The Munich Security Conference 2026 opens under the shadow of U.S. Vice President JD Vance’s sharp critique of Europe’s migration, defense, and free speech policies, compounded by Washington’s Greenland claims that rattled transatlantic trust. As Macron and Merz push for a more independent European path and America’s culture wars seep into security debates, the question is whether Europe can afford its own defense while keeping solidarity alive. (Starts at 21:58)

• Protests against Azam Baki continue: Members of the public and civil society groups organised a protest against the MACC Chief following his latest shareholding controversy and Bloomberg reports that accused the commission of being involved in corporate collusion. We revisit a conversation on the Morning Run, where independent business writer P. Gunasegaram unpacks this controversy. (Starts at 15:46)

• Should art be apolitical?: Politics took centre stage at the 76th Berlin International Film Festival when jury president Wim Wenders said filmmakers should stay out of politics. His comments sparked strong conversation, with some agreeing that artists should refrain from making political statements while others, like author Arundathi Roy calling his stance unconscionable. We get into it. (Starts at 10:58)

• Hamzah Zainudin heading to UMNO?: Ex Bersatu deputy president Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin was sacked from his party last week, along with 16 other party leaders over allegations that they had attempted to oust president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin from his position. Initial rumours say Hamzah is headed back to his old party UMNO. We discuss these rumblings and the state of Bersatu's leadership with Adib Zalkapli, managing director of Viewfinder Global Affairs. (Starts at 05:06)

• Passengers demand quiet on LRTs: A report from The Sun detailed how commuters take issue with the loud advertisements that are played on the LRT, especially in the morning when they want a peaceful journey. We discuss their experiences. (Starts at 00:23)

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