A report today from MalayMail compiled the rising instances of the radicalisation of teenagers in Southeast Asia, driven by white supremacist ideology. Authorities say social media posts and online communities play a large factor in this. We unpack the problem in a Malaysian context and discuss rehabilitation and prevention pathways with Aizat Shamsuddin, founder of Initiate.my. (Starts at 23:30)


• Could Tan Sri Azam Baki's time at MACC be coming to an end?: According to a report by Singapore news platform The Straits Times, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is not planning to renew the commissioner's tenure after his contract expires in May. We hear from Faisal Aziz, chairman of BERSIH on the importance of a comprehensive transparent investigation into the commissioner's allegations. (Starts at 18:08)

• Jow Ngiaw wins Malaysia's first Emmy: The Pahang born composer won for her work on Apple TV Plus series WondLa. As expected, Malaysians are showering her with love and we discuss if we should really 'claim' her success, given she spent most of her life and career overseas. (Starts at 12:43)

• Malaysia's position in the Middle East crisis: As the US-Israel conflict with Iran intensifies, Malaysia faces a difficult balancing act between diplomacy, neutrality, and protecting its citizens abroad. We hear from Phar Kim Beng, Director of the Institute of International and ASEAN Studies at IIUM, who argues that Putrajaya should prioritise pragmatism rather than take sides in a rapidly escalating war. (Starts at 7:36)

• Do you prefer AI vs human writers?: A recent interactive quiz from the New York Times asked users to blindly pick between works of fiction written by established authors and passages created by generative AI. Data from the quiz showed that a majority of participants preferred the AI written works. We get into it. (Starts at 0:22)


Image Credit: Shutterstock

A report today from MalayMail compiled the rising instances of the radicalisation of teenagers in Southeast Asia, driven by white supremacist ideology. Authorities say social media posts and online communities play a large factor in this. We unpack the problem in a Malaysian context and discuss rehabilitation and prevention pathways with Aizat Shamsuddin, founder of <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://Initiate.my">Initiate.my</a>. (Starts at 23:30) • Could Tan Sri Azam Baki's time at MACC be coming to an end?: According to a report by Singapore news platform The Straits Times, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is not planning to renew the commissioner's tenure after his contract expires in May. We hear from Faisal Aziz, chairman of BERSIH on the importance of a comprehensive transparent investigation into the commissioner's allegations. (Starts at 18:08)• Jow Ngiaw wins Malaysia's first Emmy: The Pahang born composer won for her work on Apple TV Plus series WondLa. As expected, Malaysians are showering her with love and we discuss if we should really 'claim' her success, given she spent most of her life and career overseas. (Starts at 12:43)• Malaysia's position in the Middle East crisis: As the US-Israel conflict with Iran intensifies, Malaysia faces a difficult balancing act between diplomacy, neutrality, and protecting its citizens abroad. We hear from Phar Kim Beng, Director of the Institute of International and ASEAN Studies at IIUM, who argues that Putrajaya should prioritise pragmatism rather than take sides in a rapidly escalating war. (Starts at 7:36)• Do you prefer AI vs human writers?: A recent interactive quiz from the New York Times asked users to blindly pick between works of fiction written by established authors and passages created by generative AI. Data from the quiz showed that a majority of participants preferred the AI written works. We get into it. (Starts at 0:22) 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: Radicalisation of Teens Growing in the Region

MUDA is preparing for its inaugural party elections, scheduled for later this week. We are joined by Amira Aisya, the acting president of MUDA, to delve into the impact of these elections on internal party dynamics. We will also discuss the implications of founding member Syed Saddiq's decision not to contest, and how these events collectively shape the party's future identity leading into the next general elections. (Starts at 23:32)


• Jelutong landfill reclamation project fails environmental assessment: This is a win for residents and environmental activists who have opposed the project due to potential public health risks and pollution of the ecologically diverse 'Middle Bank' area located near the landfill. We learn more about these concerns with Bandar Sri Penang Resident's Association chairman Dr K Ganesh and Honorary Secretary of Sahabat Alam Mageswari Sangaralingam. (Starts at 16:57)

• Less food waste this Ramadhan: The Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Corporation reported a nearly 12 percent reduction in food waste during this year's Ramadan season, compared to 2025. We discuss the new methods introduced to curb food waste. (Starts at 11:23)

• Is the US-Iran conflict a bid for oil control?: Senator Lindsey Graham has openly framed the conflict as a chance to control vast reserves and reshape the Middle East. The Straits of Hormuz, through which one-fifth of the world’s crude flows, have become the flashpoint driving both soaring prices and hawkish rhetoric. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump insists that the war will end soon. We get into all this with Dr James Dorsey, adjunct senior fellow at S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies. (Starts at 6:27)

• Jacinda Ardern leaves New Zealand: The former Prime Minister joins a record number of New Zealanders leaving the country for sites like Australia and the UK which they believe house better costs of living, job opportunities and housing availability. We discuss New Zealand's perennial 'brain drain' problem. (Starts at 0:23)


Image Credit: Parti Muda Malaysia Facebook

MUDA is preparing for its inaugural party elections, scheduled for later this week. We are joined by Amira Aisya, the acting president of MUDA, to delve into the impact of these elections on internal party dynamics. We will also discuss the implications of founding member Syed Saddiq's decision not to contest, and how these events collectively shape the party's future identity leading into the next general elections. (Starts at 23:32) • Jelutong landfill reclamation project fails environmental assessment: This is a win for residents and environmental activists who have opposed the project due to potential public health risks and pollution of the ecologically diverse 'Middle Bank' area located near the landfill. We learn more about these concerns with Bandar Sri Penang Resident's Association chairman Dr K Ganesh and Honorary Secretary of Sahabat Alam Mageswari Sangaralingam. (Starts at 16:57)• Less food waste this Ramadhan: The Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Corporation reported a nearly 12 percent reduction in food waste during this year's Ramadan season, compared to 2025. We discuss the new methods introduced to curb food waste. (Starts at 11:23)• Is the US-Iran conflict a bid for oil control?: Senator Lindsey Graham has openly framed the conflict as a chance to control vast reserves and reshape the Middle East. The Straits of Hormuz, through which one-fifth of the world’s crude flows, have become the flashpoint driving both soaring prices and hawkish rhetoric. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump insists that the war will end soon. We get into all this with Dr James Dorsey, adjunct senior fellow at S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies. (Starts at 6:27)• Jacinda Ardern leaves New Zealand: The former Prime Minister joins a record number of New Zealanders leaving the country for sites like Australia and the UK which they believe house better costs of living, job opportunities and housing availability. We discuss New Zealand's perennial 'brain drain' problem. (Starts at 0:23) Image Credit: Parti Muda Malaysia Facebook

Top 5 at 5: MUDA To Hold First Time Party Elections

Nepal's first elections since the Gen Z led protests September 2025 have concluded with a landslide victory from relative newcomers Balendra Shah and his party Rastriya Swatantra Party. We find out what led to this historic win, the impact of the youth on this result and where this leaves the ousted previous regime with Dr Puspa Sharma, senior research fellow from NUS Institute of South Asian Studies. (Starts at 23:23)


• Islamic academic Mohamed Syed Naquib Aljunid passes away at 94: A giant in the world of Islamic thinking, Syed helped establish multiple Islamic institutions in Malaysia and even inspired Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim early in his political career. We hear about the legacy he left behind from Khairudin Aljunied, Professor of Islam in Southeast Asia at the International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilization at IIUM. (Starts at 17:17)

• Proposal to split up constituencies: Two MPs Tony Puah and Azli Yusof say it's time to create new seats in larger constituencies to aid MPs that are spread too thin. We weigh out the pros and cons of this idea. (Starts at 12:43)

• US-Israel war on Iran continues: At day 9 of the war, updates include strikes on Iranian oil storage depots, Iranian President Massaoud Pezeshkian apologising to neighbouring countries for launching attacks and the appointment of new Iranian supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei. We unpack these updates with Julia Roknifard, senior lecturer at Taylor's University (Starts at 6:33)

• Timothee Chalamet vs 'Old World' art forms: In a recently aired interview, Oscar nominee Timothee Chalamet made a slight at ballet and opera, saying no one cares about these art forms any more, much to the disappointment from members of the performing arts industry. We discuss if these comments were well intentioned or disparaging. (Starts at 0:24)


Image Credit: Shutterstock

Nepal's first elections since the Gen Z led protests September 2025 have concluded with a landslide victory from relative newcomers Balendra Shah and his party Rastriya Swatantra Party. We find out what led to this historic win, the impact of the youth on this result and where this leaves the ousted previous regime with Dr Puspa Sharma, senior research fellow from NUS Institute of South Asian Studies. (Starts at 23:23) • Islamic academic Mohamed Syed Naquib Aljunid passes away at 94: A giant in the world of Islamic thinking, Syed helped establish multiple Islamic institutions in Malaysia and even inspired Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim early in his political career. We hear about the legacy he left behind from Khairudin Aljunied, Professor of Islam in Southeast Asia at the International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilization at IIUM. (Starts at 17:17)• Proposal to split up constituencies: Two MPs Tony Puah and Azli Yusof say it's time to create new seats in larger constituencies to aid MPs that are spread too thin. We weigh out the pros and cons of this idea. (Starts at 12:43)• US-Israel war on Iran continues: At day 9 of the war, updates include strikes on Iranian oil storage depots, Iranian President Massaoud Pezeshkian apologising to neighbouring countries for launching attacks and the appointment of new Iranian supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei. We unpack these updates with Julia Roknifard, senior lecturer at Taylor's University (Starts at 6:33)• Timothee Chalamet vs 'Old World' art forms: In a recently aired interview, Oscar nominee Timothee Chalamet made a slight at ballet and opera, saying no one cares about these art forms any more, much to the disappointment from members of the performing arts industry. We discuss if these comments were well intentioned or disparaging. (Starts at 0:24) Image Credit: Shutterstock

Top 5 at 5: Nepal Elects New PM Post Gen Z Revolution

Malaysia’s gender parity score has inched upward, but the country still ranks last in Southeast Asia. We explore why progress remains slow compared to regional peers and what that means for equality at home. (Starts at 23:20)


• Rare earth plan license renewal: Lynas has secured a 10-year license to continue operating its rare earths plant in Pahang, but stricter conditions on radioactive waste management have been imposed. We also revisit a conversation we had with Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang on this. We also hear from Tan Bun Teet, chairperson of the NGO, Save Malaysia Stop Lynas. (Starts at 16:49)

• Savings squeeze on the middle class: Nearly half of Malaysia’s middle-income earners are living paycheck to paycheck, with shrinking monthly savings and tough trade-offs on insurance. We unpack the financial pressures behind the slide and what it means for long-term security. (Starts at 12:28)

• Fire razes Orang Asli village: A blaze in Johor left over 140 Seletar tribe members homeless, with relocation plans facing setbacks. We hear from Jasni Amat, Vice Chairperson of the Pertubuhan Orang Asli Prihatin Johor, on the community’s struggles, the trauma of loss, and their urgent appeal for support. (Starts at 6:42)

If you’d like to support them, you can contact Jasni directly at 019-734-3822. You can also head on to Persatuan Orang Asli Prihatin Johor’s Facebook page to find out more. 

• Gen-Z males and the 'obedient wife' mindset:  A global survey reveals many Gen-Z males still hold traditional views on marriage, masculinity, and women’s independence. This show explores what these attitudes mean for equality and shifting gender dynamics. We get into it. (Starts at 0:23)


Image Credit: Shutterstock

Malaysia’s gender parity score has inched upward, but the country still ranks last in Southeast Asia. We explore why progress remains slow compared to regional peers and what that means for equality at home. (Starts at 23:20) • Rare earth plan license renewal: Lynas has secured a 10-year license to continue operating its rare earths plant in Pahang, but stricter conditions on radioactive waste management have been imposed. We also revisit a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.bfm.my/content/podcast/lynas-licence-renewal-another-change-of-mind">conversation</a> we had with Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang on this. We also hear from Tan Bun Teet, chairperson of the NGO, Save Malaysia Stop Lynas. (Starts at 16:49)• Savings squeeze on the middle class: Nearly half of Malaysia’s middle-income earners are living paycheck to paycheck, with shrinking monthly savings and tough trade-offs on insurance. We unpack the financial pressures behind the slide and what it means for long-term security. (Starts at 12:28)• Fire razes Orang Asli village: A blaze in Johor left over 140 Seletar tribe members homeless, with relocation plans facing setbacks. We hear from Jasni Amat, Vice Chairperson of the Pertubuhan Orang Asli Prihatin Johor, on the community’s struggles, the trauma of loss, and their urgent appeal for support. (Starts at 6:42)If you’d like to support them, you can contact Jasni directly at 019-734-3822. You can also head on to Persatuan Orang Asli Prihatin Johor’s Facebook page to find out more. • Gen-Z males and the 'obedient wife' mindset: A global survey reveals many Gen-Z males still hold traditional views on marriage, masculinity, and women’s independence. This show explores what these attitudes mean for equality and shifting gender dynamics. We get into it. (Starts at 0:23) Image Credit: Shutterstock

Top 5 at 5: Radicalisation of Teens Growing in the Region

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