Consider This

Today marks exactly one year since Malaysia reported its first Covid-19 case. And our initial pandemic response had been highlighted as among the best in the world. But a year on, we have to take stock of where we’ve fallen behind, where the weaknesses are, and how we can do better. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to healthcare administrator, Dr Khoo Yoong Khean.

The 2021 school year for Malaysia has commenced, as students & teachers adapt to online classes and home-based learning. Last year, schoolchildren nationwide had only two full months of in-class sessions -- in February and August. Later in the show we’re going to be hearing from educationists to find out the impact of this on learning outcomes and  how they will be addressed this year. And for the students, 2021 will no doubt be incredibly challenging, especially those who are facing major examinations. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Nurul Rifayah Muhammad Iqbal is sitting for the SPM examination this year.

As we start the academic year, some students are returning to the classroom while others continue with home-based learning. In fact, national school students had only two full months of in-class sessions -- in February and August. The ministry of education has had most of last year to prepare for the start of this academic year -- our second year into the pandemic. What have we done to address the challenges of blended learning that were identified throughout last year? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Professor Ganakumaran Subramaniam, Head of School of Education, University of Nottingham Malaysia.

The first couple of days back at school, and we hear the same issues from last year: sharing of devices; none or limited internet; unconducive learning environments; lack of interest or inability to absorb what’s being taught.Why is it that in our second year of dealing with this pandemic, we haven’t been able to adequately address these issues for our children? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Cheryl Fernando, Country Director, Pemimpin GSL Malaysia.

Today is Inauguration Day for Joe Biden, as he takes an oath to serve as the 46th president of the United States. But what lies beyond the inauguration spectacle are the domestic and international divisions that were made more pronounced under the Donald Trump presidency. Can these divisions be overcome by the incoming Biden Administration? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Meredith Weiss, Professor of Political Science, State University of New York at Albany.

What will be the focus of the incoming Biden Administration leading a country and economy devastated by the Covid-19 pandemic? Beyond the consensus about China as a threat, what can the rest of Asia expect from this superpower? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to John Pang, Senior Fellow, Hannah Arendt Center for Politics and Humanities. Bard College, New York.

The Emergency Ordinance 2021 was officially gazetted yesterday with 18 provisions, among which stipulate that the Prime Minister and the Cabinet will continue to have executive power but also take the function of law-making once done by Parliament; that no legal action & prosecution can be brought against the government or public officer for actions they carry out during this period; and that it can suppress dissent.  Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Phillip Koh,  Advocate & Solicitor, High Court of Malaya.

One of the provisions of the Emergency Ordinance states that an independent special committee will be established to advise the Agong on the need to continue the state of Emergency. But can it be truly independent? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Lim Wei Jiet, Secretary-General, National Human Rights Society (Hakam).