Consider This

In the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic, some Muslims had argued that virus was created by God to warn and punish humanity for its sins. And this meant that fighting the pandemic was futile, and Muslims should rely on God to protect the righteous. Can there be a balance between precaution and a reliance on God? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Ustaz Dr Nurul Haq Shahrir, a consultant on religion for the United Nations in Malaysia.

The demands of the public health campaign mean age-old traditions and customs have been changed or put on hold. This is creating anxiety among some of the faithful. How can this unease be addressed? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Ustaz Dr Nurul Haq Shahrir, a consultant on religion for the United Nations in Malaysia.

The months of Ramadan and Syawal is often a time when Muslims come together at mosques and homes. But this year has been different. Perhaps this period of social distancing and isolation will allow for opportunities for Muslims to reflect on how the pandemic has tested Muslims' faith. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Ustaz Dr Nurul Haq Shahrir, a consultant on religion for the United Nations in Malaysia.

Do the continued raids on the undocumented and a case of healthy legal migrant workers in immigration depots spotlight discriminatory practices that undermine the principles of public health.  Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan bring you the most important conversations of the day.

What is the true scale of unemployment in Malaysia? Has the true extent of job losses been adequately understood Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to policy analyst Laurence Todd, Research Director, Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs.

European Commission President has called for a 21st century Marshall Plan for Europe’s economic recovery from the pandemic, invoking the Marshall plan. Should Malaysia also be thinking big in terms of policy measures to address economic recovery from the crisis? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Laurence Todd, Research Director, Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs.

Vietnam's low infection rates and a low death in the COVID-19 pandemic have captured headlines. But with an authoritarian system that does not allow for dissent how confident can we be the numbers believable? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Huong Le Thu, Senior Analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute.

The SARS epidemic is said to have had a salutary effect on Vietnam's public health response. But has it pivoted on authoritarian mechanisms of surveillance rather than a high investment on health infrastructure? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Huong Le Thu, Senior Analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute.

With an economy integrated both with its giant neighbour China to the north as well as with the rest of the world, how does Vietnam plan to weather the global economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Huong Le Thu, Senior Analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute.

Parliament met today for 43 minutes and featured only the opening address of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. This is the first time that the House is convening since the fall of the Pakatan Harapan government. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan looks at the most important conversations of the day.