Fri Mar 07 2025
Consider This: Why Gender Matters in Drug Policy
This International Women’s Day, we turn our focus to a group of women often left out of policy conversations—women who use drugs. Malaysia’s punitive drug laws disproportionately harm women, forcing many into cycles of incarceration, stigma, and violence. But advocates say there’s a better way: a gender-responsive approach to drug policy that prioritises public health over criminalisation. On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks with advisors from Drug Policy Program Malaysia: Dr Nur Afiqah Mohd Salleh, Vice President of the Malaysian AIDS Council and Ivy Josiah, Gender Consultant & Committee Member of Women’s Aid Organisation.
Consider This: Abandoned Housing (Part 2) — Why Do Buyers Bear the Risk?
The Housing and Local Government Ministry recently blacklisted 109 property developers and their boards of directors, for failing to adhere to regulations for their projects. But many say simply blacklisting errant developers doesn’t truly address the problem of abandoned housing projects. On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks with Datuk Chang Kim Loong, Founder and Honorary Secretary-General of the National House Buyers Association.
Consider This: Abandoned Housing (Part 1) — Why Do Buyers Bear the Risk?
The Housing and Local Government Ministry recently blacklisted 109 property developers and their boards of directors, for failing to adhere to regulations for their projects. But many say simply blacklisting errant developers doesn’t truly address the problem of abandoned housing projects. On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks with Theebalakshmi Kunasekaran, Research Associate at Khazanah Research Institute, where her research interests include housing, urban studies and regional development.
Consider This: Feeding a Nation: Rethinking Food Security
Food security often makes headlines during price hikes or crises—but the real work of ensuring a secure food system happens long before supermarket shelves run low. What will it take to secure Malaysia’s food future — and are we thinking about food security in the right way? On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks with Sarena Che Omar, CEO of PNB Research Institute, a policy research think tank funded by Permodalan Nasional Berhad.
Consider This: ICJ Hearings (Part 2) — Malaysia Challenges Israel’s UNRWA Ban
The international rules that govern war, occupation, and humanitarian relief are being tested this week at the International Court of Justice. Israel’s decision to ban a UN agency from working in the Occupied Palestinian Territories has sparked a global legal challenge, with forty-five countries and organisations—Malaysia included—weighing in at this week’s public hearings at The Hague. On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks with Datuk Dr Ahmad Faizal Mohd Perdaus, President of Mercy Malaysia.
Consider This: One Month On: Myanmar After the Quake (Part 2)
It’s been nearly a month since a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar, killing over 3,700 people and injuring thousands more. The military junta has announced it will extend its ceasefire after meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Bangkok for rare backroom talks with ASEAN. Is this disaster a brief window for peace and cooperation—or does the humanitarian response risk becoming another front in Myanmar’s civil war? 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: One Month On: Myanmar After the Quake (Part 1)
It’s been nearly a month since a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar, killing over 3,700 people and injuring thousands more. The military junta has announced it will extend its ceasefire after meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Bangkok for rare backroom talks with ASEAN. Is this disaster a brief window for peace and cooperation—or does the humanitarian response risk becoming another front in Myanmar’s civil war? On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks with Alexander Matheou, Asia Pacific Regional Director for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).
Consider This: Judicial Appointments — Guarding the Bench
The Government has committed to a review of the Judicial Appointments Commission Act, following calls to remove the Prime Minister’s role in judicial appointments. The timing is crucial. In 2025, three-quarters of the 12-member Federal Court—including the four highest posts in the judiciary—will become vacant this year, as Malaysia’s top judges will reach the mandatory retirement age of 66. On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris @MelisaMelina_Idris speaks with Datuk Seri Mohd Hishamudin Md Yunus, Chairperson of SUHAKAM, who retired Court of Appeal judge in 2015 after serving 23 years on the bench, and lawyer Christopher Leong, who served as the 30th President of Malaysian Bar, from 2013 to 2015.
Consider This: Edufluencers (Part 2) — Teaching or Trending?
Education is evolving, and so are teachers. Today, some are no longer just standing at the front of a classroom—they’re also creating bite-sized, engaging lessons on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. The rise of teacher-influencers or ‘edufluencers’ is responding to the way students consume knowledge. But is this an innovative leap forward, or does it blur the lines between education and entertainment? On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks with Muhammad Nazmi Rosli, Senior Assistant of Student Affairs at Sekolah Kebangsaan Long Sebangan in Lawas, Sarawak. Cikgu Nazmi is the Winner of the 2023 Malaysia Teacher Prize, and he was also shortlisted as one of ten finalists for the 2025 Global Teacher Prize.
Consider This: Edufluencers (Part 1) — Teaching or Trending?
Education is evolving, and so are teachers. Today, some are no longer just standing at the front of a classroom—they’re also creating bite-sized, engaging lessons on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. The rise of teacher-influencers or ‘edufluencers’ is responding to the way students consume knowledge. But is this an innovative leap forward, or does it blur the lines between education and entertainment? On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks with Tay Tien Sing, Director of Partnerships and Prize Initiatives at PEMIMPIN, which is an education not-for-profit organisation that focuses on strengthening leadership in schools.
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.