known for his quiet strength, integrity, and commitment to moderation. He led the country through a time of transition — balancing tradition with reform. On this special edition of #ConsiderThis, Hafiz Marzukhi speaks to political observers and analysts to understand the man behind the title, and the values he carried into public service.
Consider This: High Seas Treaty (Part 1) — Will Malaysia Sign?
The world’s oceans cover more than two-thirds of our planet, yet until now, there has been no international framework to govern marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction. That changed in 2023, when the United Nations adopted the Treaty on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdictions—the BBNJ Agreement—which is a landmark treaty aimed at protecting and managing marine life in the high seas. Will Malaysia join the countries that have already signed the agreement? On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks with Redza Zakaria, Senior Lecturer at UM’s Faculty of Law, and Dr Su Wai Mon, Research fellow in the Oceans Law and Policy Programme at the Centre for International Law at NUS.
Consider This: High Seas Treaty (Part 2) — Will Malaysia Sign?
The world’s oceans cover more than two-thirds of our planet, yet until now, there has been no international framework to govern marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction. That changed in 2023, when the United Nations adopted the Treaty on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdictions—the BBNJ Agreement—which is a landmark treaty aimed at protecting and managing marine life in the high seas. Will Malaysia join the countries that have already signed the agreement? On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks with Redza Zakaria, Senior Lecturer at UM’s Faculty of Law, and Dr Su Wai Mon, Research fellow in the Oceans Law and Policy Programme at the Centre for International Law at NUS.
Consider This: Trump’s Tariffs — 90 Days of Uncertainty
In a surprising turn of events, US President Donald Trump has announced a 90-day pause on the country-specific tariffs he had previously imposed under his ‘reciprocal’ tariff system. However, this pause excludes China, where tariffs have been increased to a staggering 125%. This sudden U-turn came just hours after the tariffs were enforced, leaving the global trade landscape in flux. What impact could the continued unpredictability of US tariff policies have on global trade? And how should Malaysia and other ASEAN economies respond to safeguard our regional interests? On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks with Professor Shandre Thangavelu, Head of the Jeffrey Cheah Institute on Southeast Asia at Sunway University. He is also the Trade Advisor to the Cambodian Minister of Commerce.
Consider This: Trump’s Tariffs (Part 2) — New Reality or Negotiating Ploy?
Are US President Donald Trump’s tariffs a negotiating tactic, as many are hoping— or is he playing a longer game aimed at permanently restructuring the global economy and America's place in it? And if it is about the start of broader systemic change—what is the desired end goal? On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks with Dr Deborah Elms, Head of Trade Policy at the Hinrich Foundation in Singapore.
Consider This: Trump’s Tariffs (Part 1) — New Reality or Negotiating Ploy?
Are US President Donald Trump’s tariffs a negotiating tactic, as many are hoping— or is he playing a longer game aimed at permanently restructuring the global economy and America's place in it? And if it is about the start of broader systemic change—what is the desired end goal? On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks with Distinguished Professor Emeritus Datuk Dr Woo Wing Thye, Research Professor at Sunway University.
Consider This: Racism in Malaysia — A 10-Year Report Card
Pusat KOMAS' latest report, titled: Malaysia Racism Report: A Decade in Review (2015-2024), provides a stark reminder that racism is not just a social issue—it is deeply entrenched in our institutions and policy making. As we navigate Malaysia’s multicultural identity, we ask: Is the country making real progress in tackling racism and racial discrimination? Or are we simply trapped in a cycle of political and social division? On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks with Faribel Maglin Fernandez, Operations Manager at Pusat KOMAS, and Umi Maisarah Kamis, Programme Coordinator at Pusat KOMAS.
Consider This: Food Affordability — Is It Prices or Wages?
Are Malaysians struggling to afford food because of rising prices—or because wages are too low? On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks with Dr Teoh Ai Ni, Research Associate at Khazanah Research Institute and author of the series ‘From Home Cooking to Eating Out, and Dr Amjad Rabi, a social security economist who is currently a visiting expert at Universiti Malaya’s Social Wellbeing Research Centre, who recently co-authored a paper on ‘Food Affordability in Malaysia: When Markets and Money Decide What to Eat’.
Consider This: Millions Left in Crisis: The Fallout of US Foreign Aid Cuts (Part 2)
US President Donald Trump announced in January a pause on foreign aid for an initial 90 days, as part of a sweeping review of government spending. Since then, the majority of the programmes under the US Agency for International Development (USAID) have been terminated. From Bangladesh to Southern Africa, the consequences are already being felt. How much damage has already been done—and is there a way back from this crisis? On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks with Antonino Caradonna, Head of Mission for MSF Bangladesh.
Consider This: Millions Left in Crisis: The Fallout of US Foreign Aid Cuts (Part 1)
US President Donald Trump announced in January a pause on foreign aid for an initial 90 days, as part of a sweeping review of government spending. Since then, the majority of the programmes under the US Agency for International Development (USAID) have been terminated. From Bangladesh to Southern Africa, the consequences are already being felt. How much damage has already been done—and is there a way back from this crisis? On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks with Dr Tom Ellman, Director of the Medical Unit for MSF Southern Africa.
Consider This: Child Rights: The Missing Piece in Business
Businesses are used to thinking about corporate responsibility in terms of climate change, governance, labour practices—but rarely child rights. In fact, business actions directly impact children’s lives—whether in supply chains, advertising, or digital platforms. How can we ensure that protecting children is made a priority in business decision-making? On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks with Dr Pichamon Yeophantong, Chairperson of the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights.