On the final day of the ASEAN Future Forum 2025, we discuss ASEAN navigating changing geopolitical dynamics with Daniel Flitton, Managing Editor of The Interpreter from the Lowy Institute.


Other stories we covered:


• Teoh Beng Hock investigation: Teoh Beng Hock's family urges authorities to focus on key suspects and findings, raising concerns over the investigation's direction. We speak with Teoh Lee Lan, Beng Hock's sister, about their demands for justice.

• Unregistered childcare centres in Selangor: 15% of childcare centres in Selangor remain unregistered, posing risks for child abuse and neglect. We hear from Anfaal Saari, Selangor exco for women development and social welfare about why its important to be compliant with the Child Care Centre Act and the consequences of unlicensed premises.

• E-Hailing drivers' illegal pickups: E-hailing drivers in Perak are warned against taking jobs outside their apps, which violates company guidelines and is linked to illegal activities. Mohamad Azril Ahmat, Deputy President of the Grab Drivers Association Malaysia weighs in on this.

•  Popek Popek Parlimen: Today's focus was on climate change and landslides in Cameron Highlands. MPs also discussed road accidents involving heavy vehicles and the suspension of vehicle operator licenses due to these accidents.


Image Credit: Shutterstock

On the final day of the ASEAN Future Forum 2025, we discuss ASEAN navigating changing geopolitical dynamics with Daniel Flitton, Managing Editor of The Interpreter from the Lowy Institute. Other stories we covered: • Teoh Beng Hock investigation: Teoh Beng Hock's family urges authorities to focus on key suspects and findings, raising concerns over the investigation's direction. We speak with Teoh Lee Lan, Beng Hock's sister, about their demands for justice.• Unregistered childcare centres in Selangor: 15% of childcare centres in Selangor remain unregistered, posing risks for child abuse and neglect. We hear from Anfaal Saari, Selangor exco for women development and social welfare about why its important to be compliant with the Child Care Centre Act and the consequences of unlicensed premises.• E-Hailing drivers' illegal pickups: E-hailing drivers in Perak are warned against taking jobs outside their apps, which violates company guidelines and is linked to illegal activities. Mohamad Azril Ahmat, Deputy President of the Grab Drivers Association Malaysia weighs in on this.• Popek Popek Parlimen: Today's focus was on climate change and landslides in Cameron Highlands. MPs also discussed road accidents involving heavy vehicles and the suspension of vehicle operator licenses due to these accidents. Image Credit: Shutterstock

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

Top 5 At 5

Top 5 at 5: ASEAN Future Forum #3 - Navigating Geopolitical Shifts

Transport Minister Anthony Loke says the government is operating in “crisis mode” as the Middle East conflict disrupts global supply chains and pushes fuel prices to record highs. With short-term measures like WFH flexibility, air-conditioning limits, and calls for carpooling, questions remain over who will bear the brunt of the crisis, whether subsidy rationalisation should be accelerated, and how far belt-tightening can go without slowing the economy. We explore this with Dr Tricia Yeoh. (Starts at 22:58)


• AG defends murder charge in Klang DUI case: Attorney-General Tan Sri Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar has justified the rare decision to pursue a murder charge against R. Saktygaanapathy over a fatal DUI crash in Klang, citing dashcam evidence and witness testimony that the driver’s actions were “imminently dangerous.” We speak to criminal lawyer Goh Cia Yee about what the courts need to do to prove the charge. (Starts at 16:19)

• Govt offices to raise AC temperatures: In a bid to cut energy use amid rising fuel costs, the government has ordered all government offices to set air-conditioners at 24°C and allow casual attire. The move is part of wider efforts to manage national energy consumption as global supply disruptions push diesel prices in Malaysia to record highs. We discuss this move. (Starts at 11:17)

• Contract pharmacists face job loss amid delays: Forty-five contract pharmacists are set to lose their jobs tomorrow after months of waiting for permanent appointments, with more facing expiry in July. Despite high demand in public hospitals, delays in issuing letters have left many in uncertainty. We speak to Amrahi Buang, President of the Malaysian Pharmacists Society about this. (Starts at 6:13)

•  Artemis II marks historic return to the moon: NASA’s Artemis II mission has launched, sending humans beyond Earth’s orbit for the first time in over five decades. The 10-day journey will carry the diverse crew farther from Earth than ever before, setting the stage for future moon landings and eventual missions to Mars. (Starts at 0:23)


Image Credit: Shutterstock

Transport Minister Anthony Loke says the government is operating in “crisis mode” as the Middle East conflict disrupts global supply chains and pushes fuel prices to record highs. With short-term measures like WFH flexibility, air-conditioning limits, and calls for carpooling, questions remain over who will bear the brunt of the crisis, whether subsidy rationalisation should be accelerated, and how far belt-tightening can go without slowing the economy. We explore this with Dr Tricia Yeoh. (Starts at 22:58) • AG defends murder charge in Klang DUI case: Attorney-General Tan Sri Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar has justified the rare decision to pursue a murder charge against R. Saktygaanapathy over a fatal DUI crash in Klang, citing dashcam evidence and witness testimony that the driver’s actions were “imminently dangerous.” We speak to criminal lawyer Goh Cia Yee about what the courts need to do to prove the charge. (Starts at 16:19)• Govt offices to raise AC temperatures: In a bid to cut energy use amid rising fuel costs, the government has ordered all government offices to set air-conditioners at 24°C and allow casual attire. The move is part of wider efforts to manage national energy consumption as global supply disruptions push diesel prices in Malaysia to record highs. We discuss this move. (Starts at 11:17)• Contract pharmacists face job loss amid delays: Forty-five contract pharmacists are set to lose their jobs tomorrow after months of waiting for permanent appointments, with more facing expiry in July. Despite high demand in public hospitals, delays in issuing letters have left many in uncertainty. We speak to Amrahi Buang, President of the Malaysian Pharmacists Society about this. (Starts at 6:13)• Artemis II marks historic return to the moon: NASA’s Artemis II mission has launched, sending humans beyond Earth’s orbit for the first time in over five decades. The 10-day journey will carry the diverse crew farther from Earth than ever before, setting the stage for future moon landings and eventual missions to Mars. (Starts at 0:23) Image Credit: Shutterstock

Top 5 at 5: Malaysia in Crisis Mode Amid US-Iran Conflict

Several individuals have been arrested over alleged sexual abuse of boys at a Selayang children’s home, which was found to be operating without Social Welfare Department oversight. The case only came to light after former residents spoke out, raising concerns about gaps in monitoring, delayed detection, and systemic failures in child protection. We discuss what needs to change with James Nayagam, chairman of Suriana Welfare Society. (Starts at 23:50)


• Sungai Buloh nurseries face eviction deadline: More than 50 nursery operators in Sungai Buloh have been ordered to vacate their land by April 15 for a road widening project, raising concerns over the short timeline and lack of a confirmed relocation site. With plants requiring careful handling and no viable alternative in place, operators are calling for more time and support. We speak to Sivarajan Arumugam of Parti Sosialis Malaysia about what could happen if the eviction proceeds. (Starts at 17:17)

• Civil servants set to begin WFH: Malaysia’s government will roll out a work-from-home policy for civil servants and GLC employees starting April 15, as part of the People’s Support Initiative to reduce energy use amid rising global oil prices. We discuss the good and the bad of the policy. (Starts at 11:10)

• Israel's controversial death penalty: Israel’s parliament has approved legislation that would impose the death penalty on Palestinians convicted of deadly attack. Critics, including the UN and human rights groups, warn the law is discriminatory and could amount to a war crime. We speak to Saul Takahashi, visiting professor of legal studies at New York University Abu Dhabi, about what this signals for Israel’s broader intentions in the occupied territories. (Starts at 6:30)

• China bans 'bone ash apartments': Authorities have outlawed the practice of storing cremated remains in residential flats, as families increasingly turn empty apartments into private ancestral shrines amid rising funeral costs and expensive cemetery plots. We discuss rising costs in the local funeral industry. (Starts at 0:23)


Image Credit: Shutterstock

Several individuals have been arrested over alleged sexual abuse of boys at a Selayang children’s home, which was found to be operating without Social Welfare Department oversight. The case only came to light after former residents spoke out, raising concerns about gaps in monitoring, delayed detection, and systemic failures in child protection. We discuss what needs to change with James Nayagam, chairman of Suriana Welfare Society. (Starts at 23:50) • Sungai Buloh nurseries face eviction deadline: More than 50 nursery operators in Sungai Buloh have been ordered to vacate their land by April 15 for a road widening project, raising concerns over the short timeline and lack of a confirmed relocation site. With plants requiring careful handling and no viable alternative in place, operators are calling for more time and support. We speak to Sivarajan Arumugam of Parti Sosialis Malaysia about what could happen if the eviction proceeds. (Starts at 17:17)• Civil servants set to begin WFH: Malaysia’s government will roll out a work-from-home policy for civil servants and GLC employees starting April 15, as part of the People’s Support Initiative to reduce energy use amid rising global oil prices. We discuss the good and the bad of the policy. (Starts at 11:10)• Israel's controversial death penalty: Israel’s parliament has approved legislation that would impose the death penalty on Palestinians convicted of deadly attack. Critics, including the UN and human rights groups, warn the law is discriminatory and could amount to a war crime. We speak to Saul Takahashi, visiting professor of legal studies at New York University Abu Dhabi, about what this signals for Israel’s broader intentions in the occupied territories. (Starts at 6:30)• China bans 'bone ash apartments': Authorities have outlawed the practice of storing cremated remains in residential flats, as families increasingly turn empty apartments into private ancestral shrines amid rising funeral costs and expensive cemetery plots. We discuss rising costs in the local funeral industry. (Starts at 0:23) Image Credit: Shutterstock

Top 5 at 5: Why Does Abuse in Children's Home Go Unnoticed?

Bank Negara Malaysia’s latest Economic and Monetary Review highlights that while minimum wage policies have helped low‑income earners, they have not lifted middle‑income wages proportionally. The central bank is urging the creation of new wage‑setting institutions tied to workers’ needs and productivity, citing Japan’s Shunto system as a model. We speak to economist Geoffrey Williams. (Starts at 23:36)


• Najib ordered to repay billions in civil suit: Former PM Najib Razak has been directed by the High Court to repay over USD 1.3 billion to SRC International, after being found to have abused his authority and acted as a “shadow director” in misappropriating funds meant for civil servants. The ruling, separate from his earlier criminal conviction, includes USD 120 million traced to his personal accounts. We hear thoughts from Cynthia Gabriel of C4 on public trust, and Anand Raj of the Bar Council on whether this sets a precedent for future corruption cases. (Starts at 16:27)

• SPM 2025 results released: The first Form 5 cohort to sit for SPM without UPSR or PT3 has delivered improved results, with the national average grade rising to 4.42. Over 13,700 students scored straight As, including 376 with A+. We discuss this. (Starts at 10:25)

• New laws to regulate donations: In a 2–1 majority decision, the Federal Court has dismissed appeals by PEKA Malaysia and the Shah Alam Community Forest Society, effectively allowing the degazettement of 406ha of forest land to stand. The case, marked by controversy over backdated gazette notices, has sparked years of protests over transparency and environmental risks tied to a road project. We hear from SACF’s Dr Teckwyn Lim, Treasurer of the Shah Alam Community Forest Society. (Starts at 6:02)

• Eurovision's first Asian edition: Eurovision marks its 70th anniversary with a first‑ever Asian edition in Bangkok this November. Ten countries, including Malaysia, South Korea, and the Philippines, have confirmed participation, with more expected. The launch comes amid boycotts of the main gala over Israel’s inclusion, but excitement for Asia’s debut remains high. (Starts at 0:23)


Image Credit: Pexels

*Note: This podcast picture was edited with generative AI

Bank Negara Malaysia’s latest Economic and Monetary Review highlights that while minimum wage policies have helped low‑income earners, they have not lifted middle‑income wages proportionally. The central bank is urging the creation of new wage‑setting institutions tied to workers’ needs and productivity, citing Japan’s Shunto system as a model. We speak to economist Geoffrey Williams. (Starts at 23:36) • Najib ordered to repay billions in civil suit: Former PM Najib Razak has been directed by the High Court to repay over USD 1.3 billion to SRC International, after being found to have abused his authority and acted as a “shadow director” in misappropriating funds meant for civil servants. The ruling, separate from his earlier criminal conviction, includes USD 120 million traced to his personal accounts. We hear thoughts from Cynthia Gabriel of C4 on public trust, and Anand Raj of the Bar Council on whether this sets a precedent for future corruption cases. (Starts at 16:27)• SPM 2025 results released: The first Form 5 cohort to sit for SPM without UPSR or PT3 has delivered improved results, with the national average grade rising to 4.42. Over 13,700 students scored straight As, including 376 with A+. We discuss this. (Starts at 10:25)• New laws to regulate donations: In a 2–1 majority decision, the Federal Court has dismissed appeals by PEKA Malaysia and the Shah Alam Community Forest Society, effectively allowing the degazettement of 406ha of forest land to stand. The case, marked by controversy over backdated gazette notices, has sparked years of protests over transparency and environmental risks tied to a road project. We hear from SACF’s Dr Teckwyn Lim, Treasurer of the Shah Alam Community Forest Society. (Starts at 6:02)• Eurovision's first Asian edition: Eurovision marks its 70th anniversary with a first‑ever Asian edition in Bangkok this November. Ten countries, including Malaysia, South Korea, and the Philippines, have confirmed participation, with more expected. The launch comes amid boycotts of the main gala over Israel’s inclusion, but excitement for Asia’s debut remains high. (Starts at 0:23) Image Credit: Pexels *Note: This podcast picture was edited with generative AI

Top 5 at 5: ASEAN Future Forum #3 - Navigating Geopolitical Shifts

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