Latest news with #AmalinaKamal
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New Straits Times
5 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
BTH: Teoh Beng Hock, MACC's apology, judicial update & public trust [WATCH]
KUALA LUMPUR: In this episode of Beyond the Headlines, hosts Amalina Kamal and Hazween Hassan revisit the tragic death of political aide Teoh Beng Hock, who died in 2009 while under investigation by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC). The case has resurfaced in the national spotlight following a rare move by the MACC. On the 16th anniversary of Teoh's death, the commission issued a formal apology to his family — expressing deep regret and acknowledging the lasting impact on his loved ones, the agency, and the nation. MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki also announced a goodwill contribution to support the welfare and education of Teoh's child, marking a symbolic step in recognising the gravity of the case. The statement further acknowledges findings from previous investigations — including the 2011 Royal Commission of Inquiry and the 2014 Court of Appeal ruling — although no one has ever been held accountable. This episode explores whether the apology, alongside the MACC's internal reforms, is enough to offer closure to a grieving family and a country still seeking answers. Reforms mentioned include body-worn cameras, enhanced CCTV systems, secure interview rooms, and the adoption of the PEACE interview model to improve transparency and reduce harm. Joining the discussion is Centre to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4 Centre) CEO Pushpan Murugiah who also weighs in on another issue in the public eye: the ongoing concerns surrounding judicial appointments. The government is reportedly reviewing the appointment process amid growing public scrutiny, as key leadership positions within the judiciary remain unfilled. Watch the episode on NST's YouTube channel @NSTOnline to follow the full discussion.
New Straits Times
27-06-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
BTH: Syed Saddiq acquitted, Cyberjaya student murdered & Iran's Ambassador speaks [WATCH]
KUALA LUMPUR: On this week's episode of Beyond the Headlines, hosts Amalina Kamal and Hazween Hassan dive into three major stories shaking Malaysia. From a stunning court verdict that could reshape the political landscape to a campus tragedy that has ignited a national conversation on safety, and the far-reaching economic ripples of the Iran-Israel conflict, we unpack what these headlines mean for you. The week's top story is the dramatic acquittal of former Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman. After a five-year legal battle he described as "hell", the Court of Appeal overturned his 2023 High Court conviction on all four corruption charges, clearing him of a seven-year prison sentence, a multi-million ringgit fine, and caning. While Syed Saddiq's party, MUDA, calls the verdict a "victory for a new chapter in Malaysian politics" and immediately offers him the presidency back, the fight isn't over. The prosecution has already filed an appeal to the Federal Court. Next, a heartbreaking story from Cyberjaya has sent shockwaves across the country. A 20-year-old physiotherapy student was found murdered in her university dormitory, a place meant to be a sanctuary. The case, now being investigated as a murder, has sparked intense public outcry. In this segment, we discuss how this tragedy shatters the perception of safety in places like university campuses and cities branded as modern hubs. The incident has ignited a crucial national conversation about security protocols in student housing, accountability, and gendered safety. Are we doing enough to protect our most vulnerable? Lastly, the direct conflict between Iran and Israel shifts to fragile diplomacy, the ripple effects are already being felt here at home. This isn't just a distant geopolitical issue; it has direct consequences for Malaysia's economy, diplomacy, and citizens. To get a perspective from the heart of the matter, we caught up with down with Valiollah Mohammadi Nasrabadi, the Ambassador of Iran to Malaysia, for an in-depth discussion on the conflict and its implications for the region. Watch the latest episode of Beyond the Headlines for more updates and visit NST Online's YouTube channel. *This episode was recorded on June 26.
New Straits Times
20-06-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
BTH: Tehran vs Tel Aviv, war in the Gulf, SST hikes & gun shooting [WATCH]
KUALA LUMPUR: As the Middle East teeters on the brink of broader conflict following direct confrontations between Iran and Israel, Beyond the Headlines unpacks the far-reaching consequences of this escalation. Hosts Amalina Kamal and Hazween Hassan delve into how this geopolitical flashpoint could affect global oil prices, shipping routes, and Malaysia's economic and national security vulnerabilities. Joining the conversation are NST Op-ed and Foreign News Editor Azman Abdul Hamid and Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS) Malaysia analyst Maryam Ismail. The discussion explores whether Malaysia's foreign policy can maintain neutrality, how prepared we are for ripple effects across the Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea, and whether ASEAN can offer meaningful diplomatic intervention. Maryam, whose research spans Jewish-Muslim relations and the influence of Islamist movements, offers a nuanced perspective on Malaysia's strategic calculus in engaging with both Iran and Israel. Can Malaysia absorb another global supply shock? Is our national preparedness adequate in the face of a widening regional war? Also in this episode: • Growing concerns over gun violence in Kuala Lumpur, featuring Universiti Malaya criminologist Dr Haezreena Begum. • A sharp look at the looming 8% SST expansion and its potential blow to SMEs, with reaction from SAMENTA chairman Datuk William Ng. More in the latest episode of Beyond the Headlines. Watch on NST Online's YouTube. *This episode was recorded on June 19.
New Straits Times
20-06-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
BTH: Tehran vs Tel Aviv, war in the Gulf, SST hikes & gun shooting
KUALA LUMPUR: As the Middle East teeters on the brink of broader conflict following direct confrontations between Iran and Israel, Beyond the Headlines unpacks the far-reaching consequences of this escalation. Hosts Amalina Kamal and Hazween Hassan delve into how this geopolitical flashpoint could affect global oil prices, shipping routes, and Malaysia's economic and national security vulnerabilities. Joining the conversation are NST Op-ed and Foreign News Editor Azman Abdul Hamid and Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS) Malaysia analyst Maryam Ismail. The discussion explores whether Malaysia's foreign policy can maintain neutrality, how prepared we are for ripple effects across the Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea, and whether ASEAN can offer meaningful diplomatic intervention. Maryam, whose research spans Jewish-Muslim relations and the influence of Islamist movements, offers a nuanced perspective on Malaysia's strategic calculus in engaging with both Iran and Israel. Can Malaysia absorb another global supply shock? Is our national preparedness adequate in the face of a widening regional war? Also in this episode: • Growing concerns over gun violence in Kuala Lumpur, featuring Universiti Malaya criminologist Dr Haezreena Begum. • A sharp look at the looming 8% SST expansion and its potential blow to SMEs, with reaction from SAMENTA chairman Datuk William Ng. More in the latest episode of Beyond the Headlines. Watch on NST Online's YouTube. *This episode was recorded on June 19.
New Straits Times
30-05-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Beyond the Headlines: Rafizi out, online predators and Asean 2025 [WATCH]
KUALA LUMPUR: In this latest episode of Beyond the Headlines, the show explores online safety and the government's proposal to introduce mandatory user identity verification. Earlier this week, the Communications Ministry said it is considering the move as a crucial step in protecting children from becoming victims of online sexual predators. This follows a disturbing case involving a social media influencer who allegedly sent obscene messages to a 14-year-old girl. Universiti Malaya forensic and cyber threat expert Professor Dr Ainuddin Wahid Abdul Wahab joins hosts Amalina Kamal and Hazween Hassan to explain how such a policy might work in practice—and what the government needs to weigh in order to balance safety regulations with freedom of speech. The show also discusses the resignation of two cabinet ministers: Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli as Economy Minister and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad as Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability. Rafizi, who had pledged to resign if he lost to Nurul Izzah Anwar in the PKR deputy presidency race last week, followed through on his promise. Nik Nazmi also stepped down after failing to retain his PKR vice-presidency and losing the Setiawangsa division chief post to Datuk Afdlin Shauki. In the second half of the episode, Beyond the Headlines recaps the recently concluded Asean and related summits hosted in Kuala Lumpur—an event that marked a milestone in regional multilateral relations. Catch the full discussion in episode 98 of Beyond the Headlines on the New Straits Times' YouTube channel, NSTOnline.
