General

This week, BMW launched an all new infotainment system called the iDrive 8, which debuts plenty of interesting features that aims to 'create an emotional connection' with the driver. In the same week, coincidentally, BMW Malaysia have themselves opened registrations of interest for their all-electric SUV called the iX. In other news, we discuss the new (divisive) KIA EV6,  Berjaya Auto Alliance's takeover of KIA's operations in Malaysia, and a couple of exciting Hyundais. Then, in Part 2, we talk about the new Mazda CX-3 facelift, and a rather unfortunate parts supply issue that currently plagues Proton.

Our car review this week takes a look at the new Honda City 1.5 i-VTEC. With a new & modern design, a somewhat minimalist interior and packed with more features than the Honda City ever had, can the new City uphold its strong reputation in Malaysia?

Inspired by Southeast Asian folklore, 'Raya and the Last Dragon' takes place in the fantasy land of Kumandra, where an ancient horde known as the Druun have returned. Raya (Kelly Marie Tran), a lone warrior in this dystopia, must track down the only thing that can restore peace in the realm - a legendary dragon named Sisu (Awkwafina). After much hype and anticipation, we review Disney's latest blockbuster and discuss what works, what doesn't, and the film's familiar Southeast Asian influence.

As the Covid-19 immunisation programme progresses in its third week in Malaysia, we speak with two health professionals and an MP about the rollout so far - looking at the registration rate, the role of states in the programme, and vaccine hesitancy.

Image Source: JC Gellidon, Unsplash

Political party MUDA has launched the lapormenteri.com website, for people to report on ministers who breach Covid-19 SOPs. According to MUDA, all complaints will be made public and submitted to the police. We find out more from Tarmizi Anuwar, co-founder of the party.

Image Source: Lens Hitam, Shutterstock

We’ve talked about why it’s important for our elderly to get the COVID-19 vaccine - which is to prevent them from getting the disease, especially as it is more severe among the elderly. But as we prepare for the upcoming Phase 2 of our immunisation programme, which will target the elderly population, are they even registered to get the COVID-19 vaccine? How do we ensure that they are aware of the process, especially if they live alone? We speak to consultant geriatrician Prof Dr Tan Maw Pin and the ADUN for Kg Tunku YB Lim Yi Wei to find out what are the challenges that lie ahead and how they’re helping our elderly to register for the COVID-19 vaccine, one individual at a time.

Image source: Shutterstock

Over the past year, the Malaysian government has been criticised by various human rights organisations, for its treatment of refugees and undocumented migrants. However, the hard truth is, Malaysia is not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention (which defines who a refugee is, and sets out the rights of individuals who are granted asylum and the responsibilities of nations that grant asylum) and so it becomes difficult to hold our governments accountable. But what if we do sign the 1951 Refugee Convention. What would change? How will it benefit our country? On this episode, Katrina Jorene Maliamauv and Aslam Abd Jalil join us on the show to discuss.

Other episodes of the miniseries:

> What if Malaysia… Has a Woman Prime Minister #1

> What if Malaysia... Decriminalised All Drugs For Personal Use #2

> What if Malaysia... Has Freedom of Speech Like the US #3

> What if Malaysia… Legalises Abortion (On-Demand)? #4

> What if Malaysia… Legalises Sex Work? #5

> What if Malaysia… Abolishes the Death Penalty? #6

Image Source: Shutterstock

Women’s safety in public spaces have garnered headlines recently, in response to the kidnapping and death of Sarah Everard in the UK. While people are calling for better legislation and measures to protect women, another important part of making public spaces safe for women means changing the behaviour of the other half of the population: men. We discuss why this is important and how men can help to make public spaces safer for women.

Image source: Shutterstock

TikTok will make personalised ads the default starting on April 15, where you’ll have to actively opt out if you want to only receive general ads not based on your app activity.

Monetizing YouTube videos isn’t just a hobby. For many, it’s a lucrative source of income. Because of this, digital fees and tax is still a vague concept in many regions. However, YouTubers in Malaysia (and all over the world) will have to start paying US tax up to 30% starting later this year.

Clubhouse, the invite-only audio chat app that has enamored the tech industry elite, is on the lookout for influencers. Because what social media app can be without influencers?