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According to the Department of Statistics, Malaysia's unemployment rate for April is now at 5%. This is the highest it’s been in the last 30 years -- since 1990. However, some economists are warning that the worst is yet to come, especially in the second quarter numbers. As Covid-19 infection numbers drop, will this be the number to watch? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan bring you the most important conversations of the day.

Wet markets in Asia came in for global attention when it was thought that they could be the source of the Coronavirus and the Covid-19 pandemic. But here in Malaysia concerns have centred on the presence of migrant workers and also as a possible site of job opportunities during the expected recession. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Rajiv Rishyakaran, Bukit Gasing State Assemblyperson in Selangor.

Selangor recently passed legislation prohibiting foreigners from owning business licences, running temporary businesses or being employed by such businesses. The ban also applies to foreign spouses of Malaysian women and men. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Rodziah Ismail, Selangor State Exco for Entrepreneur Development and Rural, Village and Traditional Village Development on the rationale behind this move.

The Attorney-General has filed an application to Malaysiakini for contempt over readers' comments in an article last week. The AG claims that the comments were a "demeaning” attack on the judiciary. Together with investigations into a Tweet by former a Deputy Minister and activist Siti Kassim, the media comes into sharp relief tonight. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan bring you the most important conversations of the day.

Well-known Filipino journalist, Maria Ressa, who co-founded the Rappler news site, has been convicted of cyber libel.  Maria was found guilty along with Reynaldo Santos Junior, in connection with a 2012 story on links between a senior judge and a wealthy businessman. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan ask John Nery, Chair of Asian Center for Journalism at Ateneo de Manila University, on how this case and all its implications is being framed.

The use of libel laws to silence critics of the powerful - elected officials in particular – are being used across the region, almost in a copycat fashion. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Ratna Ariyanti, Southeast Asia Coordinator, International Federation of Journalists Asia Pacific.

Last week, the Education Ministry announced a staggered approach to the reopening of public schools from the 24th of June -- beginning with exam-year students in Form 5 and Upper Six. What are the lessons that Malaysia can learn from other countries, as schools across the world start to reopen? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Stefania Giannini, Assistant Director-General for Education for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

What are the considerations for governments and policymakers when planning for the reopening of schools considering pre-pandemic inequalities are deepened by the current crisis. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Stefania Giannini, Assistant Director-General for Education for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

Does this crisis provide an opportunity for policy makers to rethink education - addressing not only the digital divide but also being focus on what is central to the role of the school in society. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Stefania Giannini, Assistant Director-General for Education for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

All public transportation services will now be allowed to operate at full capacity under RMCO. This includes public and express buses, trains and LRTs, taxis and e-hailing services, as well as ferries and flights. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan bring you the most important conversations of the day.