Beyond the Ballot Box
Beyond the Ballot Box
As they say, democracy doesn't begin and end at the ballot box. On Beyond the Ballot Box, we speak to politicians and analysts and explore burning issues and questions surrounding our fluid and ever-changing political scene.Follow the podcast:
Malaysian Racism Report: How Bad Are Things Looking?
It’s no secret that Malaysia has been plagued with issues of racism, religious extremism and xenophobia, for many years. And things have been intensifying since GE15 which painted a highly polarised Malaysia. But just how bad are things looking? And what can we do about it? Pusat KOMAS recently r…
43:46Clean
How to Avoid the Culture War Trap: Lessons from USA on What NOT to Do
The world is becoming increasingly polarised. Whether it’s in the US, Europe or even Southeast Asia, which includes Malaysia, the increasing polarisation has often led to a focus on hot-button cultural issues at the expense of substantive policy discussions centred around political economy and clas…
38:28Clean
What Does UMNO Polls Tell Us About the Stability of Madani Government?
The results of the 2023 UMNO leadership elections are out. President Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Deputy Chief Mohammad Hasan won their positions uncontested, while Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail, Mohamed Khaled Nordin and Johari Abdul Ghani were elected as vice presidents, while law minister Azalina Othman Said d…
27:40Clean
Just Leave Artists & Filmmakers Alone!
On Monday, Michelle Yeoh won the Best Actress Oscar for her role in Everything Everywhere All At Once. She became the first Asian and better yet, first Malaysian woman to win an Oscar. It was a proud moment for many Malaysians. Even politicians jumped on the bandwagon to congratulate and celebrate …
41:51Clean
Youths & Extremism: Why Are Young People Attracted to Right-Wing Narratives
There is a common misconception that young people are inherently more progressive. But that may not necessarily be the case, be it in Malaysia and Southeast Asia as a whole. Extremism in any form, be it religious, political, or cultural, can lead to violence, hatred, and division within society. …
39:08Clean
Repeal AUKU: Give Students Space to Be Politically Conscious Critical Thinkers
Recently, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin recently said that The government has no plans to repeal the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (Auku). But he also said that they’re open to suggestions on how the Act can be improved. But what exactly is AUKU and wha…
33:49Clean
First 100 Days of PMX: How Did the Reformist Perform?
The 4th of March marked 100 days since Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim became the 10th Prime Minister of Malaysia. Since taking office, the Prime Minister has promised to fight corruption, carry out democratic reforms and improve the lives of the poorest people in the nation. So, how have the Prime Minist…
34:42Clean
Why You Should Demand For Local Government Elections
Local government elections – specifically the need to re-introduce it – has been a hotly debated topic for many years. Decades, even. The lack of local government elections, while seemingly benign, has far-reaching implications for democratic accountability, transparency and clarity in the politica…
26:38Clean
Budget 2023: Government Should Introduce Wealth Tax on Billionaires
Last Friday at Parliament, Prime Minister & Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim unveiled the new Budget 2023. The Budget billed ‘Developing Malaysia Madani’ involves an allocation of RM388.1 billion. But is this budget inspiring? And does it do enough to address the needs of the working c…
43:15Clean
101 on the Jana Wibawa Corruption Scandal
On the 21st of February, Bersatu information chief Wan Saiful Wan Jan and Segambut Bersatu deputy chief Adam Radlan Adam Muhammad were charged in court for alleged corruption. The charges brought to the spotlight a government programme called Jana Wibawa. But what exactly is Jana Wibawa and how muc…
20:46Clean