Consider This

Has a day filled with anticipation following the special Rulers meeting hosted by His Majesty ended in a workable resolution about the triple crisis? 

Tonight on #ConsiderThis we speak to veteran political observers about taking the country forward.

Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin earlier today announced a national plan to exit the Covid-19 pandemic. The so-called National Recovery Plan is based on three primary indicators to open up the economy & the social sector in four phases. The indicators are: the number of daily Covid-19 cases; ICU bed occupancy rates; vaccination levels. But some are already criticising the plan as not going far enough. Is this what we expected from a proper “recovery” plan? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Tricia Yeoh, CEO, Institute for Democracy & Economic Affairs (IDEAS).

Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin earlier today announced a national plan to exit the Covid-19 pandemic. The so-called National Recovery Plan is based on three primary indicators to open up the economy & the social sector in four phases. The indicators are: the number of daily Covid-19 cases; ICU bed occupancy rates; vaccination levels. But some are already criticising the plan as not going far enough. Is this what we expected from a proper “recovery” plan? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Azrul Mohd Khalib, Chief Executive, Galen Centre for Health and Social Policy.

Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin earlier today announced a national plan to exit the Covid-19 pandemic. The so-called National Recovery Plan is based on three primary indicators to open up the economy & the social sector in four phases. The indicators are: the number of daily Covid-19 cases; ICU bed occupancy rates; vaccination levels. But some are already criticising the plan as not going far enough. Is this what we expected from a proper “recovery” plan? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Raja Ahmad Iskandar Fareez, Communications Director, Research for Social Advancement (REFSA).

As the public health crisis deepens & the Emergency nears its end what options are available to political leaders? 

Tonight on #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris & Sharaad Kuttan ask political analysts about current political dynamics.

Tomorrow 12th of June, is World Day Against Child Labour and a new report by the International Labour Organization & UNICEF warns that the number of children in child labour has risen to 160 million worldwide -- with millions more at risk due to the impacts of Covid-19. What significance does this have for our society? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Jodelen Mitra, Technical Officer with the International Labour Organization.

In July 2019, the United Nationas General Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution declaring 2021 as the International Year for the Elimination of Child Labour, with a goal to end all forms of child labour by 2025. But are we still on track? And are the setbacks from the pandemic irreversible? A new report by the International Labour Organization & UNICEF warns that the number of children in child labour has risen to 160 million worldwide -- with millions more at risk due to the impacts of Covid-19. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Bharati Pflug, Senior Specialist for the Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, International Labour Organisation.

Over 400,000 students who made up the first cohort to sit for the SPM examination during the Covid-19 pandemic have achieved the best National Grade Average in the past five years. Data also showed that the achievement gap between urban and rural candidates had also narrowed. But the grading system is still shrouded by a lack of transparency and marred by a trust deficit. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Datin Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim Chairperson, Parent Action Group for Education Malaysia (PAGE).

Over 400,000 students who made up the first cohort to sit for the SPM examination during the Covid-19 pandemic have achieved the best National Grade Average in the past five years. Data also showed that the achievement gap between urban and rural candidates had also narrowed. Does this mean the concerns surrounding home-based learning & a digital divide were unfounded? What accounts for the better performance amidst more than a year of disrupted schooling? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Hong Jinghann, Senior Programme Executive, Yayasan Tunku Abdul Rahman.

Over 400,000 students who made up the first cohort to sit for the SPM examination during the Covid-19 pandemic have achieved the best National Grade Average in the past five years. Data also showed that the achievement gap between urban and rural candidates had also narrowed. But is the data reliable and if so, does a more granular, disaggregated picture suggest that there are still areas of concern? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Associate Professor Dr Too Wei Keong, School of Education, University of Nottingham Malaysia.