Top 5 at 5: Breaking Down the Budget of the PM's Department

As Budget 2025 approaches, we delve into the funding and expenditure of the Prime Minister's Department to understand its financial priorities. We speak with Aira Azhari, CEO of IDEAS Malaysia, about historical spending trends and where the PM's department's budget typically goes.

Other stories we covered today:

· Iran's Retaliation and Rising Middle East Tensions: Iran has launched missiles at Israel in response to recent assassinations of senior officials, intensifying fears of war in the Middle East. Muslim Imran, Director of the Asia Middle East Center for Research and Dialogue, shares his thoughts on Iran's reaction and the broader conflict.

· East Malaysia’s Push for One-Third Representation: Sabah and Sarawak leaders are calling for one-third of parliamentary seats, citing the Malaysia Agreement 1963. We explore proposals, including changes to the Dewan Negara and potential veto powers for East Malaysia, with input from Senator Robert Lau.

· GLCs to Face Nationwide Audit in 2025: The Auditor General has announced that all government-linked companies will be audited starting next year, a move expected to enhance governance. We discuss the implications of this audit with Pushpan Murugiah, CEO of The Center to Combat Corruption & Cronyism.

· Cuts to Subsidised Education for the Rich?: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is reviewing plans to cut education subsidies for the wealthy ahead of Budget 2025. We discuss the potential impact of this move with education activist, Professor Tajuddin Mohammad Rasdi and Chan Soon Seng, CEO of Teach for Malaysia.

Image Credit: Holger Kleine, Shutterstock