Apa Macam, ADUN? is a monthly series where we speak to a different Selangor state legislative assembly member each month about a plethora of issues affecting folks from Selangor. 

This episode is centred around party politics – the dynamics between unity government parties, seat negotiations and containing the much talked about “green wave.” We’re joined by YB Juwairiya Zulkifli, ADUN, Bukit Melawati.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s been a lot of debate and discussion surrounding that on social media recently. For example, when Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced that the T20 income group will not benefit from electricity subsidies and haj financial assistance, some people cried foul, saying that the T20 already pay the highest taxes so surely they deserve the highest subsidies from the government too. Similar conversations also took place when the government made the 2% tax cuts for the M40 and increased tax rates for relatively high-income earners by 0.5%. Many wondered why higher-income earners should pay more taxes. 

We discuss the importance of progressive taxation and if taxing the rich – the real rich – stifles innovation, with Ng Sze Fung, Research Officer, REFSA.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Global Communications firm, Edelman recently released their annual Trust Barometer. The Trust Barometer measures the level of trust and credibility that people have in various institutions, such as governments, businesses, media, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). 

Unsurprisingly, the survey found that Malaysians, like the rest of the globe are highly worried about their economic future, climate crisis and war. Also unsurprisingly is the lacklustre trust by Malaysians towards governments. What is surprising though – or at least fascinating – about the results is that Malaysians seem to place their trust in businesses to drive social change. 

Christopher de Cruz, COO of Edelman, joins us to unpack their findings.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does it mean to be a Malaysian urbanite in 2023? It’s about celebrating diverse cultures, one’s love for nasi lemak and of course, complaining and crying about our daily commute. The roads are always congested and unless you’re staying in specific areas in the Klang Valley, you’ll have no choice but to own a car and brave through the traffic every day. Heck, even if you are living in specific areas of the Klang Valley, you might have to buy a car and drive to the nearest LRT station, which of course is absolutely ridiculous. 

In contrast, our neighbouring country Singapore is considered to be one of the most well-connected countries in the world today. Many would say that you literally do not have to own a car to travel around the country. 

We discuss what we can learn from Singapore with Kevin Zhang, Senior Researcher, ISEAS-Yusok Ishak Institute.

Image Credit: Shutterstock

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last weekend, the inaugural Unity Government National Convention was held at World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur. A running theme from the unity government’s national conference was that of unity and cooperation between former rivals. A lot was also said about history and how never in a million years would any Pakatan Harapan politician have thought they would be giving speeches in the UMNO fortress. But was there anything substantive in terms of the vision for the country? We discuss with Dr James Chin, Professor of Asian Studies, University of Tasmania

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Wikimedia

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last weekend, the inaugural Unity Government National Convention was held at World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur. A running theme from the unity government’s national conference was that of unity and cooperation between former rivals. A lot was also said about history and how never in a million years would any Pakatan Harapan politician have thought they would be giving speeches in the UMNO fortress. But was there anything substantive in terms of the vision for the country? We discuss with Dr James Chin, Professor of Asian Studies, University of Tasmania

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Wikimedia

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last weekend, the inaugural Unity Government National Convention was held at World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur. A running theme from the unity government’s national conference was that of unity and cooperation between former rivals. A lot was also said about history and how never in a million years would any Pakatan Harapan politician have thought they would be giving speeches in the UMNO fortress. But was there anything substantive in terms of the vision for the country? We discuss with Dr James Chin, Professor of Asian Studies, University of Tasmania.

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Wikimedia

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Dr Bridget Welsh who’s a political scientist and an Honorary Research Associate with the University of Nottingham Asia Research Institute Malaysia (UoNARI-M), previously joined us on the show, we unpacked a series of articles she had written for Malaysiakini, analysing ethnic voting patterns of GE15. She recently penned another series of articles, this time looking at GE15 voting patterns beyond racial and religious lens. We unpack her findings with her.

Image Credit: Shutterstock

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM) recently released their 2022 human rights report. In we will be taking a look at the various human rights violations that have occurred throughout the year, here in Malaysia, and look at the changes that should happen in 2023.

Image Credit: SUARAM

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) is celebrating its 25th anniversary this week. Founded in 1998 by a group of social activists, PSM has been an important left-wing voice in Malaysian politics, advocating for social justice, workers rights, the expansion of democracy and most importantly, an equitable and classless society. It is a party that explicitly anchors its politics on class struggle. They’re some of the key people behind the push and implementation of a minimum wage in Malaysia, which was a major victory for workers in this country. However, despite their battles, PSM still struggles to gain traction among the mainstream and at the ballot box. So, what does the future hold for this party? We’re joined by S. Arutchelvan, Deputy Chairperson, Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM). 

Image Credit: PSM Facebook

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.