Medical insurance premiums is expected to rise between 40 to 70 percent next year, prompting calls for better regulation. We spoke to the President of Malaysian Health Economic Association, Professor Dato’ Syed Mohamed Aljunid, to discuss this decision and its impact.

· No Exam, No Stress?: Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek recently said that the reason the government had abolished exams like PT3 and UPSR, was to reduce academic stress among students. So we dissect her statement with Nina Adlan Disney, executive director of LeapEd Services.
· Ceasefire in Lebanon: The Israeli government and armed group Hezbollah has agreed to a ceasefire that involves the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon. Saul Takahasi, Professor of Human Rights and Peace Studies at the Osaka Jogakuin University weighs in on how this ceasefire could impact the broader Middle East region.
· Longer working hours for nurses: Nurses are now being asked to work a 45 hour weekly shift, which is an increase of up to 3 hours from before. This directive was met with criticism from several nursing groups, who are already understaffed. We hear from Saaidah Athman, president of Malayan Nurses Union.
· Popek Popek Parlimen: Today in the Dewan Rakyat, MPs discussed the rehabilitation programmes for GISB victims. Then, Permatang Pauh MP Muhammad Fawwaz Mohamad Jan criticised the government for allowing "scantily-dressed women" to participate during racing events at Sepang International, saying it opposes Islamic teachings. MPs also talked about what's being done to address financial scams.

Image Credit: Inside Creative House, Shutterstock

Produced by: Alia Zefri, Alena Nadia, Sudais Ferhard, Lim Sue Ann, Dashran Yohan

Presented by: Lee Chwi Lynn, Sharaad Kuttan

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Categories:  politics,  government,  education,  controversies,  health policy

Tags:  medical insurance premium,  assessment based learning,  academic stress,  nurse working hours,  medical insurance,  examination,  popek popek parlimen,  nurse work conditions,  ceasefire,  israel,  hezbollah-israel conflict,  hezbollah,  hezbollah-lebanon,