According to a Reuters report, Malaysia's FDI in 2020 totalled $3.4b, a 56% drop from the previous year. Is this worrisome, or does it just reflect the uncertainties in the global investment landscape due to the pandemic? We explore this by looking at Malaysia's current standing in attracting FDI, what we can do better to remain competitive, and how we can move up the value chain. Image Source: Austin Distel, Unsplash

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During the Penang state government's International Women's Day 2021 campaign, state EXCO for social development Chong Eng brought up a suggestion to establish a family court in Malaysia, to better address cases of domestic violence. We discuss with a lawyer about the roles that a family court would have, and then speak with a survivor of domestic violence about what it was like for her to navigate the legal proceedings. Finally, we look at the impact of domestic violence on children.

Image Source: Sora Shimazaki, Pexels

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At the party's general assembly over the weekend, Umno announced that it is parting ways with Perikatan Nasional, and rejected the possibility of working together with Bersatu or Pakatan Harapan. The party also made statements that raised questions about its relationship with PAS. We speak with two political analysts about the developments, then hear from the perspective of a party member.

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The Election Commission has announced that auto registration for citizens above the age of 18 to vote will be delayed until after September 2022, decreasing their chances of particpating in GE15. We explore how this call came to be and the consquences it might have on our next elections.

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The Federal Court ruled yesterday that hoteliers are not entitled to use the 10% service charge to meet the minimum wage of their workers. We explore the impact of this development with a lawyer, discuss the minimum wage requirement with a union representative, and then look at why we don't have a culture of tipping in Malaysia.

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An immediate safety audit has been ordered on the Sungai Besi-Ulu Kelang Elevated Expressway (SUKE) site, following the most recent accident where a crane toppled, killing three workers and injuring a member of the public. We explore safety standards at construction sites, and look at what can be done to increase public safety when mega scale projects are underway.

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With MySejahtera playing a huge part in ensuring Malaysians register for the vaccination programme, we speak to experts in the field about its current limitations, how the gaps can be addressed and what technology can do in the battle against COVID-19.

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The Prime Minister announced the RM20b Pemerkasa stimulus package last week, consisting of 20 strategic intiatives focusing on five main focus areas. We discuss how much the new aid package will help affected businesses, and look at what impact it will have specifically on the tourism sector. Then, we hear from a business owner about his experience of applying for government incentives, and what can be done to smoothen the process.

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On the International Day of Happiness, we ask - what's made you happy in the past year? And then we discuss the link between financial security and happiness, and contemplate the idea of happiness itself and whether it's overrated.

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Barisan Nasional is setting up task forces to hold the government accountable. Following that announcement, we take a closer look at the importance of checks and balances, how effective current mechanisms are, and what role civil society can play in keeping the government in check.

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