BFM 89.9

HIGHLIGHTS 
Podcast  >  Evening Edition  >  Top 5 At 5  >  Top 5 at 5: Sabah’s Election and the Race for Control

Top 5 at 5: Sabah’s Election and the Race for Control

Ariff Adi Putera, Research Associate, Institute for Development Studies (Sabah)

19-Mar-25 17:00

Top 5 at 5: Sabah’s Election and the Race for Control

Sabah’s 17th state election is expected to be highly competitive, with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) defending its hold on power against challenges from Warisan, Barisan Nasional, and Perikatan Nasional. The Election Commission says it is fully prepared, though the polling date remains uncertain. Meanwhile, Bersih has urged the chief minister to announce the date early to help Sabahans outside the state vote. We speak to Ariff Adi Putera from IDS Sabah on the key issues shaping the race.

Other stories we covered:

Russia Shatters Ceasefire with Fresh Strikes: Russia has agreed to a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine after a phone call between President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump. The deal follows earlier talks in Saudi Arabia, where Russia had demanded broader peace negotiations and an end to Western military aid for Kyiv. We speak with Julia Roknifard from the School of Law and Governance at Taylor’s University, to unpack what this ceasefire means and whether it could lead to a lasting resolution.

• Halt the Carbon Capture Bill: The recently passed CCUS Bill 2025 has sparked debate over its true environmental impact. A new RimbaWatch report warns that 9 out of 10 local CCUS projects are being used to extract more fossil fuels rather than cut emissions. The report highlights regulatory loopholes and calls for redirecting funds to renewables instead. We hear from RimbaWatch Director Adam Farhan on why Malaysians should be concerned.

• FINAS Amendments to Keep Up with the Times: The Communications Ministry plans to amend the 1981 FINAS Act to reflect changes in the film industry, particularly the rise of online media streaming. We speak to filmmaker and content consultant Zan Azlee on the types of productions that should be covered and the potential impact on the industry.

• Ramadan Slap Case Set to Hit the Courts Again: A man granted a Discharge Not Amounting to Acquittal (DNAA) for assault will face fresh charges after confusion over his plea. The case gained national attention after a viral video showed Abdul Razak Ismail slapping a non-Muslim man for not fasting and demanding to see his MyKad. We break down the public reaction and broader debates on religious enforcement and societal attitudes toward piety.

Image Credit: Shutterstock

Produced by: Sudais Ferhard, Alia Zefri, Sneha Harikannan, Dashran Yohan

Presented by: Lee Chwi Lynn, Sharaad Kuttan


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

Categories:  technologyeconomypoliticsgovernmentinternationalenvironmentcorruptionLaw/ActivismcontroversiescultureHistory/Heritage

Tags:  russian ceasefiretrump-putincarbon capture bill1981 finas actmodern medianon-muslim slappingreligious enforcementsabah state electionsgabungan rakyat sabahwarisanbarisan nasionalperikatan nasionalbersihsabah politicsRussia-UkrainekyivRimbaWatchCCUSfossil fuelsnet zero emissionsfinasfilm industrystreamingfastingdnaaassault charges





Play / Pause

Listen now : BFM 89.9 -- The Business Station

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

Joe Quinlan, Chief Market Strategist, US Trust-BOA Private Wealth Management 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

Catherine Lim, Bloomberg Intelligence gives us an update on Chinese consumer sentiment.

7:45 AM

Morning Brief

Prof. Dr. Ong Kian Ming, former MITI Deputy Minister discusses the RCEP Summit and US-Malaysia trade deal.

8:00 AM

The Breakfast Grille

Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada speaks at the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit about Canada’s ties with ASEAN.

8:30 AM

Morning Brief

Dr Syaza Shukri of IIUM discusses the rising tension in Bersatu as dissatisfaction with Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s leadership grows.

8:45 AM

Morning Brief

Angeline Tan, analyst at ISIS Malaysia discusses US-China trade tensions and talks.

9:00 AM

Opening Bell

(REPEAT) Joe Quinlan, Chief Market Strategist, US Trust-BOA Private Wealth Management tells us where international markets are heading.

9:15 AM

Opening Bell

(REPEAT) We take a look at the FBM KLCI as well as regional capital markets.

9:35 AM

People, Planet, Profit

Datuk Muhamad Guntor Mansor Tobeng of Gading Kencana discusses the progress and gaps in implementing National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR).

10:05 AM

Open For Business

Alvin Andrew, CEO &Founder, FUBIZO

11:00 AM

Marketing Mojo

Sandeep Joseph, CEO & Co-Founder, Ampersand Advisory

12:00 PM

Enterprise Explores

Dr Carmelo Ferlito, CEO, Center for Market Education & Dr. Veerinderjeet Singh, Senior Advisor on Tax Policy, KPMG Malaysia

1:00 PM

The Breakfast Grille Repeat

Our flagship show, we feature both game-changers and groundbreakers in the hot seat.

2:05 PM

Discovery Hour

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

3:05 PM

Beyond the Ballot Box

4:05 PM

Health & Living

5:00 PM

Top 5 at 5

6:00 PM

Talkback Tuesday

8:00 PM

BBC World Service