The coalition is once again dealing with internal tension, this time over how the Opposition Leader should be chosen. A plan to let MPs decide the role sounds procedural, but it is really turning into a question of who actually holds influence inside the coalition. The issue is closely tied to the split between Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin, with Hamzah now leading a group of 18 ex-Bersatu MPs seeking recognition in PN’s leadership structure. According to PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang, it will not be hasty in making a decision.

Image Credit: Shutterstock

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was in Malaysia this week, although the visit has been cut short by a day after an emergency back home linked to fuel supply concerns. He met Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Anwar Ibrahim, with talks centered on trade, energy and supply chains at a time of growing global disruption. Australia is Malaysia’s 12th largest trading partner, with bilateral trade at RM78-and-a-half billion ringgit in 2025. Malaysia exported RM48-and-a-half billion ringgit, while imports stood at just under RM30 billion ringgit. Beyond trade, the relationship runs deep in energy. We explore our mutual interests.

Image Credit: Shutterstock

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As social media becomes the primary source of information for many Malaysians, concerns over misinformation, online harms, and digital trust are growing. With platforms introducing new safeguards and users increasingly relying on personal networks to verify information, how are Malaysians deciding what to believe, and does this signal a need to rethink how media literacy is understood and taught?

Image Credit: Shutterstock

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia's carbon tax was due to be introduced this year for carbon intensive sectors like iron, steel and energy. However the timing of the rollout is now under review amid higher global energy prices. We discuss the implications of this policy with Dr Renard Siew, President of the Malaysia Carbon Market Association.

Image Credit: Shutterstock

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia is introducing fare discounts and subsidised rail passes to ease the impact of higher fuel prices and support commuters. Nabil Ersyad from Transit Malaysia talks about if pricing incentives can be feasible solution given ongoing service disruptions across KL’s rail network and infrastructure that more often than not, favours cars rather than public transport.

Image Credit: Shutterstock

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Indonesia is navigating rising oil prices and global uncertainty while holding firm to an ambitious 5.4% growth target. With fuel subsidies straining fiscal limits, inflation risks building, and external pressures mounting, how sustainable is this outlook, and what trade-offs will policymakers need to make to keep the economy on track?

Image Credit: Shutterstock

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia is tightening its fuel subsidy system through targeted schemes, digital tracking, and stronger enforcement, but gaps in implementation and rising concerns over leakages and supply persist. As operators struggle to access support and public anxiety grows, are these measures enough to fix the system, or do they reveal deeper structural issues in how subsidies are designed and delivered?

Image Credit: Shutterstock

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China is recalibrating its approach to Taiwan, engaging directly with the opposition while rolling out targeted economic incentives, even as military activity around the island continues. With Beijing shaping both the terms and tone of engagement, what does this dual strategy reveal about its broader objectives, and how might it reshape cross-strait relations and regional stability?

Image Credit: Shutterstock

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hungary’s election has brought an end to Viktor Orbán’s long rule, with Péter Magyar securing a decisive parliamentary majority. Driven by concerns over cost of living and governance, voters have delivered a clear signal for change. But with institutions shaped by the previous administration and mixed signals on foreign policy, is Hungary set for a decisive shift back toward Europe or a more complex, pragmatic path forward?

Image Credit: Shutterstock

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Perikatan Nasional is navigating a leadership gap following Hamzah Zainuddin’s resignation as Opposition Leader, raising questions about internal unity and direction. As PAS looks set to take a larger role and UMNO shows signs of consolidation, are we witnessing an early political realignment ahead of the next general election, and who will emerge to lead the opposition in Parliament?

Image Credit: Shutterstock

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.