Starting January 1st 2026, Malaysia will automatically license major social media platforms with over eight million users, including WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Telegram, and YouTube, under the Communications and Multimedia Act. What impact will this have? We discuss with Dr Benjamin Loh.



• PAS pushes racial rhetorics over Hannah Yeoh's new appointment: PAS has criticised Hannah Yeoh’s historic appointment as Federal Territories minister, framing it as ethnic power concentration. How does PAS’ racial narrative undermine its bid to broaden support? We hear from Dr Oh Ei Sun, principal advisor at the Pacific Research Centre, about this.

• Anti-misogyny training in UK schools: The UK is rolling out anti‑misogyny training in schools to curb violence against women and girls. Teachers will be trained to challenge harmful myths and spot abusive behaviours, while high‑risk students receive extra support. We discuss how effective this plan is. 

• Bridge to Indonesia (from Melaka): Melaka is exploring a 47.7 km bridge to Sumatra, with a feasibility study set to begin next year. Supporters tout its economic potential, while critics question the state’s finances and the need for such a project. We hear thoughts from Associate Professor Dr Fauzan Mohd Jakarni, Head of the Department of Civil Engineering at University Putra Malaysia.

• Donald Trump renames the Kennedy Center after himself: This has sparked legal, political, and cultural backlash, highlighting the clash between tradition, law, and Trump’s ongoing culture war. We explore.



Image Credit: Pexels

Starting January 1st 2026, Malaysia will automatically license major social media platforms with over eight million users, including WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Telegram, and YouTube, under the Communications and Multimedia Act. What impact will this have? We discuss with Dr Benjamin Loh.• PAS pushes racial rhetorics over Hannah Yeoh's new appointment: PAS has criticised Hannah Yeoh’s historic appointment as Federal Territories minister, framing it as ethnic power concentration. How does PAS’ racial narrative undermine its bid to broaden support? We hear from Dr Oh Ei Sun, principal advisor at the Pacific Research Centre, about this.• Anti-misogyny training in UK schools: The UK is rolling out anti‑misogyny training in schools to curb violence against women and girls. Teachers will be trained to challenge harmful myths and spot abusive behaviours, while high‑risk students receive extra support. We discuss how effective this plan is. • Bridge to Indonesia (from Melaka): Melaka is exploring a 47.7 km bridge to Sumatra, with a feasibility study set to begin next year. Supporters tout its economic potential, while critics question the state’s finances and the need for such a project. We hear thoughts from Associate Professor Dr Fauzan Mohd Jakarni, Head of the Department of Civil Engineering at University Putra Malaysia.• Donald Trump renames the Kennedy Center after himself: This has sparked legal, political, and cultural backlash, highlighting the clash between tradition, law, and Trump’s ongoing culture war. We explore.Image Credit: Pexels

Top 5 at 5: All Social Media Platforms To Be Licensed

A new report by the reform group, Projek SAMA examines 28 corruption, criminal breach of trust, and money‑laundering cases involving 21 elected politicians between 2018 and 2025, highlighting patterns of prosecutorial withdrawals, long delays, and inconsistent handling that continue to fuel public perceptions of a two‑tiered justice system. We discuss the findings with Ngeow Chow Ying, a convenor at Projek SAMA. (Starts at 24:26)


• Residents urge stop to Ayer Hitam development: 700 people protested a development deal proposed for an area near Ayer Hitam, one of the remaining forested areas in the Selangor region. We hear from Bandar Puteri 9 Resident’s Association secretary Kathryn Wong for more on the issue. (Starts at 18:14)

• No more pets for pet-friendly malls: After some controversy involving assemblypersons and public boycotts, Sunway Square u-turned on their pet-friendly policy. We get into it. (Starts at 10:32)

• Bad weather worsens conditions in Gaza: A recent storm uprooted tents, collapsed buildings collapsed and killed several people, including a two-week-old baby. We speak to Dr Hani Thuraya, who is the ground coordinator in Gaza for Viva Palestina Malaysia, about what the people of Gaza need to survive. (Starts at 6:12)

• China raises taxes on condoms: From January next year, condoms and other contraceptives will lose a tax exemption they have enjoyed for more than 30 years. We discuss whether this works in the grand scheme of encouraging parenthood. (Starts at 0:23)


Image Credit: Shutterstock

A new report by the reform group, Projek SAMA examines 28 corruption, criminal breach of trust, and money‑laundering cases involving 21 elected politicians between 2018 and 2025, highlighting patterns of prosecutorial withdrawals, long delays, and inconsistent handling that continue to fuel public perceptions of a two‑tiered justice system. We discuss the findings with Ngeow Chow Ying, a convenor at Projek SAMA. (Starts at 24:26) • Residents urge stop to Ayer Hitam development: 700 people protested a development deal proposed for an area near Ayer Hitam, one of the remaining forested areas in the Selangor region. We hear from Bandar Puteri 9 Resident’s Association secretary Kathryn Wong for more on the issue. (Starts at 18:14)• No more pets for pet-friendly malls: After some controversy involving assemblypersons and public boycotts, Sunway Square u-turned on their pet-friendly policy. We get into it. (Starts at 10:32)• Bad weather worsens conditions in Gaza: A recent storm uprooted tents, collapsed buildings collapsed and killed several people, including a two-week-old baby. We speak to Dr Hani Thuraya, who is the ground coordinator in Gaza for Viva Palestina Malaysia, about what the people of Gaza need to survive. (Starts at 6:12)• China raises taxes on condoms: From January next year, condoms and other contraceptives will lose a tax exemption they have enjoyed for more than 30 years. We discuss whether this works in the grand scheme of encouraging parenthood. (Starts at 0:23) Image Credit: Shutterstock

Top 5 at 5: A Look at Corruption After 2018

Malaysian Women's Action for Tobacco Control and Health or MyWATCH recently released the 2025 Malaysian Tobacco Industry Interference Index, a biennial report which looks at the extent to which the tobacco industry and its proxies is involved or interfered with public health policies. To shed light on their report, we speak to Associate Professor Dr Norashidah Mohamed Nor, an economic expert with myWATCH. (Starts at 21:46)

• Durian Tunggal case reclassified as murder: The announcement comes from the Attorney General's Chambers, amidst mounting public scrutiny from the family of the deceased. We speak to criminal lawyer, Goh Cia Yee, about what this reclassification means and how cases involving police violence are typically handled. (Starts at 17:16)
• RapidKL updates transit passes for 2026: From increased prices to changes to eligibility, Prasarana says these changes come after a decade of expansion in the Klang Valley public transportation network. We dicsuss the changes, and more. (Starts at 12:42)
• Better food security with crop rotation: The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry is looking to expand crop rotation practices nationwide, specifically in food parks in Selangor and Johor. For more on this, we hear from Muhammad Firdaus Sulaiman, senior lecturer at the Faculty of Agriculture at University Putra Malaysia. (Starts at 06:35)
• Bao business shuts doors after seven decades: The Yik Keng Traditional Bao Shop at Mutiara Island Wholesale Market will close down after the family-run business failed to find a successor for the business. We get into the loss of family-run businesses amidst a gentrified economy. (Starts at 00:24)

Image Credit: Shutterstock

Malaysian Women's Action for Tobacco Control and Health or MyWATCH recently released the 2025 Malaysian Tobacco Industry Interference Index, a biennial report which looks at the extent to which the tobacco industry and its proxies is involved or interfered with public health policies. To shed light on their report, we speak to Associate Professor Dr Norashidah Mohamed Nor, an economic expert with myWATCH. (Starts at 21:46) • Durian Tunggal case reclassified as murder: The announcement comes from the Attorney General's Chambers, amidst mounting public scrutiny from the family of the deceased. We speak to criminal lawyer, Goh Cia Yee, about what this reclassification means and how cases involving police violence are typically handled. (Starts at 17:16) • RapidKL updates transit passes for 2026: From increased prices to changes to eligibility, Prasarana says these changes come after a decade of expansion in the Klang Valley public transportation network. We dicsuss the changes, and more. (Starts at 12:42) • Better food security with crop rotation: The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry is looking to expand crop rotation practices nationwide, specifically in food parks in Selangor and Johor. For more on this, we hear from Muhammad Firdaus Sulaiman, senior lecturer at the Faculty of Agriculture at University Putra Malaysia. (Starts at 06:35) • Bao business shuts doors after seven decades: The Yik Keng Traditional Bao Shop at Mutiara Island Wholesale Market will close down after the family-run business failed to find a successor for the business. We get into the loss of family-run businesses amidst a gentrified economy. (Starts at 00:24) Image Credit: Shutterstock

Top 5 at 5: Big Tobacco vs. Public Health

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has announced a Cabinet reshuffle this afternoon, the results of which have been surprising. We speak to Dr Syaza Shukri, Associate Professor of Political Science at the International Islamic University Malaysia, to make sense of the decisions made and its potential implications for governance.


• Youth groups gear up for anti-graft rally: A new secretariat of youth organisations is planning a nationwide anti-graft demonstration early next year, following resolutions passed at the annual Kongress Anak Muda. We hear from Faisal Aziz, chairman of Bersih, on the rally’s objectives, and Fadhil Kasim, vice president of Liga Demokratik, who explains the urgency of the rally.

• Seri Negara reopens after heritage restoration: Galeri Seri Negara, formerly known as King’s House and part of the Carcosa complex, opens to the public on 20 December after a 10-month restoration project under Khazanah Nasional’s Warisan KL initiative. We get into it.

• Illegal steroids flooding local communities: Authorities recently raided several premises in the Klang Valley linked to the illegal trade of anabolic steroids, seizing over RM3 million worth of products. We speak to Nor Hamidi bin Shahirudin from the Pharmacy Enforcement Division on enforcement efforts, and Harpreet Kaur, Executive Director of the Malaysian Pharmacists Society, about the high demand for these illicit medicines.

• Doctors prescribe ‘nature time’ for mental health: Globally, physicians are now prescribing time outdoors to improve stress, mental health, and immunity, highlighting the benefits of integrating more green spaces into urban life. We discuss.

*Correction: In the podcast, Syaza Shukri is incorrectly referred to as the Head of Department of Political Science and Madani Studies at IIUM. Her correct designation is Associate Professor at said department.

Image Credit: Anwar Ibrahim Official Facebook

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has announced a Cabinet reshuffle this afternoon, the results of which have been surprising. We speak to Dr Syaza Shukri, Associate Professor of Political Science at the International Islamic University Malaysia, to make sense of the decisions made and its potential implications for governance. • Youth groups gear up for anti-graft rally: A new secretariat of youth organisations is planning a nationwide anti-graft demonstration early next year, following resolutions passed at the annual Kongress Anak Muda. We hear from Faisal Aziz, chairman of Bersih, on the rally’s objectives, and Fadhil Kasim, vice president of Liga Demokratik, who explains the urgency of the rally.• Seri Negara reopens after heritage restoration: Galeri Seri Negara, formerly known as King’s House and part of the Carcosa complex, opens to the public on 20 December after a 10-month restoration project under Khazanah Nasional’s Warisan KL initiative. We get into it.• Illegal steroids flooding local communities: Authorities recently raided several premises in the Klang Valley linked to the illegal trade of anabolic steroids, seizing over RM3 million worth of products. We speak to Nor Hamidi bin Shahirudin from the Pharmacy Enforcement Division on enforcement efforts, and Harpreet Kaur, Executive Director of the Malaysian Pharmacists Society, about the high demand for these illicit medicines.• Doctors prescribe ‘nature time’ for mental health: Globally, physicians are now prescribing time outdoors to improve stress, mental health, and immunity, highlighting the benefits of integrating more green spaces into urban life. We discuss. *Correction: In the podcast, Syaza Shukri is incorrectly referred to as the Head of Department of Political Science and Madani Studies at IIUM. Her correct designation is Associate Professor at said department. Image Credit: Anwar Ibrahim Official Facebook

Top 5 at 5: Making Sense of Anwar's Major Cabinet Reshuffle

The Unified Examination Certificate, or UEC, is back in the spotlight as DAP renews calls for its recognition, drawing strong pushback from Umno Youth and other opponents. We speak to Oh Ei Sun, Principal Adviser of the Pacific Research Center in Malaysia, to examine both sides of this long-standing debate. (Starts at 23:06)


• Govt promises no new plantations in forests: The Plantation and Commodities Minister has vowed to halt clearing forests for new plantations, focusing instead on yield improvements in existing plantations. Andrew Sebastian, CEO of ECOMY, shares his thoughts on the new policy. (Starts at 16:40)

• Mass shootings spark global debate on gun violence: From Bondi Beach to Brown University, recent mass shootings have renewed international discussion on gun control, political framing, and media narratives. We discuss how tragedy and politics intertwine in reporting and public perception. (Starts at 10:52)

• Sumatran floods threaten Tapanuli Orangutans: Cyclone Senyar has devastated communities and wildlife in Sumatra, wiping out up to 11% of the rare Tapanuli orangutan population. Panut Hadisiswoyo, founder of the Orangutan Information Centre Sumatra, shares how we can prevent further losses and protect the species’ survival. (Starts at 5:31)

• Malaysia’s road safety crisis continues: Fatal road accidents remain a major concern, with negligence accounting for over 40% of cases. Experts call for stricter enforcement, defensive driving education, and policy reforms to curb preventable deaths. We discuss whether these are the best solutions. (Starts at 0:13)


Image Credit: Shutterstock

The Unified Examination Certificate, or UEC, is back in the spotlight as DAP renews calls for its recognition, drawing strong pushback from Umno Youth and other opponents. We speak to Oh Ei Sun, Principal Adviser of the Pacific Research Center in Malaysia, to examine both sides of this long-standing debate. (Starts at 23:06) • Govt promises no new plantations in forests: The Plantation and Commodities Minister has vowed to halt clearing forests for new plantations, focusing instead on yield improvements in existing plantations. Andrew Sebastian, CEO of ECOMY, shares his thoughts on the new policy. (Starts at 16:40)• Mass shootings spark global debate on gun violence: From Bondi Beach to Brown University, recent mass shootings have renewed international discussion on gun control, political framing, and media narratives. We discuss how tragedy and politics intertwine in reporting and public perception. (Starts at 10:52)• Sumatran floods threaten Tapanuli Orangutans: Cyclone Senyar has devastated communities and wildlife in Sumatra, wiping out up to 11% of the rare Tapanuli orangutan population. Panut Hadisiswoyo, founder of the Orangutan Information Centre Sumatra, shares how we can prevent further losses and protect the species’ survival. (Starts at 5:31)• Malaysia’s road safety crisis continues: Fatal road accidents remain a major concern, with negligence accounting for over 40% of cases. Experts call for stricter enforcement, defensive driving education, and policy reforms to curb preventable deaths. We discuss whether these are the best solutions. (Starts at 0:13) Image Credit: Shutterstock

Top 5 at 5: UEC Debate Heats Up Again

Parti Sosialis Malaysia is calling for a moratorium on new private hospitals to reduce the imbalance of workers between public and private hospitals. We unpack these trends and discuss the rise of medical tourism with Dr Cecilia Anthonysamy, member of the Save Our Public Healthcare Campaign at Parti Sosialis Malaysia. (Starts at 22:28)



• Rosmah cleared of all money laundering charges: The Attorney General's Chambers withdrew their appeal claim after being satisfied that there was no prospect of success if the appeal was continued. We discuss this development with criminal lawyer Grace Nathan. (Starts at 15:53)

• TIME Magazine unveils their 'People of the Year': This year, the magazine acknowledged American tech titans from the AI industry. We discuss the two cover designs and reflect on past honorees who shaped the culture of their time. (Starts at 10:34)

• Long Ikang longhouse at risk: Residents of the longhouse situated alongside the Baram river expressed fear that their homes could be swept away when the river floods. We learn about how erosion has affected the longhouses over the years, as well as measures put in place by local authorities from Peter Kallang, chairman of SAVE Rivers. (Starts at 5:40)

• Last couple of weeks of SARA Aid: The one off 100 ringgit cash assistance was first credited to our MyKads on August 31st but now we only have less than 19 days left to use it all up. We discuss how the rollout has gone, and what we're planning to buy. (Starts at 00:24)



Image Credit: Shutterstock

Parti Sosialis Malaysia is calling for a moratorium on new private hospitals to reduce the imbalance of workers between public and private hospitals. We unpack these trends and discuss the rise of medical tourism with Dr Cecilia Anthonysamy, member of the Save Our Public Healthcare Campaign at Parti Sosialis Malaysia. (Starts at 22:28)• Rosmah cleared of all money laundering charges: The Attorney General's Chambers withdrew their appeal claim after being satisfied that there was no prospect of success if the appeal was continued. We discuss this development with criminal lawyer Grace Nathan. (Starts at 15:53)• TIME Magazine unveils their 'People of the Year': This year, the magazine acknowledged American tech titans from the AI industry. We discuss the two cover designs and reflect on past honorees who shaped the culture of their time. (Starts at 10:34)• Long Ikang longhouse at risk: Residents of the longhouse situated alongside the Baram river expressed fear that their homes could be swept away when the river floods. We learn about how erosion has affected the longhouses over the years, as well as measures put in place by local authorities from Peter Kallang, chairman of SAVE Rivers. (Starts at 5:40)• Last couple of weeks of SARA Aid: The one off 100 ringgit cash assistance was first credited to our MyKads on August 31st but now we only have less than 19 days left to use it all up. We discuss how the rollout has gone, and what we're planning to buy. (Starts at 00:24)Image Credit: Shutterstock

Top 5 at 5: Closing the Gap Between Public and Private Healthcare

Australia has officially rolled out its landmark ban on social media accounts for anyone under 16, the first policy of its kind in the world. We speak to journalist and ANU Malaysia Institute associate Kean Wong on what this bold move means amid global debates on Big Tech regulation, online harms, and youth wellbeing. (Starts at 22:46)



• Malaysia closes the chapter on Sulu claim: The Paris Court of Appeal has nullified the Sulu heirs’ USD14.9 billion arbitration award, ruling their arbitrator acted without legal authority. We hear from Datuk Roger Chin, former President of the Sabah Law Society on why this finally brings the long-running dispute to an end. (Starts at 16:42)

• LRT3 faces fresh delays over safety tests: The Shah Alam LRT line is again pushed back as trainsets struggle to meet required speeds during fault-free testing, with documentation gaps further delaying certification. We take a closer look at what went wrong. (Starts at 12:54)

• NGOs renew calls to gazette Sungai Johor: Environmental groups want the Johor River basin formally protected amid repeated pollution incidents and heavy sand-mining activity. Dr Kali Kalithasan, manager of the River Care Programme at the Global Environment Centre explains why this is important. (Starts at 7:06)

• Malaysia’s first ‘youth retirement home’: A RM2,000-a-month retreat for burnt-out young adults has gone viral, hailed by some as a sanctuary and dismissed by others as escapism. We explore what its popularity reveals about youth burnout today. (Starts at 00:24)



Image Credit: Shutterstock

Australia has officially rolled out its landmark ban on social media accounts for anyone under 16, the first policy of its kind in the world. We speak to journalist and ANU Malaysia Institute associate Kean Wong on what this bold move means amid global debates on Big Tech regulation, online harms, and youth wellbeing. (Starts at 22:46)• Malaysia closes the chapter on Sulu claim: The Paris Court of Appeal has nullified the Sulu heirs’ USD14.9 billion arbitration award, ruling their arbitrator acted without legal authority. We hear from Datuk Roger Chin, former President of the Sabah Law Society on why this finally brings the long-running dispute to an end. (Starts at 16:42)• LRT3 faces fresh delays over safety tests: The Shah Alam LRT line is again pushed back as trainsets struggle to meet required speeds during fault-free testing, with documentation gaps further delaying certification. We take a closer look at what went wrong. (Starts at 12:54)• NGOs renew calls to gazette Sungai Johor: Environmental groups want the Johor River basin formally protected amid repeated pollution incidents and heavy sand-mining activity. Dr Kali Kalithasan, manager of the River Care Programme at the Global Environment Centre explains why this is important. (Starts at 7:06)• Malaysia’s first ‘youth retirement home’: A RM2,000-a-month retreat for burnt-out young adults has gone viral, hailed by some as a sanctuary and dismissed by others as escapism. We explore what its popularity reveals about youth burnout today. (Starts at 00:24)Image Credit: Shutterstock

Top 5 at 5: Australia's Social Media Ban Is Causing a Stir

Reporters Without Borders has released its latest annual round-up, revealing another grim year for media freedom: 67 journalists killed, nearly half in Gaza, hundreds detained, and scores missing or held hostage. We speak to Wathshlah Naidu, Executive Director of the Centre for Independent Journalism, to unpack the findings and what they mean for press freedom in our region. (Starts at 22:36)


• Hundreds of pharmacists left in job limbo: Over 700 government pharmacists face losing their jobs next year after being shifted into the same pool as brand-new applicants, despite years of service. We hear from Amrahi Buang, President of the Malaysian Pharmacists Society on what this reveals about the wider contract system crisis. (Starts at 18:20)

• Police turn away "underdressed" accident victim: A woman involved in a traffic accident was denied the right to file a police report due to her skirt length, sparking public outrage. We explore what this incident says about access to justice and outdated SOPs. (Starts at 13:34)

• Malaysia among world's top importers of used textiles: Malaysia now ranks fourth globally in used and waste textile imports, with much of it ending up in landfills due to poor quality. Melissa Tan, country coordinator of Fashion Revolution Malaysia weighs in on how consumers can help curb the growing textile waste problem. (Starts at 6:41)

• KL–JB ETS set to launch this Friday: A new ETS route will cut KL–JB travel time nearly in half, marking a major boost for domestic travel and future links to Singapore. We look at what commuters can expect as the route opens this weekend. (Starts at 0:23)


Image Credit: Shutterstock

Reporters Without Borders has released its latest annual round-up, revealing another grim year for media freedom: 67 journalists killed, nearly half in Gaza, hundreds detained, and scores missing or held hostage. We speak to Wathshlah Naidu, Executive Director of the Centre for Independent Journalism, to unpack the findings and what they mean for press freedom in our region. (Starts at 22:36) • Hundreds of pharmacists left in job limbo: Over 700 government pharmacists face losing their jobs next year after being shifted into the same pool as brand-new applicants, despite years of service. We hear from Amrahi Buang, President of the Malaysian Pharmacists Society on what this reveals about the wider contract system crisis. (Starts at 18:20)• Police turn away "underdressed" accident victim: A woman involved in a traffic accident was denied the right to file a police report due to her skirt length, sparking public outrage. We explore what this incident says about access to justice and outdated SOPs. (Starts at 13:34)• Malaysia among world's top importers of used textiles: Malaysia now ranks fourth globally in used and waste textile imports, with much of it ending up in landfills due to poor quality. Melissa Tan, country coordinator of Fashion Revolution Malaysia weighs in on how consumers can help curb the growing textile waste problem. (Starts at 6:41)• KL–JB ETS set to launch this Friday: A new ETS route will cut KL–JB travel time nearly in half, marking a major boost for domestic travel and future links to Singapore. We look at what commuters can expect as the route opens this weekend. (Starts at 0:23) Image Credit: Shutterstock

Top 5 at 5: Hundreds of Journalists Killed and Held Hostage in 2025

Last night, clashes erupted along the disputed Thailand-Cambodia border killing at least three Thai soldiers and nine Cambodian civilians. Each side accuses the other of initiating the conflict, and neighbouring countries have urged restraint . We break down the contributing factors that led to the dissolution of the peace plan and the risks that could escalate the clash with Phar Kim Beng, Director of the Institute of International and ASEAN Studies at International Islamic University Malaysia. (Starts at 22:35)

• Two students with disabilities sexually assaulted in dormitories: The two separate incidents were reported to the Marang district police and so far no arrests have been made as investigations are still ongoing. We hear from Ajeet Kaur, lawyer and co-chairperson of children's rights NGO CRIB Foundation about why children with disabilities are more vulnerable to sexual abuse, and what social support is needed for victims. (Starts at 17:20)
• Are our road complaints finally being heard?: The government has just rolled out the upgraded MyJalan 2.0 app for users to file complaints about potholes, missing traffic lights and the like. The upgraded app also comes with real-time tracking, safety analytics, and smarter integration to speed up road repairs. We break down the impact of these apps on the ground. (Starts at 12:50)
• China orders compensation for MH370 victim families: Malaysia Airlines was ordered to pay over 2.9 million yuan per case to the families of eight missing passengers who were on board MH370. We speak to Lai Wai Fong, a dispute resolution lawyer who specialises in aviation to understand the court decision and find out what it means for families seeking closure. (Starts at 5:50)
• Netflix, Warner Bros and the future of cinema: Netflix is proposing to buy Warner Brothers. Discovery for 80 billion dollars in what many observers describe as a deal that could upend the Hollywood film industry permanently. With fellow media conglomerate Paramount launching a hostile bid worth 100 billion dollars, we discuss the importance of theatrical releases and the impact this deal will have on the average consumer. (Starts at 00:24)

Image Credit: Shutterstock

Last night, clashes erupted along the disputed Thailand-Cambodia border killing at least three Thai soldiers and nine Cambodian civilians. Each side accuses the other of initiating the conflict, and neighbouring countries have urged restraint . We break down the contributing factors that led to the dissolution of the peace plan and the risks that could escalate the clash with Phar Kim Beng, Director of the Institute of International and ASEAN Studies at International Islamic University Malaysia. (Starts at 22:35) • Two students with disabilities sexually assaulted in dormitories: The two separate incidents were reported to the Marang district police and so far no arrests have been made as investigations are still ongoing. We hear from Ajeet Kaur, lawyer and co-chairperson of children's rights NGO CRIB Foundation about why children with disabilities are more vulnerable to sexual abuse, and what social support is needed for victims. (Starts at 17:20) • Are our road complaints finally being heard?: The government has just rolled out the upgraded MyJalan 2.0 app for users to file complaints about potholes, missing traffic lights and the like. The upgraded app also comes with real-time tracking, safety analytics, and smarter integration to speed up road repairs. We break down the impact of these apps on the ground. (Starts at 12:50) • China orders compensation for MH370 victim families: Malaysia Airlines was ordered to pay over 2.9 million yuan per case to the families of eight missing passengers who were on board MH370. We speak to Lai Wai Fong, a dispute resolution lawyer who specialises in aviation to understand the court decision and find out what it means for families seeking closure. (Starts at 5:50) • Netflix, Warner Bros and the future of cinema: Netflix is proposing to buy Warner Brothers. Discovery for 80 billion dollars in what many observers describe as a deal that could upend the Hollywood film industry permanently. With fellow media conglomerate Paramount launching a hostile bid worth 100 billion dollars, we discuss the importance of theatrical releases and the impact this deal will have on the average consumer. (Starts at 00:24) Image Credit: Shutterstock

Top 5 at 5: Thailand-Cambodia Border Clashes Escalate

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim says hardcore poverty could be eradicated by March next year, citing aggressive government aid as the main driver. We speak to Niaz Asadullah, Adjunct Professor at the College of Population Studies, Chulalongkorn University, about whether the data supports the optimism and what structural barriers still remain. (Starts at 23:33)


• Families dispute police account of Durian Tunggal shooting: Police say the three men killed were armed-robbery suspects and that an officer fired in self-defense, but families have released audio suggesting otherwise. Lawyer N. Surendran of Lawyers for Liberty breaks down the inconsistencies and the limitations of current oversight mechanisms. (Starts at 18:14)

• Homes near transit have fewer parking lots?: Transport Minister Anthony Loke wants developers to build fewer parking bays for new projects near LRT and MRT stations, arguing that current requirements inflate housing prices and discourage transit use. We discuss how cities like Singapore, Tokyo, and Sydney tackled similar reforms and what this could mean for affordability and car-dependence in Malaysia. (Starts at 12:37)

• What Trump’s new National Security Strategy means for the world: The latest U.S. National Security Strategy reframes America’s priorities, shifting resources to the Western Hemisphere, adopting confrontational language toward Europe, and outlines a harder deterrence posture in the Indo-Pacific. Thomas Daniel, Director of Foreign Policy and Security Studies at ISIS Malaysia, analyses what’s new and what matters for Asia. (Starts at 6:02)

• FIFA’s 2026 World Cup draw becomes a Trump showcase: What should have been a straightforward World Cup draw turned surreal when FIFA President Gianni Infantino unveiled a brand-new Peace Prize and awarded its first-ever edition to Donald Trump. We unpack why the draw felt more like a political performance than a football event. (Starts at 0:24)

Image Credit: Shutterstock

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim says hardcore poverty could be eradicated by March next year, citing aggressive government aid as the main driver. We speak to Niaz Asadullah, Adjunct Professor at the College of Population Studies, Chulalongkorn University, about whether the data supports the optimism and what structural barriers still remain. (Starts at 23:33) • Families dispute police account of Durian Tunggal shooting: Police say the three men killed were armed-robbery suspects and that an officer fired in self-defense, but families have released audio suggesting otherwise. Lawyer N. Surendran of Lawyers for Liberty breaks down the inconsistencies and the limitations of current oversight mechanisms. (Starts at 18:14)• Homes near transit have fewer parking lots?: Transport Minister Anthony Loke wants developers to build fewer parking bays for new projects near LRT and MRT stations, arguing that current requirements inflate housing prices and discourage transit use. We discuss how cities like Singapore, Tokyo, and Sydney tackled similar reforms and what this could mean for affordability and car-dependence in Malaysia. (Starts at 12:37)• What Trump’s new National Security Strategy means for the world: The latest U.S. National Security Strategy reframes America’s priorities, shifting resources to the Western Hemisphere, adopting confrontational language toward Europe, and outlines a harder deterrence posture in the Indo-Pacific. Thomas Daniel, Director of Foreign Policy and Security Studies at ISIS Malaysia, analyses what’s new and what matters for Asia. (Starts at 6:02)• FIFA’s 2026 World Cup draw becomes a Trump showcase: What should have been a straightforward World Cup draw turned surreal when FIFA President Gianni Infantino unveiled a brand-new Peace Prize and awarded its first-ever edition to Donald Trump. We unpack why the draw felt more like a political performance than a football event. (Starts at 0:24) Image Credit: Shutterstock

Top 5 at 5: Can Malaysia End Hardcore Poverty by 2026?

A countdown of the 5 biggest stories of the day, to catch you up on all you need to know!

Top 5 At 5

Social links:

Follow the podcast:

357 clip(s)