BFM 89.9

HIGHLIGHTS 
Podcast  >  Bigger Picture  >  Beyond The Ballot Box  >  Corruption Inc. Unpacking the Political-GLC Complex

Corruption Inc. Unpacking the Political-GLC Complex

Edmund Terence Gomez, Author, Misgovernance

25-Mar-25 15:00

Corruption Inc. Unpacking the Political-GLC Complex

Over the years, especially since the 1MDB scandal, Malaysians have become more familiar with the term ‘corruption.’ Not only have we broadened our understanding of it (no longer do we think it’s just about bribery), it has also become part of mainstream political discourse. 

Malaysians know that our country has an entrenched problem of corruption and that it is holding us back, eating us from the inside and eroding our trust in the system.

But just how deep is the rot? How does it manifest in ways beyond the obvious headlines of high-profile arrests? Why is it so challenging to reform the system? 

In this episode, we’re joined by Edmund Terence Gomez, author of an insightful book titled Misgovernance: Grand Corruption in Malaysia. It offers an in-depth examination of the perverse entanglement of politics and business in Malaysia through something called the “Political-GLC Complex.” Unlike broad critiques that dismiss GLCs outright, Gomez looks at the intricate ways in which they are run in Malaysia and how specific policies and practices have turned an idea with egalitarian objectives into a vehicle for power and patronage.

Produced by: Dashran Yohan

Presented by: Dashran Yohan


This and more than 60,000 other podcasts in your hand. Download the all new BFM mobile app.

Categories:  politicscorruptiongovernment

Tags:  the bigger picturebeyond the ballot boxpolitical glc complexglc1mdbLCScorruptionpatronage





Play / Pause

Listen now : Discovery Hour: An eclectic selection of BBC shows, curated with variety in...

Today’s Shows



6:00 AM

The 6AM Stretch

Thought-provoking discussions on ideas, people and events shaping our lives.

7:00 AM

World Market Watch

Song Seng Wun, Independent Economist tells us where international markets are heading.

7:15 AM

Morning Brief

We recap global and local headlines from today's papers and portals.

7:30 AM

Morning Brief

Krung Thai Bank’s Poon Panichpibool weighs in on Thailand’s economic outlook

7:45 AM

Morning Brief

Journalist Erin Cook weighs in on the upcoming Myanmar's general elections.

8:00 AM

The Breakfast Grille

We revisit selected Breakfast Grille conversations on higher education to examine how universities are responding to changing demands in a more uncertain world.

8:30 AM

Morning Brief

Shamsor Mohd Zain, President of MAA takes the wheel to steer us through Malaysia’s automotive sector and what lies ahead for 2026.

8:45 AM

Morning Brief

(REPEAT) Journalist Erin Cook weighs in on the upcoming Myanmar's general elections.

9:00 AM

Opening Bell

(REPEAT) Song Seng Wun, Independent Economist tells us where international markets are heading.

9:15 AM

Opening Bell

(REPEAT) Krung Thai Bank’s Poon Panichpibool weighs in on Thailand’s economic outlook

9:35 AM

What's The Focus

We wrap up the week’s biggest conversations to keep you in the know.

10:05 AM

Open For Business

11:00 AM

Mattsplained

Matt Armitage, Founder, Kulturpop

1:00 PM

The Breakfast Grille Repeat

We revisit selected Breakfast Grille conversations on higher education to examine how universities are responding to changing demands in a more uncertain world.

2:05 PM

Discovery Hour

An eclectic selection of BBC shows, curated with variety in mind.

3:05 PM

Front Row

In this replay, we hear about the new dance production Body For Nobody, which uses movement, sound, and ritual to invite us to slow down and pay attention.

3:25 PM

Front Row

We hear about The ILHAM Art Show 2025, featuring twenty artists and collectives whose works explore everything from memory and identity, to nature and the future, from Rahel Joseph, the Director of ILHAM Gallery.

4:05 PM

Health & Living

In this ‘Best of 2025’ replay, we speak to consultant endocrinologist Dr Saiful Kassim for a breakdown of all things glucose.

5:00 PM

Top 5 at 5

A countdown of the 5 biggest stories of the day, to catch you up on all you need to know!

6:00 PM

Popcorn Culture

7:00 PM

Just For Kicks

8:00 PM

Bar None

(REPEAT) A local football agent joins us in this episode to talk about his world and what goes around in it. Is it as glamorous as it seems?

9:00 PM

The Selector

Covering all styles of music from indie, dubstep, folk, soul, electro and everything in between from some of the most exciting artists in the UK.