Evening Edition BFM Media

Today's countdown includes:
5. A debate on whether the posting of book excerpts on social media violates copyright laws. This is coming after an X user posted a criticism of Daiyan Trisha's new book, along with pictures taken from the pages of the book. This prompted the publisher to demand it to be taken down, saying it violated copyright laws. Syamsuriatna Ishak, a former lawyer, tells us whether there are grounds for legal action.
4. With seven Bersatu lawmakers switching allegiance to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the unity government, more by-elections may be on the cards. Wong Chin Huat comments on what this means for Bersatu moving forward.
3. Ahead of the Kuala Kubu Bharu by-elections, we hear messages from Parti Rakyat Malaysia candidate, Hafizah Zainuddin and Pakatan candidate Pang Sock Tao.
2. The passing of Dewan Negara president, Datuk Mutang Tunggal at the age of 69-years old, who was the first Dayak to hold the position.
1. The Madani village adoption programme, which was tabled with a RM100 million allocation, is being touted as the best solution to resolve issues faced by rural communities. For this, we speak in-depth with Maalini Ramalo, Director of Social Protection, Development of Human Resources for Rural Areas.

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Today's countdown includes:

5. The Malaysian Bar points out that Malaysia has not fully incorporated prohibitions against discrimination against disabilities. We reached out to Meera Samanther, co-chairperson of the Bar Council's Ad-Hoc Committee on Persons with Disabilities to understand why pushing for this provision is important.
4. The launch of Freedom Fund 2.0 by citizen action group Engage, who plan to help Clare Rewcastle-Brown through her defamation suit. Thomas Fann, chairman of ENGAGE, helps us understand how the fund will help.
3. Attacks on three national footballers have raised alarms across the country. Police however, say the incidents are unrelated and the public has been told not to speculate. Haresh Deol, editor of Twentytwo13 comments on these incidents, and Selangors decision to pull out from the Charity Shield match.
2. Malaysia is apparently planning to gift orangutans to boost relations, and show-off the country's commitment to conservation. Although, NGOs have raised obvious concerns in light of the critically endangered status of orangutans. So John Payne, Executive Director of the PONGO Alliance, weighs in on the suggestion.
1. UNICEF's 'Living on the Edge' study has shed light on the prevalence of poverty among women, children and those with disabilities. We get into the findings of the report with Lee Min Hui, Senior Analyst in Social Policy and National Integration at ISIS Malaysia.

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Today's countdown includes:

5. Bersih rebukes government over broken promises, amidst the appointment of Datuk Sapdin Ibrahim as the newest member of the Election Commission without open and transparent process. Wong Yan Ke, Deputy Chairperson of Bersih for his thoughts.
4. An uprooted tree in KL causes the death of a 47-year old man, two injuries, and disruption to the KL Monorail track. Zailani Jamil, President of the Malaysian Society of Arborists comments on the importance of constant inspection of trees.
3. A rise in statutory rape cases involving minors is raising concerns, in light of the fact that children aged 10-and-below can't be held criminally liable. We hear from Dr. Farah Nini Dusuki, the Children’s Commissioner of SUHAKAM for how cases are approached if not through the legal system. Then, child psychologist, Katyana Azman weighs in on claims that early exposure to pornography is causing these crimes.
2. Israel's invasion of Rafah draws eyes from around the world, as the last entry and exit point for aid delivery and evacuations falls under the control of Israel. We reach out to Dr Ferooze Ali, Senior Fellow of the Asia Middle East Center for Research & Dialogue to understand if this will impact peace deal negotiations.
1. The newly launched National Anti-Corruption Strategy is set to boost the country's integrity. We dive into the plan with Pushpan Murugiah, CEO of the Centre to Combat Corruption and Cronyism.

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Today's countdown includes:

5. A PPR in Bestari Jaya will finally be developed in hopes to resolve the longstanding housing crisis faced by 245 families across five estates since 1998, despite being approved back in 2018. Sr Dr Ainoriza Mohd Aini, a Senior Lecturer from the Faculty of Built Environment of UM comments on why PPR's typically take so long to be developed after approval.
4. Local fast food outlet, Darsa Fried Chicken under fire for racial comments made by an admin of the restaurant's social media.
3. Investigations into a Bloomberg journalist for his involvement in a report about the alleged development of a casino in Forest City. Zaharom Nain, Professor of Communications and Multimedia aat University of Nottingham Malaysia weighs in on the investigation.
2. The Malaysian government has recieved brickbats over the participation of arms dealers with direct involment in the Palestinian genocide at a national security exhibition. Nur Hafizah Shamsudin, a representative of Sekretariat Solidariti Palestine comments on this.
1. With the Kuala Kubu Bharu by-elections coming closer, we look into the discourse surrounding the Indian voter base. For this, we speak in-depth with former Klang MP, Charles Santiago.

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Today's countdown includes:
5. Malaysian-born and Oscar-winning actress, Tan Seri Michelle Yeoh was awarded the US Presidential Medal of Freedom by US President Joe Biden. Should we celebrate or scrutinise?
4. Kuala Lumpur's iconic Coliseum cinema is now up for sale. Cha-Ly Koh, CEO and Founder of Urbanmetry shares her insights on the value of heritage sites like this being put up on the market.
3. The Perak-Penang water project is on track, set to solve the ongoing water crisis in Penang. S. Piarapakaran, President of the Association of Water and Energy Research Malaysia to discuss the implications of this deal for both states.
2. Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Nor issues a rare apology to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Cabinet ministers for making inappropriate remarks in his political capacity. Predeep Nambiar, the Northern Region Bureau Chief from FMT weighs in on the measured strategy of Sanusi's apology.
1. Our top story! The US Treasury is set to visit Malaysia, seeking to discuss sanctions to combat funding Iran and its proxy groups through Malaysian financial channels. We dive into this story with Bunn Nagara.

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Today's countdown includes:

5. A raid on a convenience store and subsequent seizure of ice cream products with the label "No Palm Oil."
4. The Health Ministry asking for AstraZeneca to clarify Covid-19 vaccine side effects.
3. World Press Freedom Day, and our unfortunate slide in the world rankings to the 34th spot.
2. Government moving to one single agency to manage and control our borders.
1. Our top story! The noise surrounding vernacular schools, amidst the Kuala Kubu Baru by-elections.

For these stories, we spoke with Azrul Mohd Khalib, CEO for Galen Centre; Zaharom Nain, Professor of Communication & Multimedia, University of Nottingham Malaysia; Premesh Chandran, Former CEO of Malaysiakini and Munira Mustaffa, executive director of Chasseur Group.

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