The recent Corruption Perceptions Index report from Transparency International found that Malaysia slightly improved in our perceived level of public sector corruption for 2025. We get an inside look at the function of the special task force appointed by the government to manage this result with Sivamurugan Pandian. He details the reform plan the government has set out to improve our rankings for following years. (Starts at 22:00)

• Tobacco industry players court FT Mufti office: Multinational tobacco company Philip Morris Malaysia met with FT Mufti Ahmad Fauwaz Fadzil for a discussion about the Islamic legal rulings of the use of conventional and alternative cigarettes. This meeting was panned by anti-tobacco groups who said the tobacco industry is interfering in public health policies. We hear from Muhammad Sha’ani bin Abdullah, Secretary General of the Malaysian Council for Tobacco Control about the optics of the visit. (Starts at 15:29)

• Fireworks wreak havoc across country: A few reports emerged over the Hari Raya weekend detailing firework stalls in Johor and Penang catching fire and damaging public property, vehicles and compromising the safety of locals. We discuss these outcomes and weigh the pros and cons of fireworks. (Starts at 9:59)

• It's getting hot in here: METMalaysia classified 14 regions in Malaysia as being hit with a Level 1 heatwave, while 3 regions in Kedah are experiencing more severe high temperatures. We get updates on the heatwave with Encik Ruzamin Pilus, Assistant Director of the National Weather and Earthquake Operations Centre at METMalaysia. Meanwhile, the agency also announced the adoption of AI technology to their weather monitoring system. We hear from climate change and sustainability specialist Dr Renard Siew for his thoughts on the method. (Starts at 5:06)

• Can you see through corporate jargon?: A study from Cornell University found that employees who believe and are impressed by corporate jargon are less likely to make effective practical business decisions. They were also underperforming compared to other employees. We discuss why people are likely to fall for bombastic, albeit meaningless vernacular. (Starts at 0:22)

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*Note: This podcast picture was edited with generative AI