Former Prime Minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, affectionately known as Pak Lah, has passed away at 85 due to heart disease. We look at his life, legacy and contributions to the country.

• Cheras shelter closed amid abuse allegations: Authorities have shut down a private shelter home in Cheras following abuse claims by residents, including emotional and physical mistreatment. The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry has relocated 18 children to another home temporarily while investigations under the Child Act continue. James Nayagam, chairman of Suriana Welfare Society weighs in on why this continues to happen and who should be responsible.
• Support for Chief Justice’s call to strengthen judicial independence: Chief Justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat's call to remove the Prime Minister's role in judicial appointments has sparked debate. Critics like Dato’ Seri Nazri Aziz have questioned her motives. The Malaysian Bar defends her stance as a necessary reform to uphold judicial impartiality and highlights the importance of separating executive and judicial powers. It's vice president, Anand Raj speaks to us about their position.
• Israeli strikes on Gaza's healthcare system: Israeli airstrikes have heavily damaged Al-Ahli Hospital in northern Gaza, leaving patients and medical staff stranded. Over 18 months of war, repeated attacks on health facilities and aid workers have drawn international condemnation. We hear thoughts from Jinan Bastaki, Associate Professor of Legal Studies at NYU Abu Dhabi.
• Xi Jinping's state visit to Malaysia begins: Chinese President Xi Jinping arrives in Malaysia today for a three-day state visit, marking the 50th anniversary of Malaysia-China diplomatic ties. Xi will meet Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to discuss bilateral cooperation, trade, and regional issues, with MoUs and agreements expected to be signed.

Image Credit: Shutterstock

Produced by: Tee Shiao Eek, Sudais Ferhard, Alia Zefri, Sneha Harikannan

Presented by: Lee Chwi Lynn, Sharaad Kuttan

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Categories:  markets,  economy,  technology,  managing,  politics,  government,  international,  environment,  corruption,  Law/Activism,  education,  controversies,  culture,  History/Heritage,  Family/Parenting,  wellness

Tags:  tun abdullah ahmad badawi,  pak lah's legacy,  malaysian prime minister,  cheras shelter,  al-ahli hospital,  palestinian hospital,  xi jinping in malaysia,  pak lah,  child welfare,  child abuse,  tengku maimun tuan mat,  judicial independence,  malaysian bar,  israel-gaza,  palestine,  malaysia-china,  sultan ibrahim iskandar,  anwar ibrahim,