Sabah’s 17th state election is expected to be highly competitive, with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) defending its hold on power against challenges from Warisan, Barisan Nasional, and Perikatan Nasional. The Election Commission says it is fully prepared, though the polling date remains uncertain. Meanwhile, Bersih has urged the chief minister to announce the date early to help Sabahans outside the state vote. We speak to Ariff Adi Putera from IDS Sabah on the key issues shaping the race.

Other stories we covered:

• Russia Shatters Ceasefire with Fresh Strikes: Russia has agreed to a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine after a phone call between President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump. The deal follows earlier talks in Saudi Arabia, where Russia had demanded broader peace negotiations and an end to Western military aid for Kyiv. We speak with Julia Roknifard from the School of Law and Governance at Taylor’s University, to unpack what this ceasefire means and whether it could lead to a lasting resolution.

• Halt the Carbon Capture Bill: The recently passed CCUS Bill 2025 has sparked debate over its true environmental impact. A new RimbaWatch report warns that 9 out of 10 local CCUS projects are being used to extract more fossil fuels rather than cut emissions. The report highlights regulatory loopholes and calls for redirecting funds to renewables instead. We hear from RimbaWatch Director Adam Farhan on why Malaysians should be concerned.

• FINAS Amendments to Keep Up with the Times: The Communications Ministry plans to amend the 1981 FINAS Act to reflect changes in the film industry, particularly the rise of online media streaming. We speak to filmmaker and content consultant Zan Azlee on the types of productions that should be covered and the potential impact on the industry.

• Ramadan Slap Case Set to Hit the Courts Again: A man granted a Discharge Not Amounting to Acquittal (DNAA) for assault will face fresh charges after confusion over his plea. The case gained national attention after a viral video showed Abdul Razak Ismail slapping a non-Muslim man for not fasting and demanding to see his MyKad. We break down the public reaction and broader debates on religious enforcement and societal attitudes toward piety.

Image Credit: Shutterstock

Sabah’s 17th state election is expected to be highly competitive, with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) defending its hold on power against challenges from Warisan, Barisan Nasional, and Perikatan Nasional. The Election Commission says it is fully prepared, though the polling date remains uncertain. Meanwhile, Bersih has urged the chief minister to announce the date early to help Sabahans outside the state vote. We speak to Ariff Adi Putera from IDS Sabah on the key issues shaping the race. Other stories we covered: • Russia Shatters Ceasefire with Fresh Strikes: Russia has agreed to a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine after a phone call between President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump. The deal follows earlier talks in Saudi Arabia, where Russia had demanded broader peace negotiations and an end to Western military aid for Kyiv. We speak with Julia Roknifard from the School of Law and Governance at Taylor’s University, to unpack what this ceasefire means and whether it could lead to a lasting resolution. • Halt the Carbon Capture Bill: The recently passed CCUS Bill 2025 has sparked debate over its true environmental impact. A new RimbaWatch report warns that 9 out of 10 local CCUS projects are being used to extract more fossil fuels rather than cut emissions. The report highlights regulatory loopholes and calls for redirecting funds to renewables instead. We hear from RimbaWatch Director Adam Farhan on why Malaysians should be concerned. • FINAS Amendments to Keep Up with the Times: The Communications Ministry plans to amend the 1981 FINAS Act to reflect changes in the film industry, particularly the rise of online media streaming. We speak to filmmaker and content consultant Zan Azlee on the types of productions that should be covered and the potential impact on the industry. • Ramadan Slap Case Set to Hit the Courts Again: A man granted a Discharge Not Amounting to Acquittal (DNAA) for assault will face fresh charges after confusion over his plea. The case gained national attention after a viral video showed Abdul Razak Ismail slapping a non-Muslim man for not fasting and demanding to see his MyKad. We break down the public reaction and broader debates on religious enforcement and societal attitudes toward piety. Image Credit: Shutterstock

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