Yesterday, the Ministry of Finance confirmed that they were issuing guidelines for ministries and government agencies to reprioritise operational expenses in light of the global energy supply crisis. The Ministry of Finance is pushing for up to RM10 billion in operational savings, with healthcare and education among the sectors facing significant cuts. We speak to Prof Ahmed Razman Abdul Latiff of Putra Business School on the potential economic impact and what it could mean for public services. (Starts at 24:32)

• Domestic violence data gaps: Fragmented reporting across agencies means Malaysia lacks a complete view of domestic violence cases, even as numbers continue to rise. We speak to Karen Lai, director of the Women’s Centre for Change on why these gaps matter and what reforms are needed to better protect victims. (Starts at 18:20)

• New allegations hit Michael Jackson’s legacy: Fresh abuse claims against Michael Jackson have surfaced in a U.S. lawsuit, adding to long-standing controversies surrounding the late pop icon. As his estate denies the allegations, the case raises difficult questions about celebrity, accountability, and how fans reconcile art with an artist’s past - which we discuss. (Starts at 13:42)

• Lenggong Valley earns UNESCO recognition: Lenggong Valley has gained Global Geopark status from UNESCO, making it one of the few places in the world with both Geopark and World Heritage recognition. We speak to Dato’ Hamdan Abdul Majeed of ThinkCity on what this means for tourism, research, and local communities. (Starts at 6:53)

• When indie goes viral...: A report by The Guardian reveals how even indie artists are turning to manufactured hype—using influencers, fan pages, and algorithm tactics to simulate buzz. As the lines blur between organic discovery and strategic promotion, we ask: does it change how we connect with the music we love? (Starts at 0:22)

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