Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has announced a Cabinet reshuffle this afternoon, the results of which have been surprising. We speak to Dr Syaza Shukri, Associate Professor of Political Science at the International Islamic University Malaysia, to make sense of the decisions made and its potential implications for governance.

• Youth groups gear up for anti-graft rally: A new secretariat of youth organisations is planning a nationwide anti-graft demonstration early next year, following resolutions passed at the annual Kongress Anak Muda. We hear from Faisal Aziz, chairman of Bersih, on the rally’s objectives, and Fadhil Kasim, vice president of Liga Demokratik, who explains the urgency of the rally.

• Seri Negara reopens after heritage restoration: Galeri Seri Negara, formerly known as King’s House and part of the Carcosa complex, opens to the public on 20 December after a 10-month restoration project under Khazanah Nasional’s Warisan KL initiative. We get into it.

• Illegal steroids flooding local communities: Authorities recently raided several premises in the Klang Valley linked to the illegal trade of anabolic steroids, seizing over RM3 million worth of products. We speak to Nor Hamidi bin Shahirudin from the Pharmacy Enforcement Division on enforcement efforts, and Harpreet Kaur, Executive Director of the Malaysian Pharmacists Society, about the high demand for these illicit medicines.

• Doctors prescribe ‘nature time’ for mental health: Globally, physicians are now prescribing time outdoors to improve stress, mental health, and immunity, highlighting the benefits of integrating more green spaces into urban life. We discuss.

*Correction: In the podcast, Syaza Shukri is incorrectly referred to as the Head of Department of Political Science and Madani Studies at IIUM. Her correct designation is Associate Professor at said department.

Image Credit: Anwar Ibrahim Official Facebook

Produced by: Sharaad Kuttan, Susan Tam, Sneha Harikannan, Tee Shiao Eek

Presented by: Lee Chwi Lynn, Sharaad Kuttan, Susan Tam

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Categories:  politics,  government,  corruption,  Law/Activism,  health policy

Tags:  malaysia cabinet reshuffle,  anwar ibrahim government,  youth anti-corruption rally malaysia,  bersih youth activism,  seri negara heritage restoration,  warisan kl initiative,  illegal steroids malaysia,  unregistered medicines enforcement,  nature prescriptions mental health,