Live & Learn

Wesak Day - also known as “Buddha Day” - falls on the 26th of May this year, and it is the most universally celebrated holiday in Buddhism. The day celebrates the birth, enlightenment and death day of the Buddha, and we get a 101 on this remarkable occasion from JP Thong, who is a Director with the NGO Kechara.

Image source: Kechara

Phase 2 of the COVID-19 vaccination programme is now underway. In this ongoing series, senior citizens who have gotten their jabs share their stories, to allay fears and concerns about getting the vaccination. This episode features retired Court of Appeal judge Tan Sri Vadaketh Chacko George, from Kuala Lumpur.

Recently, there’s been plenty of investigations done on journalists, media outlets and even opposition MPs, regarding their reporting or opinions on the untimely deaths of people while in police custody. This comes at the heels of the death of A Ganapathy, 40-year-old milk trader who was allegedly beaten while in police custody in Gombak. The press and members of the public have demanded for answers and justice. The authorities have responded by investigating the likes of journalists from Malaysiakini and Muar MP, YB Syed Saddiq, and even threatened to sue newsportal, Free Malaysia Today. 

Joining us on the show to discuss the systemic changes that we need to see in police force, as well as the importance of safeguarding press freedom... is Katrina Jorene Maliamauv, Executive Director, Amnesty International Malaysia and Ding Jo Ann, Legal Researcher and Adviser at the Centre For Independent Journalism.

Image source: Shutterstock

Phase 2 of the COVID-19 vaccination programme is now underway. In this ongoing series, senior citizens who have gotten their jabs share their stories, to allay fears and concerns about getting the vaccination. This episode features 90-year-old Gomathi from Kuala Lumpur.

 According to Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director Huzir Mohamed, a total of 45 cases involving child pornography were reported during the MCO period. This is an increase of 27 cases compared to the year prior to the implementation of the MCO.

But why is this so? And what can we do about it? Sharmila Sekaran of Voice of the Children joins us on the show to share her insights.

Image source: Shutterstock

Pollination is a fundamental process for the survival of our ecosystems, but pollinators such as bees, are increasingly under threat from human activities, with present species extinction rates ranging from 100 to 1,000 times higher than normal. The fourth observance of World Bee Day - celebrated annually on the 20th of May - is calling on us all to “Bee engaged – Build Back Better for Bees”. Pollination is a fundamental process for the survival of our ecosystems, but pollinators such as bees, are increasingly under threat from human activities, with present species extinction rates ranging from 100 to 1,000 times higher than normal. The fourth observance of World Bee Day - celebrated annually on the 20th of May - is calling on us all to “Bee engaged – Build Back Better for Bees”. We discuss how we can do this with Dr. Mohd Norowi Hamid, the Chairman of the MY Bee Savior Association, a local NGO initiated by Mardi, where volunteers respond to distress calls involving bee hives, and translocate them safely away. 

Image source: MY Bee Saviour Association Facebook 

Phase 2 of the COVID-19 vaccination programme is now underway. In this ongoing series, senior citizens who have gotten their jabs share their stories, to allay fears and concerns about getting the vaccination. This episode features 75-year-old Colin Goh from Malacca.

A few days ago, Israel carried out dozens of airstrikes on the Gaza strip. While some might say that this is merely a response to Palestinian forces fired rockets into southern Israel, the truth is, this is but a latest chapter in a conflict that has been going on for decades, as Palestinians try to resist and fight back against the violent Zionist regime. 

In light of the latest developments, many International communities, including here in Malaysia have come together to show their solidarity for Palestine. But are we doing enough? 

Puan Sri Datin Norma Hashim, Treasurer of Viva Palestina Malaysia (VPM) and Ahmad Adam, a Palestinian refugee and community leader here in Malaysia, join us on the show to discuss. 

Image source: EPA-EFE

If you were asked to picture a museum, what comes to mind? Many of us might think of beautiful buildings housing important artefacts and items from a particular culture or point in time, but what makes a museum, especially when the term seems to be used more liberally these days? In conjunction with International Museum Day, which is celebrated on the 18th of May every year, we speak to Simon Soon, a senior lecturer in art history from Universiti Malaya and Lee Yuen Thien, manager of the Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum in Melaka, to get their perspectives on the role of museums in society, how museums in Malaysia have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and what the future holds for museums.

Image source: Shutterstock

Phase 2 of the COVID-19 vaccination programme is now underway. In this ongoing series, senior citizens who have gotten their jabs share their stories, to allay fears and concerns about getting the vaccination. This episode features 93-year-old Rajkumari Krishnan from Kuala Lumpur.