Malaysia's 2021 recruitment deal with Bangladesh, which restricts hiring to limited approved agencies, faces mounting pressure after Dhaka's new government seeks reform. Critics say the deal has fueled rising costs, alleged corruption and the exclusion of 1,600 agencies. Bangladesh warns it may halt worker deplyment if Malaysia does not amend the agreement. Charles Santiago, who has been vocal about this issue, tells us more about this situation.

Other stories we covered:

• One woman, two jobs: Following the retirement of Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat, Chief Judge of Malaya Tan Sri Hasnah Hashim has stepped in to temporarily carry out the duties of the Chief Justice. With other top judicial positions also vacant or nearing transition, we speak to former Bar Council President Salim Bashir and lawyer Lim Wei Jiet about the implications for Malaysia’s judiciary and the concerns surrounding institutional continuity.

• MACC’s new obesity policy: Starting next year, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission will implement a new policy disqualifying personnel with a Body Mass Index above 27 from promotions, while requiring regular health screenings. We speak to endocrinologist Dr Lim Quan Hziung, a council member of the Malaysian Obesity Society, about the implications of this directive and broader strategies for cultivating a healthier public workforce.

• Thailand political crisis deepens: Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has been suspended following a leaked phone call with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen, sparking public backlash and coalition instability. As dissatisfaction mounts and speculation grows over the possibility of military intervention, we speak to Gregory Raymond, senior lecturer at the Strategic and Defence Studies Centre at the Australia National University, for insight into the unfolding crisis and its implications.

• AI at Wimbledon: Wimbledon ushers in a new era with the full adoption of AI-powered electronic line calling, replacing human line judges for the first time in its 148-year history. While some players praise the new system's precision, others have lamented the loss of tradition and drama. We get into it.

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