Top 5 at 5: Zahid Walks Free - What's Next for UMNO?
Associate Professor Azeem Fazwan Ahmad Farouk, Director, Centre for Policy Research, Universiti Sains Malaysia
09-Jan-26 17:00
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Deputy Prime Minister and UMNO president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi will apply for a full acquittal after prosecutors decided to take no further action on his 47 corruption-related charges. The move effectively ends the long-running case and raises fresh questions about how UMNO’s repeated entanglements in corruption scandals could shape its political future. We dive into it with Associate Professor Azeem Fazwan Ahmad Farouk, Director of the Centre for Policy Research, Universiti Sains Malaysia. (Starts at 23:22)
• FAM Sec-Gen Reinstated, Exco Considers Resignation: FAM Secretary-General Datuk Noor Azman Rahman has been reinstated after being cleared of misconduct, though his salary will be frozen for two years. Meanwhile, acting president Datuk Yusoff Mahadi says the executive council may resign collectively to avoid FIFA suspension. We hear thoughts from Haresh Deol, sports journalist and founder of TwentyTwo13. (Starts at 16:46)
• Disabled passenger denied service by e-hailing driver: A viral Facebook video shows paraplegic passenger S Jeyarai being refused service by a Grab driver, who declined to assist with his wheelchair and drove off without him. The incident has sparked outrage and renewed debate about the challenges disabled passengers face in accessing public transport. We discuss. (Starts at 11:51)
• Malaysian influencer fined for vape promotion: Local comedian Shuib Sepahtu was fined RM10,000 for endorsing vape products on his podcast, highlighting Malaysia’s strict ban on advertising and sponsorship of tobacco and e-cigarettes. We speak to Roslizawati Mohamad Ali, President of MyWATCH about the court's decision and existing gaps in enforcement. (Starts at 6:04)
• More Malaysians becoming Singaporeans: Over 50,000 Malaysians have renounced their citizenship in the past five years, opting to become Singaporeans, driven largely by higher wages and better job opportunities. Women and those under 40, especially skilled professionals in fields like IT, healthcare, and engineering, make up the bulk of this migration. We discuss what would bring them back. (Starts at 0:13)
Image Credit: Shutterstock
Produced by: Sneha Harikannan, Sudais Ferhard, Alia Zefri, Tee Shiao Eek
Presented by: Lee Chwi Lynn, Dashran Yohan
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Categories: politics, government, international, corruption, Law/Activism, education, controversies, football
Tags: Ahmad Zahid Hamidi acquittal, UMNO corruption Malaysia, Malaysian political scandals, FAM Secretary-General reinstated, FIFA suspension Malaysia, Disabled passengers e-hailing Malaysia, Grab driver disability controversy, Shuib Sepahtu vape fine, Tobacco advertising laws Malaysia, Malaysian migration to Singapore,
