Consider This

Construction work on Phase One of Penang's first LRT line is expected to begin at the end of this year. But the project is not without controversy, as civil society groups have urged both the federal and state government to reconsider the rail project. On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks to Zulfikar Abdul Aziz of the Penang Public Transport Users Association, and Dr Rosli Khan of MDS Traffic Planners & Consultants.

In the aftermath of The 1975’s performance and subsequent cancellation of Good Vibes Festival 2023, how might future live events in Malaysia be impacted? On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks to  Para Rajagopal and Iqbal Ameer of the Arts, Live Festivals and Events Association (ALIFE).

Three states in the Malay heartland will be heading to the polls this August 12th -- Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu -- and most of the data and analysis from GE15 are now no longer an indication of current support for different coalitions, or even the government. So what then is likely to shape Malay voting choices this time around? Dr Azmil Tayeb, Associate Professor in the School of Social Sciences at the Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang. He is also a Visiting Research Fellow at ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute and has done extensive research on Islamic politics, social movements and local government politics in Malaysia and Indonesia.

What key factors might shape the electoral climate in Kedah? Is the ‘Green Wave’ a rising tide, or have the currents changed since GE15? On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks to Mohd Firdaus Salleh from the Pokok Sena Division of PAS, and Juzaili Azmi, Information Secretary for Armada Bersatu.

With DAP firmly holding the reins in Penang, are there contenders strong enough to shake the status quo? Are other political parties ready to be viable alternatives to the current state government? On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks to KN Lee of MUDA Penang & Izhar Shah Arif Shah of Bersatu Permatang Pauh.

Are civil society's concerns about Penang's development trajectory being taken seriously? Are contentious projects an issue that will be on voters’ minds going into the Penang State Elections? On this episode of #ConsiderThis, Melisa Idris speaks to Dr Lim Mah Hui, Member of Penang Forum & Former Penang Island City Councillor.

Caretaker Chief Minister of Penang Chow Kon Yeow is seeking a renewed mandate for a second term. The elections come as Penang voters are grappling with the cooperation between PH and BN, controversial development projects, and perceptions of unequal development between the island and mainland. On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks to Caretaker Chief Minister of Penang Chow Kon Yeow about his chances for re-election in the upcoming state polls.

Despite some progress, challenges still remain in recognising children as rights holders, and upholding the collective responsibility to safeguard their wellbeing. How do we create a child-centric Malaysia that prioritises the best interest of the child in policymaking? On this episode on #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks to Dr Farah Nini Dusuki, who was appointed as Children's Commissioner to SUHAKAM in March 2023.

Amidst growing calls for educational reform, attention is turning to Malaysia's Form 6, also known as Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM), as educators and experts advocate for changes to make it a more dynamic and college-like pre-university programme. What potential changes or enhancements should be considered for the current Form 6 system? On this episode of #ConsiderThis, Melisa Idris speaks to Chan Soon Seng of Teach For Malaysia and Cheryl Fernando of Pemimpin GSL Malaysia.

July 11th marks World Population Day, which aims to draw global attention towards rising world population and the effect it is putting on our natural resources, climate and on the planet overall. On this episode of #ConsiderThis we explore the challenges, opportunities, and potential solutions surrounding population dynamics, reproductive rights, and the pursuit of a sustainable and equitable future for all. Melisa Idris speaks to planetary health expert Professor Tan Sri Dr Jemilah Mahmood, and sustainability specialist Dr Renard Siew.