Amnesty International’s 2024 report reveals a 32% rise in global executions, driven by increases in Iran, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia. Malaysia recorded progress, with death sentences dropping from 38 to 24, aided by the abolition of the mandatory death penalty and over 1,000 commutations. However, 38% of new death sentences remain tied to drug-related offences, signaling unfinished reform efforts.

Other stories we covered:

• Anti-vaxx doctor acquitted: Dr Roland Victor, founder of The Sky Clinic in KL, was acquitted by the Sepang sessions court after being charged in 2021 for allegedly "initiating offensive videos" critical of mRNA vaccines. Lawyer Christal Wong joins us to talk about the ongoing challenge of balancing public protection against disinformation with safeguarding professionals' freedom to have a different opinion.
• Malaysia needs stricter sexual abuse laws: Two men found with over 50,000 files of child sexual abuse material were fined RM3,000 and RM6,000, sparking criticism from child rights advocates that this fine was too low for the crime. We reached out to lawyer Ajeet Kaur for her comment.
• Unauthorised al fresco dining: Unauthorized al fresco dining by hawker stalls and restaurants has sparked debates about safety, congestion, and accessibility on walkable pathways in areas like Brickfields and Jalan Petaling. We hear from Professor Khoo Gaik Cheng, who researches food, identity and cultural heritage, and is the Deputy Dean of Research and Sustainability at the School of Arts at Sunway University. We also hear thoughts from Taufiq Nazarudina city strategist and development consultant
• Does the government even care about me: Only 14% of Malaysians feel the government cares about their wellbeing, according to an international poll by Lloyd’s Register Foundation involving nine ASEAN countries. Despite low trust in the government, 40% of Malaysians believe their neighbors care about their welfare, ranking second regionally after Indonesia. We get into it.

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