Fri Feb 14 2025
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: 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.
Consider This: Heavy Vehicles - How Can Malaysia’s Roads Be Made Safer?
In the first ten months of 2024, 825 lorries were involved in fatal accidents, contributing to over 5,300 deaths—a stark reminder that although heavy vehicles make up a small fraction of traffic, their disproportionate involvement in fatalities highlight deep systemic issues. On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks with Qamar Wan Noor, Leadership and Transformation Consultant and the former COO of the-then Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) and Shahrim Tamrin, who is a Road Safety and Sustainable Transport Activist and Former Board Member of the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS).
Consider This: Science Panel for Borneo — Protecting Borneo’s Biodiversity
Borneo's incredible rainforests continue to face mounting threats to its unique biodiversity and ecosystems. To tackle these threats and challenges head-on, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei have joined forces to create the multidisciplinary initiative Science Panel for Borneo, drawing inspiration from similar efforts in the Amazon and Congo Basin. On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks with the co-chairs of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network’s Science Panel for Borneo: Professor Jatna Supriatna is the Chair of the Research Center for Climate Change at University of Indonesia & Chair of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network Indonesia, and Professor Emeritus Datuk Dr Mazlin Mokhtar is the Director of the Ecological Systems Programme at the UN SDSN Asia Headquarters at Sunway University.
Consider This: Penang Pan Island Link 1 (Part 2) — Complementary or Conflicting with LRT?
Penang’s long-debated Pan Island Link 1 highway has made headlines again, as it was recently revealed that the Federal Government is considering funding the RM7.5 billion project under the 12th Malaysia Plan. The Penang State Government claims the 19.5-kilometer, six-lane highway will be critical for reducing traffic congestion. However, activists warn it could harm the environment and undercut the success of the planned LRT system. Is PIL1 the right path forward for Penang Island? On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks with Dr Lim Mah Hui, member of Penang Forum and former Penang Island City Councillor.