The Gempur Rasuah Sabah 2.0 anti-corruption rally held this past weekend, with the slogan Madani Pelindung Rasuah Sabah, ended with the burning of PM Anwar’s caricature to rebuke his administration. With the event and its organizers being investigated, we talk to Ariff Adi Putera Anwar, Research Associate from the Institute for Development Studies (Sabah) about the situation and for insight into Sabah's political culture.

Other stories we covered:

• Strait of Hormuz potentially shut: With the US’ decision to join Israel in its attacks on Iran, the Iranian Parliament has approved the decision to shut the Hormuz Strait. With Washington warning that this would be “economic suicide,” we talk to Julia Roknifard, Senior Lecturer at the School of Law and Governance at Taylor’s University about the geopolitical implications of the potential closure.

• Should refugees be allowed to work?: President of the Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) has stated that integrating refugees into the formal workforce can benefit the country on multiple fronts. However, refugees in Malaysia cannot legally seek employment. We spoke to economist Dr Melati Nungsari who is also Deputy CEO of the Asia School of Business and Datuk Shamsuddin Bardan, Executive Director of the Malaysian Employers Federation.

• Foreign workers frustrated with living conditions: In light of the Bukit Mertajam riots last week in which foreign workers were frustrated with their hostel warden collecting fines, Minister of Human Resources Steven Sim said the ministry will level repercussions against operators that fail to comply with acceptable housing conditions. We talk to Glorene Das, executive director of Tenaganita for better insights into the situation and about the conditions foreign workers live in.

• Malaysia shortlisted for World's Best School Prize: SK Putrajaya Presint 11 (1) were shortlisted for developing an app called “Helpie” that engages the students in fun games and that help their mental health. We talk about their innovative creation, the team behind it, and schools having open conversations about mental health.

Image Credit: Suara Mahasiswa UMS Facebook