Current Affairs

In the past few months, Myanmar saw its first by-elections since it began transitioning to democracy a year ago. But it also witnessed the assassination of leader Aung San Suu Kyi’s top advisor and continued conflict in ethnic minority areas. Earlier this month, the international community was shocked by Suu Kyi’s comment that the Rohingya crisis cannot be called an “ethnic cleansing” and as she admits that the pace of change has been slow.

Today on Current Affairs, we explore the latest developments in Myanmar as well as challenges ahead.

This is a report by Tan Zhai Yun.

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Never, it is being said, has the outlook of a presidential election in France seemed so uncertain. Ahead of the election this Sunday, many French voters are undecided on who to vote for. The main candidates include Benoît Hammon from the Socialist Party, François Fillon from the Republicans, far-left candidate Jean-Luc Mélenchon, far-right candidate Marine Le Pen and centrist Emmanuel Macron.

Current Affairs analyzes the candidates in the upcoming French presidential election, the possible repercussions of their foreign policy agenda, and how undecided voters and abstentions could swing the election.

This is a report by Raja Nadhirah Raja Hasnan.

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Turkey went to the polls last Sunday, in a referendum that will transform the country’s parliamentary system into a fully fledged presidential one. With a slim majority voting “Yes”, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan promises to implement the changes at the end of his current term in 2019. Held under a state of emergency declared in July of last year, voting patterns suggest a urban-rural divide and the continued disenfranchisement of the Kurdish minority.

The arguments for the change was made on the basis of a more efficient governance but has been framed by domestic detractors and the Western media as a contest between democracy and authoritarianism.

Today on Current Affairs, BFM explores the political prospects for Turkey.

This is a report by Sharaad Kuttan. 

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The Social Security Organisation announced on the 13th of April, that the draft Employment Insurance Scheme Bill is ready and will be submitted to the Attorney-General's Chambers soon. The Bill is expected to be debated in the June parliamentary sitting.

Today on Current Affairs, we continue our conversation on the Employment Insurance Scheme, discussing its impact on Malaysia's global competitiveness.

This is a report by Lyn Mak.

This is Part 2 of our discussion on Employment Insurance Scheme Bill. You can listen to Part 1 here.

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Since late March, Malaysians have been subjected to a new fuel price every week instead of every month. When the change was announced earlier this year, it was met with mixed responses and some confusion from various stakeholders.

BFM explores why the change was made and the possible consequences of the new system.

This is a report by Tan Zhai Yun.

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The first quarter of 2017 has shown macro indicators pointing towards an improvement in the health of the global economy. However, economists have singled out geopolitical risks as one major risk that could derail global economic growth.

Today on Current Affairs, BFM explores the current climate and implications of geopolitical risks, and how is Asia positioned against the backdrop of rising trade protectionism concerns.

This is a report by Wei Lynn Tang.

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At the end of the recent parliamentary session which ended last Thursday, the controversial private members bill to amend the Syariah Court Act (RUU355) was tabled but not debated. Adding to the controversy, the Bill was pushed ahead of other government bills by the Speaker of the House. It is expected to be debated during the next Parliamentary session.

Today on Current Affairs, BFM looks at the politics of the so-called RUU355 campaign and its impact on national political dynamics.

This is a report by Sharaad Kuttan.

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European companies may now forbid staff from wearing visible religious accessories under certain circumstances. This follows a judgement delivered by European Union’s top court in response to two women who were dismissed from their jobs in France and Belgium. The ruling prompted backlash from human rights groups and religious leaders.

In fraught Dutch political climate, far-right candidates called for Muslim immigration policies. With ongoing French presidential campaign, religion is deemed to have no place in a secular society. In the wake of all these, the ruling is seen by some as a measure targeting Muslims.

Today on Current Affairs, we explore how the ban will affect Muslim females and their freedom in Europe.

This is a report by Raja Nadhirah Raja Hasnan.

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Around the world, rape and sexual abuse are everyday violent occurrences -- affecting close to a billion women and girls over their lifetimes. However, many countries fail to address this issue by having laws that are insufficient, inconsistent, and, sometimes, even promote violence.

This was revealed in a recent report entitled The Global Rape Epidemic by international human rights organization, Equality Now. The report is an analysis of laws on rape and sexual assault from 82 jurisdictions.

Today on Current Affairs, BFM explores the current sexual violence law in Malaysia and analyse if it is sufficient to protect the rights of women and girls.

This is a report by Emir Zainul.

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A series of sweeping changes have been made by the newly appointed Football Association of Malaysia President Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim just 10 days after coming to power. This includes reverting the national squad's name to it's original name, Harimau Malaya, implementing a cost-cutting exercise within the FAM and empowering fans with the freedom of speech and dialog.

In the second of this two-part series on the future of the country's football, BFM explores the beginning of Tunku Ismail's journey to transform Malaysia into a highly respected footballing nation. You can listen to part 1 here.

This is a report by Shawn Tanis.

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