US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is in Malaysia for high-level talks amid rising global trade tensions and new US tariffs on Malaysian goods. We unpack what’s at stake in his visit, from ASEAN ties to Anwar’s concerns, with Steve Okun, CEO of APAC Advisors.

Other stories we covered:

• Selangor parking deal sparks backlash: A private company has been handed control of Selangor’s street parking — without an open tender. The deal, which redirects 50% of revenue to a GLC-linked firm, has sparked concerns about accountability and local council finances. We break it down with journalist Emmanuel Samarathisa.

• Teen couple charged for Cyberjaya murder: M. Sri Darvien and D. Thineswary were both charged today with the murder of Maniishapriet Kaur Akhara. Darvien faces murder charges whereas Thineswary is being charged for abetting the crime. We speak to criminal lawyer, Tiara Katrina Fuad for insights into the both the prosecution’s and the defence’s arguments.

• UNESCO awards Malaysian marine scientist: Prof. Dato’ Dr. Aileen Tan from Universiti Sains Malaysia was awarded one of the highest honours in her field of marine science: the Anton Bruun Medal. She has made waves with her extensive conservation work and as the first female president of Unitas Malacologica. We reached out to Prof. Aileen about what this award means for her and the future of marine science.

• Tun Mahathir celebrates 100th/centenary birthday: The twice former prime minister rings in his 100th year of living today, receiving many happy returns of the day from people all over Malaysia including our current prime minister. We look back on his life which is inevitably intertwined in the history of Malaysia and what he means to the people of this country.

Image Credit: Bernama