Consider This

A prosperous middle class is the foundation for a robust consumption-driven economy, but the pandemic has caused many to slip down the economic ladder & eroded living standards. Tonight on #ConsiderThis Sharaad Kuttan & Melisa Idris ask economist Dr Jomo K.S. about Malaysia’s shrinking middle class. 

 Penang’s Transport Master Plan & South Reclamation project are part of the state’s development agenda. But it comes with a price not everyone is willing to pay. Tonight on #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris & Sharaad Kuttan ask State Exco Zairil Khir Johari & economist Dr Lim Mah Hui about the trade-offs involved. 

In the early months of the pandemic, herd immunity was seen as the end goal and the way out of the pandemic -- that if enough people were vaccinated and immune to the coronavirus, it would limit the spread of Covid-19, and permit society to return to normal.But as the pandemic enters its second year, the thinking has begun to shift. That even with vaccination efforts, new challenges mean the threshold to achieve herd immunity may no longer be possible. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Associate Professor Dr Rafdzah Ahmad Zaki, Public Health Medicine Specialist, Universiti Malaya.

As the Covid-19 pandemic enters its second year, the thinking about “herd immunity as a way to suppress the virus has begun to shift.That even with vaccination efforts, new challenges and possibilities are on this horizon with new vaccine, vaccine strategies and also treatments to add to the public health measures. What do we have to work towards now? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Datuk Dr Zainal Ariffin Omar, President, Malaysian Public Health Physicians’ Association.

In her opinion piece for the South Morning China Post, “In Malaysia’s constant crisis, conditions are perfect for Muhyiddin the politician” our guest makes the argument that the Prime Minister, Muhyddin Yassin and his government is more control of politics dynamics than his rivals and detractors care to admit. What options remain before the PM? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to political anthropologist and  consultant Sophie Lemiere and editor of a book series ‘Malaysian Politics and People’.

A week after meetings at the Palace and the special meeting of the Conference of Rulers, little has changed in the country’s political dynamics. Statements from both the Palace and the Conference are being interpreted in vastly different ways -- with the Government of the day only conceding to include Opposition MPs in discussions about a hybrid Parliamentary sitting. Does the Constitution provide us a sufficient guide as to what ought to come next? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Advocate & Solicitor, Andrew Khoo.

 All politicians construct strategies according to their personal interests but they are constrained by the Constitution. Tonight on #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris & Sharaad Kuttan ask lawyer Andrew Khoo & political analyst Dr Sophie Lemiere what room for manoeuvre there is in the current impasse. 

 What does the Johor public want from its State Govt & how can those who helm the state respond more effectively? Tonight on #ConsiderThis Sharaad Kuttan & Melisa Idris speak to Menteri Besar Johor, Datuk Hasni Mohammad on how the State Govt plans to chart a course to recovery from the triple crisis the nation is facing. 

Elected representatives are central to our political system but it’s been difficult holding them accountable. Can we change the system? Tonight on #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris & Sharaad Kuttan ask Thomas Fann about its upcoming “Sack or Keep?” campaign on recall elections.

Even with Parliament still shuttered, MPs can play a vital role in the success of the vaccination rollout. Tonight on #ConsiderThis Sharaad Kuttan & Melisa Idris speak to 3 MPs from Pahang Fuziah Salleh, Wong Tack & Ramli Mohd Nor about the challenges in getting their constituents vaccinated.