Starting January 1st 2026, Malaysia will automatically license major social media platforms with over eight million users, including WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Telegram, and YouTube, under the Communications and Multimedia Act. What impact will this have? We discuss with Dr Benjamin Loh.

• PAS pushes racial rhetorics over Hannah Yeoh's new appointment: PAS has criticised Hannah Yeoh’s historic appointment as Federal Territories minister, framing it as ethnic power concentration. How does PAS’ racial narrative undermine its bid to broaden support? We hear from Dr Oh Ei Sun, principal advisor at the Pacific Research Centre, about this.

• Anti-misogyny training in UK schools: The UK is rolling out anti‑misogyny training in schools to curb violence against women and girls. Teachers will be trained to challenge harmful myths and spot abusive behaviours, while high‑risk students receive extra support. We discuss how effective this plan is.

• Bridge to Indonesia (from Melaka): Melaka is exploring a 47.7 km bridge to Sumatra, with a feasibility study set to begin next year. Supporters tout its economic potential, while critics question the state’s finances and the need for such a project. We hear thoughts from Associate Professor Dr Fauzan Mohd Jakarni, Head of the Department of Civil Engineering at University Putra Malaysia.

• Donald Trump renames the Kennedy Center after himself: This has sparked legal, political, and cultural backlash, highlighting the clash between tradition, law, and Trump’s ongoing culture war. We explore.

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