The Middle East conflict continues to send shockwaves across global markets, especially as global oil prices surge after the blocking of the Strait of Hormuz. Back home in Malaysia, the government is still committed to maintaining petrol prices as best they can despite market volatility while bracing for a weaker ringgit and higher inflation. Economist Dr Nungsari Ahmad Radhi joins us to unpack this economic impact both globally and for regular Malaysians. (Starts at 23:50)

• Religious authorities investigate Quranic placard used in rally: Religious Affairs Minister Dr Zulkifli Hasan has instructed Jawi to investigate a placard held up during last weekend's International Women's Day rally interpreting Quranic verses as being accepting of all relationships, including those within the LGBT community. Rozana Isa, executive director of SIS Forum joins us to react to the action taken by authorities. (Starts at 17:55)

• Should Malaysia switch to WFH?: Other countries like Vietnam and Thailand have encouraged employees to work from home to reduce petrol consumption. This is in response to rising fuel costs due to the Middle East conflict. We discuss if this measure should be adopted by Malaysians. (Starts at 13:21)

• Iranian schools bombed by the US: After some back and forth over who is responsible, and finger pointing from the US, initial investigations from the Pentagon found that the US was likely responsible for bombing a girl's primary school in southern Iran. We hear from Alexey Muraviev, Associate Professor in National Security and Strategic Studies on how to measure accountability in this case. Jinan Bastaki, Associate Professor of Legal Studies at NYU Abu Dhabi also helps us consider if this act should be defined as a war crime. (Starts at 6:07)

• "Catatonic" Morissey cancels concert : The controversial rockstar called the city noise in Valencia an indescribable hell and said he will take over a year to recover. So, he cancelled his concert at the last minute. We get into it. (Starts at 0:22)

Image Credit: Shutterstock

Produced by: Alia Zefri, Sneha Harikannan, Tee Shiao Eek, Melissa Tiong Suet Tyng

Presented by: Lee Chwi Lynn, Sudais Ferhard

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Categories:  music,  Law/Activism,  government,  international,  politics,  controversies,  economy,  markets

Tags:  LGBT religious debate,  WFH policy,  Morrissey concert cancellation,  Valencia,  straits of hormuz,  oil prices outlook,  international women’s day,  work from home,  US Israel Iran conflict,  war crimes,