Evening Edition

From Washington to Beijing, Moscow to Gaza, the world enters 2026 amid shifting power balances and unresolved conflicts. Political analyst Benjamin Barton joins us to explore the year ahead, taking a look at the US mid-term elections and evolving security doctrine, China–Taiwan tensions and the technological race with America, the enduring wars in Ukraine and Gaza, and ASEAN’s search for unity in...

As Malaysia steps into 2026, the political landscape remains as complex as ever. What lessons can we draw from 2025, and what challenges lie ahead? Political scientist Wong Chin Huat joins us to unpack the state of domestic politics: from stalled reforms and coalition compromises to voter perceptions, ethno-religious polarisation, and the structural limits shaping policymaking.Image Credit: Shutte...

Former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak was on trial for four counts of abuse of power tied to RM2.27 billion in gratification, and 21 counts of money laundering involving over RM4.3 billion. The court found him guilty on all 25 charges, which includes four for abuse of power, nine for receiving illegal funds, five for using them, and seven for transferring them. We dive into the verdict, Naj...

The PAS-led Perlis government collapsed over Christmas as MB Mohd Shukri Ramli resigned, citing health issues, after eight assemblymen withdrew support. Three PAS ADUNs were also expelled, and Bersatu rebels face pressure to follow. Meanwhile, PAS has proposed a new MB candidate to the Raja of Perlis. We discuss the fallout with FMT’s Northern Bureau Chief, Predeep Nambiar.Image Credit: Shuttersto...

As Malaysians live longer, the question isn’t just how much wealth we can accumulate, but how well we can protect both our finances and our health. With life expectancy rising to 75.3 years, we explore what it means to preserve quality of life in a changing landscape. We get into it with Linda Yip of HSBC Malaysia, Dr Seow Vei Ken of Sunway Medical Centre, and Charles Ong of Allianz Life Malaysia...

At RM419.2 billion, Budget 2026 is smaller than last year’s, marking the first contraction since Budget 2020. The government says the leaner budget reflects a focus on fiscal discipline and targeted spending. But beyond the headline figures, do the measures go far enough to strengthen Malaysia’s long-term resilience and growth? We unpack the details — from taxation to tourism — with our experts.Th...

If you're planning on pursuing a postgraduate studies abroad, the sheer volume of options and information out there can feel overwhelming. Considerations like when to apply, the benefits of studying abroad, and available scholarships come to mind. Devina Sivagurunathan, joins us to shed some light on this.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Budget 2025 has just been tabled, so we’re going to take a look at whether it’s been evenly distributed across the nation.Brought to you by Mah Sing. Reinvent Spaces. Enhance Life.Image Credit: Anwar Ibrahim, FacebookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Budget 2025 has been revealed as the largest in Malaysia's history, totalling RM421 billion. This includes RM335 billion for operating expenses and RM86 billion for development. We’ll explore key highlights, from the expansion of the Sales and Service Tax (SST) to the planned rationalization of RON95 subsidies, an increase in the minimum wage, and vital aid initiatives for SMEs and autistic childr...

5. Mini Popek Popek Parlimen, where we bring you the biggest highlights from the Dewan Rakyat. Today, we get into updates on exporting fresh durians to China, eradicating hardcore poverty and opening new Drive-Thru Recycling Centres.4. Fans are putting Bruno Mars' upcoming concert under scrutiny, now that his past concert in Tel Aviv has been doing the rounds on social media. Even BDS Malaysia has...

5. The first US presidential debate between incumbent President Joe Biden and his Republican rival Donald Trump has wrapped, with Trump coming out the winner. 4. Today marks the 100th anniversary of the Johor-Singapore Causeway, which was built to ease pressure on train and ferry services due to the rapid movement of people and goods. Francis Hutchinson, Coordinator of the Malaysia Studies Program...

5. On Mini Popek Popek, we highlight the biggest stories from the Dewan Rakyat. Today, we cover updates on Malaysia-Russia ties, as well as the issue of pornographic content on platforms like Facebook and Telegram.4. Datuk Seri Ramlan Harun's appointment as the new chairperson of the Election Commission, which has recived criticism from civil society and government backbenchers. Kepong MP Lim Lip...

5. Mini Popek Popek Parlimen, where we cover highlights from the Dewan Rakyat. Today, the Higher Education Ministry's efforts to create alternative pathways for cardiothoracic specialisation, and the Education Ministry's efforts to address student absenteeism.4. Free commemorative tote bags that were given out to customers who visited the Apple Store in TRX Exchange Mall on its opening day are now...

5. For Mini Popek Popek Parlimen, we covered Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim addressing several pressing issues. These included Blackrock’s presence in Malaysia, the rationale for MAHB partnering with GIP, and Malaysia’s decline in the World Competitiveness Ranking.4. Malaysian netizens are not happy with the official attire for the Malaysian contingent at the Paris Olympics, which boasts...

5. Mini Popek Popek Parlimen is back to cover highlights from the Dewan Rakyat! Today we cover: Langkawi possibly becoming a Muslim-friendly tourist destination, frustrations over the ongoing legal battle involving Sulu claims to Sabah, and accusations against Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul for breaking house rules. 4. An 8-year-old Pekingese dog with an untrimmed fur coat, a flippy-floppy tongue, a...

5. The Freedom Film Network has responded to the Home Ministry's updated film censorship guidelines which aim to crack down on content deemed inappropriate. Deborah Augustin, Campaign and Strategy Lead at the Freedom Film Network, shares her thoughts on the new guidelines.4. The Iberian lynx was deemed critically endangered just over 20 years ago, but the latest numbers show that its population ha...

Today's countdown covers:5. The recent campaign from environmental activist group Just Stop Oil, where they left a part of Stonehenge covered in orange powder paint. We reached out to Shaq Koyok, an indigenous artist and environmental activist, for his thoughts on guerilla activism.4. A baby goldfish was found in a stream at Bukit Kiara. The problem is, that it is not a native species there, so th...

Today's countdown covers: 5. Two Malaysians have been shortlisted for the Kofi Annan NextGen Democracy Prize, which celebrates youth leaders for their commitment to the advancement of democracy. We hear from Tharma Pillai, co-founder of Undi18, who was one of the two shortlisted candates. 4. Thailand's Senate has passed a marriage equality bill, making it the first country in Southeast Asia to rec...

Today's countdown covers: 5. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dissolved his war cabinet, following the departure of centrist former general Benny Gantz from the Israeli government. Saul Takahashi, Professor of Human Rights and Peace Studies, Osaka Jogakuin University weighs in on what this means, in regard to the Gaza genocide. 4. After diesel subsidy rationalisations, bus fares and pasar mal...

Today's countdown covers:5. World Blood Donor Day, which falls on June 14th annually. We discuss the continued need for blood donations, and the importance of raising awareness and getting new regular donors. Datuk Dr Alzamani Mohammad Idrose, President of the College of Emergency Physicians share this message in conjunction with this day.4. The serious problem of child labour in Sabah oil palm pl...

Today's countdown includes: 5. Popular spicy noodles hailing from South Korea, Samyang, recalled from shelves in Denmark, after their food and safety agency said the capsaicin can cause acute poisoning.4. A proposal for Singapore to send their teachers to Malaysia. We hear thoughts from Shahnaz Al Sadat, chairperson of LeapEd Services.3. Level-playing field tipped in Sungai Bakap by-election, as a...

Today's countdown includes:5. Singapore's plan to appeal to tourists from Malaysia, with nature-based experiences and attractions. We hear thoughts from Andrew Sebastian, Founder & CEO of Ecotourism and Conservation Society of Malaysia. 4. Malaysia's exit in the World Cup 2024, despite winning with a score of 3-1 against Taiwan. Sports journalist T Avinesh, weighs in. 3. MACC justifying their...

Today's countdown includes: 5. The surge of far-right parties in the European Parliament elections. For this, we hear from Patrick Diamond, associate professor of public policy, Queen Mary University of London, to help us make sense of headlines coming out of this and what's driving Europeans to vote for far-right parties.4. It's Barbie's 65th birthday this year, and Mattel has released nine new B...

Today's countdown includes: 5. Last week, North Korea sent over 3,500 balloons – or “gifts of sincerity” – containing rubbish and manure across the border to their southern neighbour. In defiance of the warning, an NGO, the Fighters for Free North Korea, went ahead and sent 10 balloons containing 200,000 leaflets and 5,000 USBs. Dr Hoo Chiew Ping, senior lecturer at UKM tells us about the history...

Today's countdown includes:5. PichaEats, a social enterprise that sells meals cooked by refugees, was supposed to cater an event at a local university for 500 people, only to find out the order had been a scam. We hear from Luqman Hakim, co-owner of Cakies, a bakery in TTDI, for how caterers deal with situations like this.4. A video of divers touching turtles and spearhunting fish while swimming i...