Inside Story

Malaysia is officially transitioning into the endemic phase. We check in with businesses on their readiness to receive the influx of tourists. Next, we discuss the collective mindset and our emotional readiness to live with Covid-19 as we look ahead. Image source: Dmitry Demidovich, Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government and leaders from Pakatan Harapan are meeting to finalise the Anti-Party Hopping Bill, over increasing calls to regulate the movement of elected representatives. First, we look at the implications of MPs hopping parties, and how the proposed law might help. Then, we discuss pushback against the idea, and what we could look at instead. Image source: Dato Sri Dr Haji Wan Junaidi Bin Tu...

A student was recently berated by his lecturer in front of the whole class for not having a computer. We look into the support that a B40 student needs going into higher education. Next, we discuss the kind of training lecturers would need to avoid this from happening again. Lastly, we talk about the government's laptop initiative for B40 students that was under Budget 2021. Image source: ellinnur...

The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry has advised domestic violence survivors to get a medical report if they are turned away from the police. We look at the problematic nature of this statement and talk about the gaps in the system that make it difficult for survivors to reach out. We also look into the training that is needed for law enforcement to manage such cases. Image source:...

News surrounding the ownership and management of MySejahtera took over headlines over the weekend, and have incurred many discussions. First, we get into the contract in question, who the company is, what the issues are here in terms of public-private management. Then, we dive into the concerns people have regarding data privacy of this app. Image source: zmpixes, Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/l...

The Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers has been discussing with the Prison Department to enable prisoners on parole to be part of the labour workforce. We explore the benefits and challenges of this initiative. Next, we discuss the potential abuse that we need to be mindful of. Image source: yuttana Contributor Studio, Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yesterday, the government failed to pass a motion that would have extended laws that allow the detainment of suspects for up to 28 days without trial under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma). We look into what this all means, and how provision has been used in the past. Then, we explore the political ramifications of the bloc vote, particularly how it impacts the MoU between...

Cryptocurrencies have been in the news after being brought up in Parliament earlier this week. First, we discuss the intricacies of using cryptocurrencies as legal tender, looking into its benefits and drawbacks. Then, we dissect its volatility and what the future might hold for crypto. Image source: Chinnapong, Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today is World Water Day, and we get into this by diving into the gritty issues surrounding water. First, we explore issues close to home, specifically on how Malaysia manages problems with water supply, and our never-ending water shortages. Then, we expand our sights by looking at the geopolitics of water in the global sense. Image source: PhilipYb Studio, Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener...

DAP held their National Congress over the weekend with some big news such as Lim Kit Siang retiring from active politics. We discuss the recent DAP National Congress and the potential directions DAP might take with new faces in the leadership. After that, we get into the essence of party leadership and what it means in the larger political sense. Image source: Anthony Loke Siew Fook, Facebook | Li...

Ops Banteras was newly launched yesterday, aimed to combat forced labour and human trafficking. First, we look at how widespread this issue is in Malaysia. Then, we discuss whether enforcement operations are the most effective way to go. Image source: HTWE, Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia’s Prisons Department aims to have 23,000 inmates serving lenient sentences undergo parole and the Community Rehabilitation Programme (CRP) by 2030. First, we discuss the value of community-based rehabilitation, and alternative modes of rehabilitation to prevent relapse. Then, we try to understand the struggles of finding employment for people with criminal records. Image source: sakhorn,...

Fathers in the private sector are currently not entitled to paternity leave, and now more than 50 NGOs have urged MPs to support the proposed implementation of 7 days’ paternity leave. First, we talk about the importance of ensuring that the private sector has paternity leave entitlement. Then, we get into how this would lead to better equality at home. Finally, we check in with a stay-at-home dad...

Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin has acknowledged 'chronic underinvestment' of our public healthcare. We dissect what this means and also how our healthcare systems have been coping. Next, we explore how we can 'future proof' our reforms and policies and make it work. Image source: Izzuddin Radzak, Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was a landslide victory for Barisan Nasional, with the coalition clinching 40 seats in Johor's 56-seat assembly. We look into what this latest loss means for the opposition and what they need to do to regroup. Then, how do parties who battle it out at the state level function when they’re in the federal government together? We explore. Image source: Sallehudin Ahmad, Shutterstock See omnystudio...

The topic of oil prices has been around a lot lately, as we see prices skyrocketing amidst recent world events. Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Aziz has said that the government’s subsidies for petrol, diesel, and liquefied petroleum gas for 2022 could amount to RM28 billion if oil prices remain at this level. First, we look into our current subsidy system, and what it would look like to...

Following the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the prices of goods and commodities globally have skyrocketed. First, we look into what prices we can expect to see increasing in the coming weeks and how it will affect us. Then, we look at solutions to stabilize prices. Image source: Lightspring, Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

During the parliament session yesterday, Klang MP Charles Santiago mentioned the need to look into the 'sponge-city' concept as a long-term solution to the flooding problem. So first, we discuss the idea behind the 'sponge city' concept. And then, we explore how it might potentially look like in KL and what needs to be done to make it work. Image source: PNK Photo, Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/...

It's International Women's Day, and this year's theme is Break the Bias. First, we discuss what this theme means in society. Then, we get into gender biases that exist at the workplace. To close off, we talk about gender bias in parenting and how it can be addressed. Image source: Southworks, Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A teenager has appealed for bail after facing charges of killing her newborn baby, and the decision for it will be announced tomorrow. First, we delve into the legalities and rights involved in all this. Then, we explore the potential psychological impact this could have on the teenager. Image source: Marcos Mesa Sam Wordley, Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As part of our monthly check-in on the employment scene, we're putting gig workers in the spotlight. First, we get updates on the gig economy and the place it holds in Malaysia’s employment landscape. And then, we look at what’s touted as a landmark amendment Bill that aims to protect the interests and welfare of gig workers. Image source: Hasim Ramle, Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener for...

EPF has announced a dividend rate of 6.1% for Conventional Savings 2021, and 5.65% for Syariah Savings 2021. First, we look into what this growth indicates and what effect they’ll have on contributors’ savings. Then, we zero in on the suggestions to allow for further EPF withdrawals that was raised in Parliament this week. Image source: Ismail Sadiron Pictures, Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/list...

The Malaysian government has been asked to pay 62.5 billion ringgit to the descendants of the Sulu Sultan, over a historical deed. First, we talk about where this fits into the larger picture of the relationship between Malaysia and the Philippines. And then, we get into the legalities of the dispute. Image source: HUZAIME, Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Anti-Sexual Harassment Bill 2021, which has been in the works since 1990, went through its second reading yesterday. First, we hear from the Joint Action Group for Gender Equality on the current iteration of the bill. Then, we discuss the importance of making stakeholders a key part of the process when working on bills like these. Image source: Yakobchuk Viacheslav, Shutterstock See omnystudio...

A huge number of people have been evacuated to relief centres as the flood crisis worsens in Terengganu and Kelantan. We get into the situation on the ground, and the recovery efforts that are needed. Then, we revisit a previous conversation that happened on The Bigger Picture on how prepared we are for these weather disasters. Image source: Khairur Rijal Pauzi, Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/lis...