The Ministry of Finance has released its Pre-Budget Statement 2027, setting the direction for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's fifth MADANI budget ahead of its tabling in October 2026. Framed around 10 core focus areas under the 13th Malaysia Plan, the statement highlights the government's dual challenge of shielding households from global energy shocks while transitioning toward a high-value economy. We are joined by economist Doris Liew to break down the sustainability of current subsidy frameworks, the priority areas for public feedback, and what this preliminary roadmap signals for Malaysia's fiscal health. (Starts at 23:36)

• Proposed FOI bill falls short globally: Global NGO Centre for Law and Democracy ranked Malaysia’s proposed Freedom of Information bill 137th out of 142 countries, citing weak access provisions and the preservation of secrecy laws like the OSA. We speak with Prishanth Linggaraj, Legal Researcher and Community Organiser from Center to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4), about why the bill fails international standards and how it impacts public transparency. (17:09)

• Grieving widow donates late husband's organs: A 44-year-old widow’s decision to donate her late husband’s kidneys on World Organ Donation Day saved two lives, a rare outcome in Malaysia as nearly all organ donor pledges fail due to family refusal. We discuss the religious and cultural misconceptions surrounding organ donation and how healthcare workers counsel grieving families through these critical choices. (Starts at 12:21)

• The push to employ stateless residents: NGO Malaysian International Humanitarian Organisation has urged the government to prioritise employing stateless residents over foreign workers for 3D jobs following a directive to expedite foreign worker applications. We hear from Adrian Pereira, Executive Director of the North-South Initiative, on whether this proposal is logistically feasible and its impact on the local economy. (Starts at 06:25)

• Malaysia's very own Garfield: Created by Sabahan artist Olive Yong and partner Yap Wee Lim, local webcomic character Bichi Mao has grown from a humble digital sketch into a global brand with 2.5 million followers and over one billion GIF views. We explore the rise of creator-led micro-businesses and and how platforming original artwork matters more than ever in the age of AI. (Starts at 00:23)

Image Credits: Kementerian Komunikasi (Facebook)