Veteran Activist on How Malaysia Has Changed Over the Years

Charles Hector is a Malaysian lawyer and prominent human rights advocate known for his long-standing activism on issues such as labour rights, migrant worker protection, and campaigning against the abolition of the ISA back in the day. He’s also been closely associated with civil society groups lik…

What if Socrates and Confucius Had a Conversation About Democracy and Justice?

A Dialogue Across Civilisations: The Polis and the People by Tan Wah-Piow is a short work of political philosophy that stages an imagined conversation between major thinkers from different eras and traditions, including ancient Greek Philosopher, Socrates, revolutionary German thinker, Karl Marx to…

Here’s the Truth About Racism in Malaysia’s Rental Market

If you’re someone who lives in the Klang Valley or in other major cities in the country, chances are you’re at least somewhat aware that there is racial discrimination in the rental market. You may have your own lived experience, heard a story from a friend, or perhaps seen a sign online or walked …

War, Diplomacy, and the Dollar: Insights from a Former Malaysian Ambassador

Dr Ilango Karuppanan is a former Malaysian diplomat who has witnessed firsthand how war and conflict can shape conditions on the ground, including how businesses adapt.  In this episode, we speak to Dr Ilango about some of the lessons he has learned over the years about diplomacy and how the US & …

Why Are Children Getting Detained Under SOSMA?

The Security Offences (Special Measures) Act (SOSMA) has once again come under fire following reports that several minors were detained under its provisions in a recent security operation. The case has sparked concern among human rights groups, including SUARAM, over potential violations of child p…

What Role Will Europe Play in Changing Global Order?

The world is changing at a pace few expected. From the ongoing Russia–Ukraine War to the devastation in Gaza Strip and Israel’s broader regional expansion, the foundations of the post-Cold War order appear increasingly unstable. At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Mark Carney warned that there is…

Oil Shocks to Inflation: How Should Malaysia Respond to the US–Israel–Iran War?

In late February 2026, the United States and Israel carried out coordinated illegal military strikes on Iran, which is a sovereign country. Within the first few days, they bombed a school full of young Iranian girls and assassinated Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Iranian head of state. This set off a …

How Late-Stage Capitalism Produces a World of Permanent Crisis

Today, we’re living through what often feels like a constant stream of disruptions, from wars, economic instability, the climate change, and even loneliness and a loss of meaning and purpose in life.  In an article for For Pol India, political analyst Manishankar Prasad argues that these crises ar…

Former Prime Minister of Timor-Leste on History, Culture and Development Strategies

Timor-Leste is a relatively young nation with an incredibly rich history and culture that many, even within the region, may not be very familiar with. It is also the newest member of ASEAN. In this episode, we’re joined by Dr Rui Maria de Araújo. Dr Rui, who's a member of the revolutionary centre-…

Local Councilor Kusaaliny on Transforming Petaling Jaya and Navigating Racial & Religious Tensions

Petaling Jaya was originally developed in the 1950s as one of Malaysia’s first planned suburbs, built to house residents moving out of the crowded city centre of Kuala Lumpur. Decades later, many of its neighbourhoods are ageing even as demand to live in PJ remains strong because of its central l…