The government has signed a Confidence and Supply Agreement with 13 opposition MPs, including six from Bersatu, who have pledged their support for Budget 2027 while remaining in opposition. We speak to Dr Syaza Shukri, Associate Professor of Political Science at the International Islamic University Malaysia, about why the agreement is happening now, what it means for Bersatu and Harapan ahead of GE-16, and how it plays into the Melaka state election. (Starts at 24:01)

Other stories we covered:

• Protecting concertgoers from cancelled shows: Anoushka Shankar has criticised Shiraz Projects over its handling of her cancelled show in KL, saying her team has had no response from the promoter since. We speak to Jessie Tan, a lawyer specialising in entertainment law, about what ticket holders can do to get refunds and how to better protect audiences, artistes and crew in future. (Starts at 17:39)

• Hello Kitty caught in China-Japan tensions: Sanrio has cancelled its collaboration with a Japanese spy series after Chinese state media criticised the show’s portrayal of Chinese agents. We discuss how a pop culture collaboration ended up in a diplomatic row, and how often entertainment gets caught up in politics. (Starts at 13:48)

• Over 3,000 child abuse cases reported in the first half of the year: Figures from the Social Welfare Department show cases rising between the first and second quarters, and experts say the real numbers are likely higher. We speak to Srividhya Ganapathy, Co-Chairperson of the CRIB Foundation, about what cases look like on the ground, the gaps in reporting procedures, and what our priorities should be. (Starts at 6:45)

• Sir Patrick Stewart dies at 86: Best known as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek and Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men films, Stewart passed away following complications associated with Alzheimer's disease and dementia. We look back on his career and share our favourite memories of his work. (Starts at 0:23)

Image Credit: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim Official Facebook