Consider This

Day One of the Special Sitting of Parliament didn’t disappoint those who have wanted the long-silenced House to be a forum for lively debate instead of just a briefing session. In response to criticism that Parliament would remain a mere briefing session if it weren’t allowed to debate and vote on the Emergency Ordinances, the de facto Law Minister made the startling revelation that all 6 ordinances had been revoked days earlier. While this might make a vote on the matter moot, will it pave the way for a productive session?  Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Dr Afif Bahardin, Deputy Chairperson, Information Bureau for Bersatu and State Assemblyman for Seberang Jaya, Penang. 

After months of silence, Parliament is set to come alive but will we have a substantial or cosmetic sitting of #DewanRakyat ? 

Tonight on #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris & Sharaad Kuttan ask former Speaker TS Ariff Yusof & Aira Azhari how Parliament can begin to function as intended.

Muar MP and former Bersatu Youth Chief Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman earlier today pleaded not guilty to two charges of misappropriating party funds. The former Youth and Sports Minister has claimed trial, while calling the charges brought against him “politically motivated”. We explore the problems for political funding underscoring the charges. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Cynthia Gabriel, Executive Director, Center to Combat Corruption and Cronyism. 

Muar MP and former Bersatu Youth Chief Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman earlier today pleaded not guilty to two charges of misappropriating party funds. The former Youth and Sports Minister has claimed trial, while calling the charges brought against him “politically motivated”. We ask about the impact of Syed Saddiq’s own media strategy. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to political analyst Dr Sharifah Syahirah Syed Sheikh.

Muar MP and former Bersatu Youth Chief Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman earlier today pleaded not guilty to two charges of misappropriating party funds. The former Youth and Sports Minister has claimed trial, while calling the charges brought against him “politically motivated”. First we explore the substance and implications of the charges. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to lawyer New Sin Yew. 

Operation Surge Capacity has the ambitious goal of vaccinating every adult in the Klang Valley with at least 1 dose by Aug 1st. 

Tonight on #ConsiderThis Sharaad Kuttan & Melisa Idris speak to Bangi MP Dr. Ong Kian Ming who has been tasked to lead coordination efforts between Selangor & Federal governments.

Malaysia has some very well designed policies on conserving forests at the Federal level but without adequate incentives for state governments to implement them and protect the environment which is directly under their care, we are looking at continued and rapacious deforestation. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Dr Dzaeman Dzulkifli, Executive Director, Tropical Rainforest Conservation & Research Centre, which aims to restore Malaysia’s tropical rainforests and address the critical rate of our biodiversity loss.

Forest ecosystems in Malaysia are under intense pressure from deforestation and degradation, and there is an urgency for efforts to restore the ecological functions of an area that has become degraded due to either human or natural causes. So can Malaysia address the critical rate of our biodiversity loss, through forest restoration efforts. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Dr Henry Chan is the Conservation Director at WWF Malaysia.

Historical narratives can be a powerful means of creating a sense of belonging. Does the history taught in our schools pass the test of inclusiveness? 

Tonight on #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris & Sharaad Kuttan speak to educationist Datuk Dr. R Santhiram about his book on the teaching of history.

What does it mean for pandemic policy to be driven by science & evidence, and which institutions are tasked to ensure this? Tonight on #ConsiderThis Sharaad Kuttan & Melisa Idris ask Dr Kalaiarasu Peariasamy how local clinical research helps inform Malaysia's public health response.