Inside Story

The revised Budget 2023 was recently tabled by Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim and it is the largest budget ever in the country’s history, standing at RM388.1 billion. We look at what it has to offer both the rakyat, and businesses. Brought to you by Mah Sing. Reinvent Spaces. Enhance Life. Image Credit: Anwar Ibrahim, Facebook. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Budget 2023 around the corner, we asked various stakeholders across different industries about what they want to see this time around. The stakeholders we heard from include: - Chin Chee Seong, National Secretary General, SME Association of Malaysia - Dr Geoffrey WIlliams, Economist, Malaysia University of Science and Technology - Nadhir Nasir, Freelance Consultant & Independent Researche...

There have been several incidents over the last two months of women being turned away, or being denied services in government buildings, because of what they were wearing. So first, we look at whether dress codes are legally enforceable. And then later on - why is the Rukun Negara being dragged into this? Image Credit: Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A survey released by the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce revealed that employers now prefer to hire men. This is in response to recent amendments in the Employment Act, which increased paid maternity leave from 60 days to 98 days. We look at why equal female participation in the workforce continues to be so difficult to achieve. First, we speak to a HR manager about the findings in the sur...

A survey released by the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce revealed that employers now prefer to hire men. This is in response to recent amendments in the Employment Act, which increased paid maternity leave from 60 days to 98 days. We look at why equal female participation in the workforce continues to be so difficult to achieve. First, we speak to a HR manager about the findings in the sur...

The Cabinet has agreed to amend the Federal Constitution to enable automatic Malaysian citizenship to children born overseas, to Malaysian mothers. First, we spoke to Suri Kempe, who’s led the charge on this, about this landmark decision and how it will affect families. And then, we hear about the direct impact of this, from a Malaysian mother. Image Credit: Facebook/Family Frontiers Malaysia See...

A new report has found that Malaysians lost 159 hours last year on the road during peak hours. To explore this, first we looked back at a previous interview with Dr Ahmad Farhan Mohd Sadullah, Professor of Transport Engineering from Universiti Sains Malaysia. Then, we also hear from experts, including: - Professor Dr Muhammad Zaly Shah, Professor of Transportation and Logistics at Universiti Tekno...

Rural and Development Minister, Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi talking about the trend of remigration, or, people choosing to return to their rural hometowns to work. First, we explored that idea and talked about what needs to be in place to support this. Then, we heard what our listeners had to say about this. Image Credit: Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With all the latest news on Artificial Intelligence and ChatGPT lately, we talk about how it will affect our world. First, we look into which industries are most likely to feel the impact from AI, whether positive or negative. And then, we discuss how artificial intelligence will change our society. We hear thoughts from industry experts: - Adam Brimo, Founder & Group CEO of OpenLearning Limit...

On our Valentine's Day special, we look at some new data that has emerged, which suggested that Malaysians are, in general, pretty satisfied with their relationships. First we look at the survey and discuss what keeps people happy in their relationships. Then, we talk about how the notion of happiness has shifted over the years, and whether there is a generational difference, especially with techn...

Penang Deputy Chief Minister, Dr P.Ramasamy has called for the government to reform the civil service, saying that it was now dominated by Malays. This has received flak from both sides of the political divide. First, we discuss Dr P. Ramasamy's remarks. Then, we look at the political fallout from this, as well as the PM’s response to it. Image Credit: Azami Adiputra, Shutterstock See omnystudio.c...

DBKL and Think City has signed their third MoU to accelerate the rejuvenation of Downtown Kuala Lumpur as a creative and cultural district, the KLCCD initiative. So first, we discussed this with Think City, and what it’s all going to mean. Then, we get thoughts from some cultural practitioners about whether this is going to actually help the arts in our capital city. We hear thoughts from: - Blank...

Conversations on public healthcare have been paramount lately, so we look into some longstanding discussions on whether medical fees of RM1 and RM5 for outpatient and specialist care respectively is sustainable. We first unpack with a public health specialist. Then, we hear your thoughts on this. Image Credit: Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our public healthcare system is said to be at its breaking point, with several urgent issues being raised. First, the Health Minister has admitted that our emergency departments are overwhelmed, so we discuss what needs to be done to address this. Then, we talk about contract pharmacists and the roadblocks they face when it comes to getting permanent positions. Image credit: Hafiez Razali, Shutter...

Last year, the government announce that it will cut their salaries by 20 percent, and recently, PM Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim confirmed that the constituency funds for MPs will be reduced by close to 70%, down from RM3.8 million to RM1.8 million. This is part of a larger move toward austerity for the government. We first unpack how austerity measures like this will impact the economy and our country...

Public spaces in our country have always been a topic of discussion, and we have a long way to go to improvement. So we look into the topic of bus stops, and how we can improve on design and comfortability. Then, we get into how we can make our overall public spaces embrace better designs. Image credit: mozakim, Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More than 15,000 food premises nationwide will be offering Menu Rahmah meals at RM5 each. So we catch up with Dato Wira Ameer Ali Mydin, who’s part of the initiative. Then, we discuss how to manage food costs, especially as they continue to go up. Image credit: Salahuddin Ayub, Facebook See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil spoke about the potential of our country’s soft power, referring to the '90s as the golden era of Malaysia's economy, arts and culture, keeping us culturally bound as a country. So we look into how exactly soft power can contribute to our happiness, and the economy. And then - what soft power do we have to export right now? Image source: Fahmi Fadzi...

The aftermath of the UMNO’s supreme council meeting has revealed big changes: Former Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin and former Selangor chapter chief Tan Sri Noh Omar were sacked from the party. Additionally, several member were suspended, including former information chief Shahril Hamdan, former VP Datuk Seri Hishamuddin Hussein, Datuk Maulizan Bujang and Datuk Seri Salim Shariff. First, we hear f...

With the nation celebrating back to back public holidays, weekdays have become shorter. We first discuss how we can push through the short week fog, and get our minds on track. Then, we check in with the Malaysian Employers Federation to hear what they have to say about public holidays. Image Source: 123rf.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Ministry of Local Government Development is considering an ultimatum to F&B operators that do not maintain the cleanliness of their toilets. This will require restaurants to keep their toilets clean and get an ‘A’ rating before they can renew their business licences with the respective city councils. First, we hear from an eatery owner about their reactions to this. And then, we discuss ou...

Jacinda Ardern has announced that she would be stepping down from the position of New Zealand's Prime Minister, citing burnout as her reason. First, we dissect the value of leaders knowing when to step back. Then, we looks at what needs to happen to foster strong leaders in a sustainable way. Image source: New Zealand Labour Party, Facebook See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Chinese New Year around the corner, we look at the importance of having or creating traditions during the festive season, and why people hold onto them. Image credit: Wong Yu Liang, Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We discuss whether there should be another round of EPF withdrawals. This comes as people are calling for it, but Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has said that the government is not likely to allow it. So we look at the pros and cons of doing another round, and discuss other options the government can consider instead. Image source: Faiz Zaki, Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener for p...

We talk about better workplace policies. First, we look at why implementing the 45-hour work week has been so challenging, and what else needs to be done here. Then, we hear from you on what other changes you’d like to see in your workplace. Image credit: Tong Patong, Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.