China has launched a sweeping investigation into two of its most senior military leaders, Central Military Commission vice-chair Zhang Youxia and chief of staff Liu Zhenli, over alleged “serious violations of discipline and law.” The moves come amid President Xi Jinping’s broader anti-corruption campaign that has reshaped the People’s Liberation Army’s leadership. We unpack the situation with Richard McGregor, Senior Fellow for East Asia at the Lowy Institute. (Starts at 21:43)

• Minor's detention calls SOSMA to question: A 16-year-old girl was held for nine days under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act despite exceptions for minors and women. Human rights activist Sevan Doraisamy of SUARAM explains why this incident has reignited long-standing demands to overhaul or abolish the controversial law. (Starts at 16:41)

• Olympian sues MBPJ for dog ban: Former Olympian Noraseela Khalid has gone to court against a Petaling Jaya by-law banning dogs in apartments above ground floor, arguing it conflicts with federal statutes and unfairly restricts residents’ rights. We discuss. (Starts at 11:55)

• Support grows for Mentega Terbang: The director and producer of the indie film Mentega Terbang face trial under a colonial-era law for “hurting religious feelings.” Leysha Al-yahya of Freedom Film Network outlines why the campaign for public solidarity warns of chilling effects on artistic freedom and creative expression. (Starts at 5:45)

• Alex Honnold summits Taipei 101: Daredevil climber Alex Honnold completed a live-broadcast free-solo ascent of the 508-metre Taipei 101 skyscraper without ropes or safety gear in just 1 hour 31 minutes, thrilling global audiences. We discuss the question of high-risk stunts and extreme sports. (Starts at 0:24)

Image Credit: Wikipedia Commons

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

Presented by: Sharaad Kuttan, Lim Sue Ann

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Categories:  controversies,  Law/Activism,  corruption,  international,  government,  politics,  sports,  film,  culture

Tags:  China military investigation,  Zhang Youxia,  disciplinary probe,  Xi Jinping anti-corruption crackdown,  SOSMA Malaysia,  Petaling Jaya dog ban lawsuit,  Artistic freedom Malaysia,  Mentega Terbang film,  Alex Honnold Taipei 101 climb,  human rights,