Mon Sep 23 2024
Consider This: Government-Opposition MoU (Part 1) — Can Political Stability Still Be Negotiated?
In an effort to ensure sustainable political peace till the end of 2027, the Madani government has floated a Memorandum of Understanding with the Opposition. The proposed MoU offers Constituency Development Funds to Opposition MPs — on the condition that they refrain from engaging in race, religion, and royalty (3R) issues. Perikatan Nasional, however, has flatly rejected the terms, and the offer seems to have only led to more division rather than unity. Is inter-coalition cooperation for political stability still on the table? On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks to Aira Azhari, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the think tank, IDEAS Malaysia.
Consider This: Climate Policy — What's Next for Malaysia in 2025
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’.
Consider This: Human Rights in ASEAN — Can AICHR Make a Difference?
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.
Consider This: CMA Amendments (Part 3) — Online Safety or State Overreach?
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.
Consider This: CMA Amendments (Part 2) — Online Safety or State Overreach?
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.
Consider This: CMA Amendments (Part 1) — Online Safety or State Overreach?
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).
Consider This: Subsidy Rationalisation (Part 1) — Fuel For Thought
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.
Consider This: Subsidy Rationalisation (Part 2) — Fuel For Thought
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.
Consider This: Floods (Part 3) — Causes, Consequences, and a Path Forward?
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.
Consider This: Floods (Part 2) — Causes, Consequences, and a Path Forward?
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.
Consider This: Timor-Leste — Asia’s Youngest Democracy Looks Ahead
More than two decades after gaining independence, Timor-Leste stands as one of the youngest democracies in the world. At the heart of its story is Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão, a former freedom fighter turned statesman, who led the country through its most defining moments—from resistance against Indonesian occupation to the arduous task of nation-building. On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks to the man often called the father of Timor-Leste’s independence, Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão, who was in Malaysia on a three-day official visit.
The Future Is Female: Corporate Leadership on Climate Action
With the impacts of climate change already affecting economies and industries, corporate boards are under pressure to lead sustainable transitions. But do they have the climate literacy to make informed, effective decisions? On this episode of #TheFutureIsFemale Melisa Idris speaks to Datin Seri Sunita Rajakumar, Chairperson of Climate Governance Malaysia, which is an advocacy group working to mobilise corporate boards to accelerate the transition to net zero and build climate resilience. Climate Governance Malaysia is the country chapter of the World Economic Forum’s Climate Governance Initiative—it’s the second such country chapter to be established in the world, and the first in Asia-Pacific.
Consider This: The Myanmar Crisis (Part 2) — Malaysia’s Priorities as ASEAN Chair
As Malaysia takes the helm of ASEAN in 2025, the Myanmar crisis will become a defining challenge for Malaysia’s chairmanship. The 5-Point Consensus has seen little success since its inception in 2021. With the humanitarian situation worsening and political dialogue at a standstill, many are questioning whether ASEAN’s traditional approach has run its course. Can Malaysia’s chairmanship deliver new solutions? On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks with Professor Emeritus Johan Saravanamuttu, Adjunct Professor at Universiti Malaya’s Asia Europe Institute.
Consider This: The Myanmar Crisis (Part 1) — Malaysia’s Priorities as ASEAN Chair
As Malaysia takes the helm of ASEAN in 2025, the Myanmar crisis will become a defining challenge for Malaysia’s chairmanship. The 5-Point Consensus has seen little success since its inception in 2021. With the humanitarian situation worsening and political dialogue at a standstill, many are questioning whether ASEAN’s traditional approach has run its course. Can Malaysia’s chairmanship deliver new solutions? 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: COP29 Baku (Part 2) — A Climate of Discontent
After two weeks of tense negotiations, COP29 concluded in Baku with mixed reactions. Developed nations had pledged 300 billion dollars annually to the global climate fight— a sum many developing nations say falls dangerously short. The question then becomes: Is this actual progress in the global response to the climate crisis? On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks to Kieran Li Nair, Senior Researcher at the Institute of Strategic & International Studies Malaysia.
Consider This: COP29 Baku (Part 1) — A Climate of Discontent
After two weeks of tense negotiations, COP29 concluded in Baku with mixed reactions. Developed nations had pledged 300 billion dollars annually to the global climate fight— a sum many developing nations say falls dangerously short. The question then becomes: Is this actual progress in the global response to the climate crisis? On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks to Meena Raman, President of Sahabat Alam Malaysia.