Economist Geoffrey Williams has brought to attention how Malaysia’s private universities face mounting woes including declining local enrollment and financial strain. But the enrolment of students from mainland China might change all that, though it does come with its caveats. We get into it with Geoffrey. (Starts at 22:55)

• Indigenous folks halt logging in Upper Baram: Penan communities in Sarawak’s Upper Baram have forced a temporary halt to logging after months of intimidation and threats tied to operations without their consent. While this pause offers brief relief, questions still remain over Indigenous rights, timber licensing, and the future of Sarawak’s remaining rainforests. We hear from Clara Ibau, a member of the Penan community in Baram and part of Keruan on this. (Starts at 17:45)

• FMT reporter says sorry for controversial remarks: Free Malaysia Today journalist Rex Tan has published a lengthy apology after backlash over his question at a Gaza lecture. This comes amidst strong pushback from media groups, condemning the doxxing and threats he has faced. We get into it. (Starts at 12:09)

• People’s Party emerges as front‑runner in Thai elections: Their push to challenge military influence and reform the monarchy’s lèse‑majesté law sets the stage for a high‑stakes contest, though questions linger over whether the conservative establishment will accept the outcome. We speak more about this with Wongpun Amarinthewa, a Thai journalist with online magazine The 101 World. (Starts at 7:07)

• Donald Trump receives the Nobel Peace Prize: But not in the way you think, or in the manner he intended to receive it. Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, who trump had campaigned hard for, met up with him recently and presented him with her award, as a symbolic gesture. We discuss. (Starts at 0:22)

Image Credit: Shutterstock

Produced by: Alia Zefri, Juliet Jacobs, Tee Shiao Eek, Sudais Ferhard, Sneha Harikannan

Presented by: Lee Chwi Lynn, Dashran Yohan

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Categories:  environment,  politics,  corruption,  international,  controversies,  government,  Law/Activism

Tags:  Private universities Malaysia,  International students China Malaysia,  Higher education enrollment Malaysia,  Indigenous rights Sarawak,  Upper Baram logging dispute,  Penan community Sarawak,  Media ethics Malaysia,  Journalist apology controversy,  Thailand elections reform,  Trump Nobel Peace Prize,