Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that the government is considering a study to integrate key elements of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) into the existing Sales and Service Tax (SST) framework to build a more progressive revenue system without imposing a full broad-based tax. We are joined by Tricia Yeoh, Director of the Asian Institute for Policy and Engagement at the University of Nottingham Malaysia, to unpack the political and economic risks of this hybrid proposal, how it addresses tax cascading issues for businesses, and whether this approach can broaden Malaysia’s revenue base without burdening consumers. (Starts at 22:31)

• Rocky's death leads to animal cruelty charges: Three weeks after Rocky the dog died during an enforcement operation in Port Klang, his owner and a council volunteer have been charged with causing unnecessary pain or suffering to the animal. We reached out to lawyer Fahri Azzat to discuss the charges, their legal implications if the case moves to a joint trial, and and whether these charges deliver true accountability. (Starts at 15:31)

• Upside-down flags lead to arrests: Three separate incidents in Johor involving incorrectly displayed Jalur Gemilang flags led to police arrests and the temporary closure of business premises. We discuss the fine line between promoting proper respect for national symbols and over-enforcing minor errors that could discourage public enthusiasm ahead of Merdeka. (Starts at 10:02)

• Anwar's firm stance on One-China: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has reaffirmed Malaysia’s adherence to the One-China principle, saying he sees Taiwan as part of China during an interview with Al Jazeera English, while also defending China’s position on reunification. We speak with Peter TC Chang, former Deputy Director of the Institute of China Studies at Universiti Malaya, about what Anwar’s remarks mean for Malaysia’s relationship with China and Taiwan, and whether they could have wider regional implications. (Starts at 05:38)

• China's "so-bad-its-good" box office hit: Niu Lai, a no-budget 3D animated film produced by a 60-year-old mother and her 34-year-old son with no professional experience, has unexpectedly grossed over 25 million yuan (RM15 million) at the Chinese box office after viral social media mockery turned into widespread appreciation for its raw, human effort. We discuss the charm of this mother-son passion project, cinema-led grassroot support, and why audiences are gravitating toward imperfect, non-AI artwork. (Starts at 00:22)

Image Credits: Wikimedia Commons, Shutterstock