Current Affairs

In March, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission uncovered a syndicate that allegedly siphoned off 100 million ringgit from the Youth and Sports Ministry. In the wake of the discovery, Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin highlighted procedural weaknesses, such as not obtaining higher level approvals for government payments. This scandal has reignited many questions about the management of government funds and the effectiveness of audit practices in the Ministry. Today on Current Affairs, we explore best practices in other countries to achieve transparency and accountability in government institutions. This is a report by Nadiah Aziz and Yuen Yuen Tan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last month, Nigeria’s auditor-general unearthed a disturbing discovery that over USD$16 billion was found missing from the accounts of Nigeria’s state-oil company, known as the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation.  The findings may seem staggering, but in Nigeria the news came hardly as a surprise to the country that has been dogged by massive corruption scandals and a plunge in oil prices.  As the country races against time to fight corruption & rejuvenate its economy, President Muhammadu Buhari who celebrates one year in office also has to contend with violence in the country and repair a system broken by the previous Administration.  This is a report by Lee Sheung Un and Nadiah Aziz.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nigeria’s Presidential elections which concluded on March 29th, are considered a milestone not only for that country but for the African continent as a whole. In a region where many governments and leaders have done their best to cling on to power, outgoing President Goodluck Jonathan’s graceful acceptance of defeat, is an exception to the rule. President-elect Muhammadu Buhari won on a promise to fight corruption and his All Progressives Congress party has since won the governorship elections in most of Nigeria’s states. David Doepel, the Chair of the Africa Research Group at Australia’s Murdoch University, explains why these polls were one of Nigeria’s most orderly  and fair in recent memory, and what other developing countries like Malaysia, can learn from this watershed election.This is a report by Jason Lim.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia has seen a 35 percent drop in total HIV AIDS cases since the year 2000, with related deaths decreasing 42 percent since 2004. At the same time, heterosexual transmissions have overtaken transmissions via intravenous drug use - a worrying trend in the country. We explore the level of public awareness of the disease, whether or not current efforts to tackle the spread of HIV AIDS is outdated, and the real situation behind the statistics.This is a report by Nadiah Abdul Aziz. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia has seen a worrying trend emerge in the new cases of HIV AIDS infection, with heterosexual transmissions having overtaken intravenous drug use in the number of transmissions. On Current Affairs today, we continue the discussion, on the long-running lack of awareness in Malaysia, what issues have caused this problem to persist and worsen, as well as what needs to change to tackle the spread of the virus.This is a report by Nadiah Abdul Aziz.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Within corporate Malaysia, it is not uncommon for local businesses to treat high-ranking executives with fancy dinners and expensive corporate gifts. But where do you draw the line - before it turns to something more sinister and becomes a bribe? PriceWaterhouseCooper's (PwC) latest Global Economic Crime Survey highlighted an increase in bribery & corruption cases locally from 19% in 2014 to 30% in 2016. Alex Tan, Senior Executive Director of PwC discusses the key points of the report and also highlights the main control deficiencies that it found among Malaysian businesses, including the need for a robust whistle-blowing policy. This is a report by Lee Sheung Un and Nadiah Aziz.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The State of Households 2 report recently released by Khazanah Research Institute came under intense scrutiny, with many parties disputing the collated data, accusing it of being doctored to suit the government's agenda. We continue the conversation on the lack of savings among Malaysians, household debt, and how to match productivity gains to wages.This is a report by Nadiah Abdul Aziz. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The State of Households 2 report recently released by Khazanah Research Institute has come under intense scrutiny, with many parties disputing the collated data, accusing it of being doctored to suit the government's agenda. We continue the conversation on the B40 lower income group, youth unemployment, and housing issues. This is a report by Nadiah Abdul Aziz.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The State of Households 2 report recently released by Khazanah Research Institute has come under intense scrutiny, with many parties disputing the collated data, accusing it of being doctored to suit the government's agenda. Today on Current Affairs we have a frank discussion on whether these allegations have any merit. This is a report by Nadiah Abdul Aziz.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to recently launched World Bank report, governments around the world have reacted differently to new technologies, the adoption of which can greatly fuel growth and development. Today we take a closer look at where Malaysia stands in this era of rapid digital expansion. This is a report by Nadiah Abdul Aziz.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to recently launched World Bank report the benefits of rapid digital expansion has been skewed towards the wealthy, skilled, and influential around the world who are better positioned to take advantage of the new technologies. Where does Malaysia stand in this picture, and how can improvements be made? Today on Current Affairs we take a closer look at the meaning of “digital dividends” in a Malaysian context. This is a report by Nadiah Abdul Aziz.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Land Public Transport Commission has faced a great deal of criticism of late, particularly as the authority regulating public transport in the country. Blamed for the recent ERL, LRT and KTM fares hikes to name a few, SPAD now has to defend itself after implementing a revamp of bus routes. Today we ask how commuters in the Klang Valley have been affected commuters at a time when rising costs of living.This is a report by Nadiah Abdul Aziz.For more information on the Greater KL and Klang Valley public transport plan, listen to :Transport Masterplan Crossroads - First aired on 4th of August 2015 :Urban Transport - Too Many Cooks? - First aired on 3rd of August 2015:See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on Current Affairs we discuss the problems that come with having too many cars on the road, the resulting traffic congestion and accidents and the means to tackle this problem. This includes taking a closer look at issues related to affordable housing, the lack of efficient urban planning, an all encompassing public transport system, and the need to bring the relevant authorities together to look at the Transport Master Plan as a whole.This is a report by Nadiah Aziz.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week the Court of Appeal sentenced nine Filipino citizens to death, overturning the Kota Kinabalu High Court’s life sentence on them last year. Their crime? Being part of the 2013 armed intrusion in Lahad Datu, Sabah. Fifty-six militants of the so-called "Royal Security Forces of the Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo", nine Malaysian security officers and six civilians were killed in the conflict. Today we try to understand the implications of this sentence might have for  stability in the Sulu region.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission may be given more power to monitor social media activity and take actions against parties who are deemed to be “jeopardising national harmony.” We speak to Gayathry about MCMC’s authority and whether concerns over national security threats make up a sufficient justification for regulating social media use.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to Deputy Minister for Women, Family and Community development, Hannah Yeoh, there is a growing trend of children abusing their elders. Her ministry is working on a legislation to address this issue. We speak to Professor Dr Tan Maw Pin, Consultant Geriatrician at Universiti Malaya on whether legislation is actually the most helpful measure and what holistic approach can the government introduce to address this issue. Listen inSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

00:23 - Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is in the spotlight for judicial interference on the bribery case involving engineering firm, SNC Lavalin, who paid 48 million Canadian dollars in bribes to Muammar Gaddafi’s regime in Libya between 2001 to 2011 06:27 - Canada has approved U.S extradition proceedings against the CFO of Huawei, Meng Wanzhou and will now face trial in the US. Meng has denied wrongdoing and has been fighting extradition. 08:06 - The CEO of Vale, Fabio Schvartsman, has resigned after the dam in Brazil owned by the company collapsed in January causing nearly 200 deaths.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Barisan Nasional's win in the Semenyih by-elections was a stunning blow to incumbents Bersatu. Following the record-high voter turnout, we ask Amir Fareed, the Director of Strategy at KRA Group for his thoughts on the elections, the play of racial politics, and if Pakatan Harapan's complacency led to their downfall in the seat.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ahead of the Semenyih by-election this weekend, we glean insights from Ben Suffian of the Merdeka Center on voter sentiment and what’s at stake for all parties involved.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ross Tapsell, an expert in Southeast Asia and lecturer at the Australian National University talks to us about the perceived communication problem that Pakatan Harapan has and discusses how the coalition can communicate better as a government.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With expectations of a joint agreement signing between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Hanoi running on high, we speak to David Heidelberger from the Foreign Policy Association who is on the ground covering the story to discuss the possible outcomes of this summit.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pakistan and India are facing their worst conflict in almost half a century. On Wednesday, an Indian military jet was shot down over disputed Kashmir territory and an Indian fighter pilot was captured by Pakistani forces. This follows India’s “pre-emptive strike” on a terrorist training camp in Pakistan on Tuesday, in response to a suicide attack on Indian police earlier this month. Both sides are escalating tensions, where will this go? We speak to geopolitical analyst Ankit Panda for some insight.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Iranian Foreign Minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, took to Instagram yesterday to announce that he is stepping down, which was then rejected by the President. We ask James about the background here and how it got here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Donald Trump and Korean leader Kim Jong Un are poised to meet for a second time in Hanoi, Vietnam this week, 8 months on from their first summit in Singapore. We discuss expectations for the summit with David Heidelberger of the Foreign Policy Association, who is covering the story on the ground.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

British Prime Minister Theresa May has vowed that she will quit as leader before the next election in 2022. But it appears she may have changed her mind. On a recent trip to Egypt, May said “There is still a domestic agenda I want to get on and deliver,” hinting at a bid to stay on in government. We speak to Patrick Diamond, Associate Professor of Public Policy at Queen Mary University of London for thoughts on her prospects, and more broadly on the looming Brexit deadline.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The anti-vaccination movement is gaining momentum and to combat it, the government is considering making immunisation vaccination mandatory. Over the weekend, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad said the Health Ministry will consider a proposal to make immunisation vaccination compulsory. We speak to Azrul Khalid from the Galen Centre for Health and Social Policy for his thoughts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We ask Jahabar for his thoughts on the Malaysian Media Council proposal, specifically whether there’s a need for it, what he’d like to see and the challenges the council facesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Danielle Wood, discusses Australia's policy headaches with her young increasingly sidelined by the wealth, home ownership and wage gap.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sirul Azhar refugee application in Australia was declined and the extradition request from Malaysia will depend on the decision from the parliament to abolish the death penalty sentence in Malaysia. Sirul Azhar who was convicted of Altantuya murder fled to Australia since since 2015. Latheefa Koya gave her insights as to the current situation on the abolishment of the death penalty in Malaysia. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After a period of speculation about the fate of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng has now come out to say that talks are “in the last mile.” He adds that he is optimistic about an outcome that is favourable to Malaysia, most notably in terms of negotiating a less hefty price tag. We speak to former diplomat and commentator on Malaysia-China relations, Datuk Dennis Ignatius, about how the talks might pan out as well as about the state of Malaysia’s current relationship with China.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Mustafa clarifies the mood, tone and possible resolution, of the freshly begin talks Malaysia and Singapore are conducting, where territorial disputes, air rights and water purchase are concerned.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Primary Industries Minister Teresa Kok says the French embassy in Malaysia is coordinating a programme involving the Institute of Higher Studies for Science and Technology in France on understanding the palm oil industry, the results of which will be tabled in the French National Assembly. We discuss with Yu Leng the dialogues that Malaysia will be having with France on palm oil to address misconceptions. Listen in.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Human Resources Minister M. Kulasegaran launched Malaysia’s first National Wage Index (NWI) yesterday. However, the implementation of the index is not compulsory and functions more as a guide. We ask the opinions of Datuk Shamsuddin Bardan, President of the Malaysia Employers Federation, MEF and Abdul Halim Mansor, the President of the Malaysia Trade Union Congress, MTUC about how the national wage index would impact businesses and workers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Given current local employment opportunities and wage levels, many more Malaysians may soon choose to migrate for a chance at better wages and an improved quality of life. We spoke to Oh Ei Sun for more insights on the issue.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Warisan has accepted the fact that Bersatu will be expanding into Sabah, despite their prior agreement not too. Nevertheless, with UMNO support waning down, there is a gap to be filled, and Bersatu might just fit the bill. We speak to Dr Arnold Puyok from Universiti Malaysia Sarawak on this latest development Listen in.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the Indonesian elections just a couple of months away, the two hopefuls, incumbent Joko Widodo, and opposition leader, Prabowo Subianto, face off in a lively debate in a bid for public support. The Presidential candidates put forth their views on the most pressing matters, such as agriculture, infrastructure and energy. We speak to Keith Leong about both Jokowi and Prabowo’s policy proposals.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A global spotlight has been put on the recent arrest of Maria Ressa, an acclaimed journalist in the Philippines. Ressa is chief executive of Rappler, a news site known to have been critical of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte. Because of that, the cyber-libel charges against her have raised questions about government encroachment on media freedom. We speak to Rappler journalist Gemma B. Mendoza about the significance and implications of Ressa’s arrest.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Saudi Arabia Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman is on an Asian tour this week, beginning in Pakistan, followed by stops in China and India. We discuss how Saudi Arabia and the crown prince have been mitigating the fallout from the Jamal Khashoggi murder, and the current state of play in Malaysia - Saudi bilateral relations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We spoke to N. Surendran, Lawyers for Liberty advisor, who has came out to say that Lawyers for Liberty shed evidence of judiciary interference after the shocking revelation by Court of Appeal judge, Justice Datuk Hamid Sultan Abu Backer on some members of the judiciary have been working with private parties to defraud public funds.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We speak to independant pollster and the programme director of Merdeka Center Ben Suffian to get his take on the candidates that are being field for the Semenyih By-Elections and also some insights into the sentiments of the Semenyih voters as well as his take on the recent Umno MPs jumping over to Parti Pribumi Bersatu MalaysiaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After a long drawn out legal battle, the Malaysian government finally recognised 3 stateless children as citizens of the country. The decision came just before their cases were to be heard by the Federal Court, effectively resolving their cases. While it’s a happy ending for the children and families involved, what of the many other children facing the same predicament? Lawyer Raymond Mah, who represented some of the applicants, speaks to us about the state of play involving the law on stateless children.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today 15th February, marks the final day for the three-week extension of government funding that President Trump approved on January 25th. To help fill in the blanks on what’s been happening over the past three weeks, we have Kathrynn Dunn Tenpas, Non-Resident Senior Fellow of Governance Studies at the Brookings Institution.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Indira Gandhi's court challenge of the unilateral conversion of her child has been a long saga. Finally, she has won her case but her 11-year-old is still with her husband. An arrest warrant has been issued for him back in 2014, and five years on, her missing daughter has still not been found. We speak to Indira Gandhi today about the status of the search of her missing daughter, Prasana Diksa.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We speak to Amir Fareed of KRA Group to discuss the issue of the seven former Umno MPs jumping ship to Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia. Amir gives his insights on the benefits and drawback of this move and how this could affect Pakatan Harapan moving forward.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Guy Raz has a storied career in radio journalism. At the age of 25, he was named the host of National Public Radio’s Berlin Bureau Chief. He then went on to be a Jerusalem correspondent, a defence correspondent and a Pentagon reporter, reporting from over 40 countries, including Iraq and Afghanistan. Most know him today as the hosts of popular NPR podcasts, "Ted Radio Hour" and "How I Built This". Shazana Mokhtar speaks to Guy about his career and what he has learned from having interviewed thousands of people over the years. He also lends insight into the craft of audio storytelling and the future of media.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The New Economic Action Council has been recently formed - comprising ministers and business leaders. They have been tasked with tackling the economy and arrest the rising cost of living. One of the more striking reactions to the council came from A. Kadir Jasin, the former chief editor of the New Straits Times group. He said it shows the Prime Minister considers his administration’s machinery ineffectual in handling key issues. We speak to Terence Gomez, Professor of Political Economy at Universiti Malaya for his take on the new EAC.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since we covered the story about how the Inland Revenue Board was going to knock on doors of those who have foreign bank accounts that have income source from Malaysia, we’ve received many tweets and text messages asking us for some clarification. To help us break down this issue, we spoke to tax expert and Chairman of Axcelasia Inc, Veerinderjeet Singh.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

00:12 - Seven former UMNO MPs have switched over to Bersatu. 03:01 - The French lawyers engaged by SUARAM to file a legal challenge in France over possible corruption in the Scorpene deal concluded a 3-day visit to Malaysia yesterday. 06:41 - According to Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng the TRX project had been ‘detoxified’. What does this mean? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We speak to constitutional lawyer New Sin Yew and discuss the context behind the Court of Appeal's decision to allow former Prime Minister, Najib Razak to postpone his much anticipated trial.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, February 11th, marks the International Day for Women and Girls in Science. Given that the jobs of the future will be driven by technology and innovation, it’s important to bridge the gender gap in STEM-related fields and encourage women’s participation in science. We speak to Dr Chai about the state of affairs for women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) related fields.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.