Consider This

What are the realities of Labuan's geographic location and financial resources that perhaps constrains its ability to achieve some of these grand economic development plans that have been touted in the past? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Simon Sipaun, Chairman, Institute of Development Studies in Sabah and Kassim Mansor, Dean of the Faculty of Business, Economics and Accountancy, Universiti Malaysia Sabah.

Let’s start with the news that the government is looking to make the wearing of masks compulsory in public places. In a televised address today, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the government is fine-tuning the details. This comes as new positive cases of Covid-19 have increased to the double digits over the last few days, and fresh clusters detected. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan bring you the most important conversations of the day.

The Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) is back in the news, after a recent meeting between the Prime Minister and the Federation of Chinese Associations Malaysia. Conflicting reports over what was agreed to at the meeting, was a reminder that recognition of the UEC is seen to be politically contentious. While recognition has been a long-standing desire of the community, no government thus far has granted it. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Eddin Khoo, Chairperson, UEC Taskforce.

Has the issue of UEC recognition been so politicised to the point where we have lost sight of the really important question - genuine education? And what would it take to overcome an impasse on UEC recognition?  Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Eddin Khoo, Chairperson, UEC Taskforce.

Recently, the issue local government elections came to the fore, with the Housing and Local Government Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin saying that a paper will be tabled to the cabinet by mid-next year. But this was promptly rejected by UMNO and PAS which are part of the Perikatan Nasional government. Why the resistance? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Thomas Fann, Secretary-General of Gabungan Demokrasi Tempatan and Datuk M. Ali, Chairperson of the Save KL Coalition.

Many arguments are made against restoring local government elections including that cities have more minority representation. But our guests argue that only 6 out of 154 municipalities have a slight Chinese majority. What is the true concern? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Thomas Fann, Secretary-General of Gabungan Demokrasi Tempatan and Datuk M. Ali, Chairperson of the Save KL Coalition.

Seeing oneself as both citizen and a ratepayer requires a shift in mind-set and active involvement in issues that have an immediate impact on our lives. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Thomas Fann, Secretary-General of Gabungan Demokrasi Tempatan and Datuk M. Ali, Chairperson of the Save KL Coalition.

After what many have described as a "chaotic" first day in Parliament yesterday, hashtag #OurTurn or #MasaKita were trending on social media, on posts about the frustration of young Malaysians about the behaviour of older elected representatives in Dewan Rakyat. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan bring you the most important conversations of the day.

Malaysia and Singapore have agreed to open respective borders to long-term pass holders, as well as business and official visitors, starting 10th August. The causeway is one of the world’s busiest border crossings, across which some 300 thousand people traverse each day. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Oh Ei Sun, Fellow, Singapore Institute of International Affairs on the impact of the border closure and the trust implied in a re-opening.

Singapore's economy contracted 41.2% compared to the previous quarter -- and it’s the biggest quarterly contraction on record. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Ho Meng Kit, CEO, Singapore Business Federation, to get a better understanding what has been the on-the-ground impact of COVID-19 border restrictions on Singaporean businesses and the hundreds of thousands of Malaysian workers working for them.