BFM 89.9

HIGHLIGHTS 
Podcast  >  Evening Edition  >  Top 5 At 5  >  Top 5 at 5: Lawyers March for Judicial Independence

Top 5 at 5: Lawyers March for Judicial Independence

Steven Thiru, President, Commonwealth Lawyers Association

14-Jul-25 17:00

Top 5 at 5: Lawyers March for Judicial Independence

Over a thousand lawyers took to the streets of Putrajaya today, marching from the Palace of Justice to the Prime Minister’s Office. The Malaysian Bar submitted a memorandum with four key demands in response to growing concerns over judicial independence, particularly the delay in appointing a new Chief Justice. We speak to Steven Thiru, president of the Commonwealth Lawyers Association, to understand what this means for the rule of law.

Other stories we covered:

• Alpha male picked for US Ambassador: Controversial commentator Nick Adams is nominated as US Ambassador to Malaysia, sparking pushback over his far-right views. Former Ashfield councillor Marc Receretnam recounts Adams’ political stunts in Australia, while ex-envoy Dato’ Ilango Karuppanan explains Malaysia’s options in responding diplomatically.

• FRIM joins UNESCO World Heritage List: FRIM is now officially a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its pioneering rainforest restoration. Deputy Director General Mahmudin Saleh shares his thoughts on how the recognition will strengthen conservation efforts and inspire similar projects around the world.

• How a teen squash star revealed Perak's squash crisis: 15-year-old Jinoreeka Ning clinched the Asian Junior title without a coach, highlighting Perak’s long-running sports mismanagement. Her father R. Manivannan details the family’s RM250,000 self-funded journey, while journalist Aizawati Ahmad calls for urgent reform in the state’s squash association.

• Superman, immigration and US Culture Wars collide: Director James Gunn frames Superman as a pro-immigrant story, prompting right-wing outrage and online backlash. We explore how the debate mirrors declining support for Trump’s immigration policies, despite his campaign using Superman imagery.

Image Credit: BFM News

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

Presented by: Sharaad Kuttan, Dashran Yohan


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

Categories:  filmcultureenvironmentHistory/HeritagepoliticsgovernmentinternationalLaw/Activismcorruptioncontroversies

Tags:  american exceptionalismlawyers marchsupermansuperman 2025wokeunited states of americaus president donald trumpperakmalaysian squashfrimunesco world heritagetin miningalpha malesnick adamstoxic masculinitythe Malaysian Bar Counciljudicial independence





Play / Pause

Listen now : The 6AM Stretch: Thought-provoking discussions on ideas, people and events shaping our...

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

Kingsley Jones, Chief Investment Officer, Jevons Global 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

Dr. Deborah K. Elms, Head of Trade Policy, Hinrich Foundation talks about the US Supreme Court's decision on tariffs.

7:45 AM

Morning Brief

Dr. Azmi Hassan, Senior Fellow at the Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research, discusses the unfolding events of the Malay political factions, and DAP's upcoming party congress.

8:00 AM

The Breakfast Grille

Rubens Marques, Head of South & Southeast Asia, Louis Dreyfus Company, discusses the company's food sustainability strategy in the region.

8:30 AM

Morning Brief

Dr. James Dorsey of the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies discusses rising US-Iran tensions as Trump hints at a possible strike.

8:45 AM

Morning Brief

Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, MP for Setiawangsa discusses the alleged corrupt practices within the MACC.

9:00 AM

Opening Bell

(REPEAT) Kingsley Jones, Chief Investment Officer, Jevons Global tells us where international markets are heading.

9:15 AM

Opening Bell

Peter Kong, Head of Research, Kenanga Investment Bank discusses ESG in Malaysia.

9:35 AM

Pinnacle Perspectives

TC Chew, Managing Director of APAC for Arup, discusses the benefits of the revived KL–Singapore high‑speed rail (HSR) project.

10:05 AM

Open For Business

Adrian Chia, Co-Founder & CEO, Big Tiny

11:05 AM

P&L

Renganathan Kannan, Executive Director, TRATAX

12:00 PM

Enterprise Explores

TikTok Shop US hit $15.1B, but the growth isn't from viral live streams, it's the boring "Shop Tab." Momentum Works explains why American consumers are favoring traditional search over live streams, and compares this to Southeast Asia’s $45.6 billion mature ecosystem.

1:00 PM

The Breakfast Grille Repeat

Rubens Marques, Head of South & Southeast Asia, Louis Dreyfus Company, discusses the company's food sustainability strategy in the region.

2:05 PM

Discovery Hour

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

3:05 PM

Earth Matters

3:20 PM

Earth Matters

Macaranga Wrap-Up

4:05 PM

Health & Living

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

Today I Learned

A Skeptic’s Take on the Epstein Files

7:00 PM

Just For Kicks

8:00 PM

A Bit of Culture