Are We OK?

Epizodes

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  Why DAP Vote to Stay in Cabinet | PH Losing Power? | GE16: Sooner or Later? EP 105 16.08.2026 1h 18min

  In this episode of Are We OK, Dr. Ong Kian Ming and Peter break down what really happened in the Johor and Negeri Sembilan state elections, and why Kian Ming's election predictions, made months in advance, turned out to be almost exactly right. They also go behind the scenes of DAP's Special Congress, where party delegates just voted on whether to stay in or resign from the Madani government, and unpack the self-interest calculations different DAP leaders are making.Finally, they look ahead to when Malaysia's next general election (GE16) might actually happen, walking through the political dominoes, from the Melaka state election to pressure building within UMNO, that could speed up or delay the vote.00:00 - Teaser00:38 - Welcome Back & Life Updates04:34 - Predicting Johor & Negeri Sembilan: How Kian Ming Got It Right07:02 - On the Ground Vibes in Johor11:58 - The Collapse of Malay Support for Pakatan Harapan13:46 - The Leader Who Divides Chinese and Malay Voters18:51 - Why Voter Turnout Matters More Than You Think22:22 - The Backlash Against Accurate Predictions23:50 - When Politicians Mock the Numbers (And Get It Wrong)29:24 - The Help DAP Leaders Turned Down34:40 - DAP's Special Congress: Stay or Resign?35:35 - What's Actually at Stake for DAP Delegates41:22 - Behind the Curtain: Why Each Leader Wants a Different Outcome48:44 - DAP's Last Card Against Anwar56:44 - The Delegate Votes That Decide Careers1:01:15 - When Will GE16 Happen?1:04:16 - The Melaka Election & Pressure on Umno1:07:28 - Predicted GE16 Timeline: Early Next Year1:13:07 - The Worst-Case Scenario for DAP1:15:53 - Final Thoughts & Open Invitation to Political Leaders#AreWeOK #MalaysianPolitics #DAP #GE16 #JohorElection #NegeriSembilanElection #PakatanHarapan #PodcastMalaysia
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  Douglas Lim on the Rosmah Backlash, 1MDB Jokes | Is Political Comedy Safe in Malaysia? | EP104 12.08.2026 1h 12min

  In this episode of Are We OK, we sit down with Malaysian comedian Douglas Lim to talk about making jokes, staying out of trouble, and whether political comedy is still safe in Malaysia today! From big news stories like the Rosmah lawsuit to viral jokes about 1MDB and Najib, Douglas shares what it is really like to be a comedian in our country.We talk about whether comedians are actually getting into trouble with the government, how political humor has changed over the years, and why so many Malaysians love using laughter to deal with stressful news.Besides that, Douglas opens up about his real-life struggles when he joined a local townhall meeting to stop a big development project in Ampang. He also shares why he believes speaking up matters, whether it is through comedy or community action.Timestamps 00:00: Teaser 00:50: Welcome Douglas Lim, Malaysian Stand-Up Comedian & Actor05:06: How Douglas reads Malaysian politics through comedy10:20: The Harith Iskander defamation letter & where the line is18:45: Has the space for political comedy narrowed since 2018?23:41: Tony Pua, Facebook activism & being "tone deaf"29:27: First comedian to perform at the MPO34:12: Why Malaysians Use Jokes to Deal with Crazy News 40:50: Performing On Big Stages versus Local Comedy Clubs 45:45: Getting personal in Vital Stats50:07: Fighting for His Neighborhood at the Ampang Townhall1:02:20: Would Douglas ever run for office?1:02:10: Is Political Comedy Safe in Malaysia Today? Final Thoughts1:08:34: His advice to voters ahead of GE16#areweok #douglaslim #malaysianstandup #politicalsatire #rosmahlawsuit #1mdb #malaysianpolitics #freespeech #podcastmalaysia #comedymalaysia
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  RM90 Billion Up For Grabs | Malaysia vs Singapore in Logistics | Michael Tio's Masterplan 05.08.2026 1h

  In this episode of Are We OK, we sit down with Datuk Seri Dr. Michael Tio, Founder and Group CEO of PKT Logistics, to unpack how he built one of Malaysia's biggest logistics companies from a RM2,000 starting salary. We go behind the story of his iconic warehouses — The Ship, The Wave, and The Lighthouse — and how a simple idea sketched on cardboard turned into a nationwide logistics empire.We also dive into the bigger picture: why logistics companies are leaving Singapore for Malaysia, how our ports are catching up fast, and why Michael believes Malaysia is sitting on a RM90 billion opportunity between now and 2030. From the automotive boom to semiconductor warehousing in Penang, to his ambitious new inland port project at the Thai border, this episode breaks down what it really takes to build Malaysia into the next big logistics hub in ASEAN.Chapter Markers:00:00 - Intro & The Unconventional Approach to Logistics01:25 - The Underdog Hustle: Making Millions Before Turning 2105:58 - Life Lessons & Why EQ Matters More Than Grades07:42 - Giving Up a Lucrative Used Car Business for a RM2,000 Salary10:05 - How a Partnership with Japan Saved the Business in the 1998 Crisis13:14 - Moving from Big Projects to Stable Automotive Logistics17:11 - The Hidden Business Trick to Keeping Shipping Money in Malaysia18:38 - The Masterplan: Building Four Logistics Hubs in Malaysia28:13 - Peninsula College: Putting a College Campus Inside a Warehouse33:11 - What Happens to a Warehouse When Workers Suddenly Quit?34:00 - Riding the Semiconductor Boom in Penang35:13 - The Northern Gateway: Designing the "Blackwood Complex" at the Border39:08 - The Trick to Turning a Border Town into a Successful Hub42:30 - Helping Thailand Ship Faster Through Malaysia43:58 - Partnering with UUM to Give Students Real Work Experience47:30 - The Diesel Crisis: How Fleet Cards & Cash Flow Traps Affected Transporters51:11 - Why Logistics Companies Are Leaving Singapore for Malaysia53:25 - The RM90 Billion Wave: Why Daiso & IKEA are Choosing Malaysia Over Singapore54:59 - Why PKT Chose to Bypassed Johor and Avoid Turf Wars56:55 - Will PKT Logistics Ever List on Bursa Malaysia?58:28 - Michael Tio's Vision for PKT by 2030#areweok #michaeltio #pktlogistics #malaysianlogistics #malaysiavssingapore #aseanhub #logisticsindustry #malaysianeconomy #businessmalaysia #supplychain #portklang #penangsemiconductor #podcastmalaysia #malaysianbusiness #fdimalaysia
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  Is Malaysia Ready? | DAP Meets Ex-UMNO | FDI, Reform & GE16 | EP 102 28.07.2026 1h 18min

  In this episode of Are We OK, we sit down with Dr Ong Kian Ming (former Deputy Minister of MITI, DAP) and Shahril Hamdan (co-host of Keluar Sekejap) for a fireside chat at the Affin Market Outlook Conference 2026. Two former politicians from opposite sides of the aisle — break down where Malaysia really stands as an investment destination, and whether the country is ready for what's coming next.The discussion examines whether Malaysia has become too FDI-built — chasing headline foreign investment numbers without translating them into long-term, higher-income jobs at home. We unpack EPF's mandate and who it really serves, the stalemate at the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone, and why the Mr DIY success story ended up with its profits parked in Singapore.Finally, we look ahead to GE16: the likely timeline, the scenarios that could play out, and what each outcome could mean for the economy and for everyday Malaysians.#AreWeOK #GE16 #MalaysiaEconomy #MalaysiaFDI #AffinMarketOutlook #InvestInMalaysia #MalaysianPolitics #PodcastMalaysia
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  The Fight for Johor | The Johor Economic Boom | The Reality of Clean Politics | EP 101 10.07.2026 1h 8min

  In this episode of Are We OK, we sit down with two young leaders, Lee Ting Han and Nor Zulaila binti Abdul Ghani (Lily), to talk about the massive changes happening in Johor right now. We take an honest look behind the scenes at what it’s really like to work in state government, how the multi-billion ringgit business boom affects everyday jobs, and why the current election is creating sudden tension between state and federal politicians. Timestamps00:00 - Teaser 00:30 - Meet Lee Ting Han: From Corporate Lawyer to Johor Leader 03:54 - The Reality Behind Johor’s Multi-Billion Ringgit Boom 12:20 - Fixing the Talent Drain & Helping Young Workers Succeed 16:48 - Can Federal and State Leaders Cooperate During Elections? 20:20 - Reviving Johor's Forgotten Towns & Bringing Jobs Back 33:07 - What It’s Really Like to Work in State Government 34:54 - Will Rival Parties Team Up to Form a New Government? 37:21 - The Big Question: Is History Repeating Itself? 47:10 - Meet Saudari Lily: Moving from Community Helper to Candidate 49:25 - Clean Politics: Saving Our Environment & Fighting Online Toxicity 55:41 - The Election Challenge: Stepping Out of the Comfort Zone 57:33 - Handling Complaints, Cutting Red Tape & Making Tough Decisions 62:01 - Facing Harsh Labels & Serving the People Win or Lose 66:34 - Changing the Future: Lily’s Final Message #AreWeOK #MalaysianPolitics #PRNJohor #JohorSEZ #LeeTingHan #DAPLily #BarisanNasional #DAP #MCA #OnnHafizGhazi #PodcastMalaysia
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  The Plot To Oust Muhyiddin | Hamzah & Hadi's Masterplan | Inside The Bersatu Purge | EP 100 06.07.2026 1h 10min

  In this episode of Are We OK, former Principal Private Secretary Dato' Dr. Marzuki opens up about the massive internal fractures shaking Bersatu and Perikatan Nasional. We dive into the behind-the-scenes drama of Tan Sri Muhyiddin's camp.We also break down the high-stakes "purge" within Bersatu and the plot led by Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin. Why did PAS President Hadi Awang unilaterally sever ties, and what does this mean for the future of the coalition?Finally, we discuss the heavy constitutional battles that defined Muhyiddin's time in office, including the untold secrets of the Sheraton Move, his sudden resignation, and the surprising origins of the historic Anti-Hopping Law.Timestamps00:00 - Teaser 00:52 - Meet Dato’ Dr. Marzuki: Inside Muhyiddin’s Camp06:05 - The Real Job of a Political Secretary10:10 - Bersatu Dynamics & The Sheraton Move Secrets17:35 - Governing During a Crisis: Muhyiddin’s COVID-19 Era20:19 - Zahid Hamidi, UMNO & Political Instability22:20 - The Resignation & Why Bersatu Backed Ismail Sabri32:30 - Behind Closed Doors: CSA & Anti-Hopping Law Origins39:20 - GE15, the Hung Parliament & "Power Sharing" Rejected45:45 - The Bersatu "Purge": Hamzah’s Move & Disciplinary Action55:30 - PAS Cuts Ties: Hadi Awang’s Masterplan Exposed1:02:53 - The Future of PN, GE16 & Final Thoughts #AreWeOK #MalaysianPolitics #MuhyiddinYassin #Bersatu #HamzahZainudin #PerikatanNasional #SheratonMove #PodcastMalaysia
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  How Selangor Is Building Southeast Asia's Chip Corridor | Beyond the Data Center Hype | EP 99 23.06.2026 52min

  In this episode of Are We OK, we sit down with YB Ng Sze Han (Selangor Exco for Investment, Trade, and Mobility) and Yong Kai Ping (CEO of SIDEC) to unpack Selangor's aggressive transformation into a regional high-tech powerhouse. We explore how the state is moving rapidly into high-value sectors, from aerospace manufacturing and autonomous transport to setting up groundbreaking tech hubs.We dive deep into the success behind Selangor's IC Design Park and the Advanced Semiconductor College of Malaysia (ASCM), detailing the massive resource investments required to train top-tier chip engineers. Finally, our guests share exclusive details on major upcoming initiatives for 2026. They break down the upcoming launch of the Rancangan Selangor Kedua (RS2) five-year plan, the expansion of the Selangor International Business Summit (SIBS) to Bandung, Indonesia, and Selangor's strict new 30% local content requirement and industrial water conditions for incoming data centers.Chapter Marker:00:00 - Intro05:07 - Selangor’s Economic Mindset: "Continuity with Evolution"07:01 - Building an Ecosystem for the Selangor Aerospace Industry08:10 - Yong Kai Ping & SIDEC: Driving E-Commerce & Startups to Global Standards11:09 - The Semiconductor Leap: Scaling Fresh IC Design Engineers12:13 - Shifting from AI Nusantara to the Advanced Semiconductor College of Malaysia (ASCM)17:53 - Complementing Penang & Executing the National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS)23:38 - Silicon Valley Mission & Leveraging Overseas Malaysian Professionals25:28 - MB Amirrudin Shari's Visionary Leadership & "Selangor Speed" Execution29:20 - Testing Autonomous Transport, Robot Trucks & Drone Tech33:04 - Preparing for the Aging Society & the Care Economy via Rancangan Selangor Kedua (RS2)35:53 - SIBS 2026: Scaling the ASEAN Talent Hub & Expanding to Bandung40:52 - Managing Data Centers: Water Reserve Strategies & 30% Local Content (LED) Policy45:50 - Cheap GPU Tokens & Training SMEs with the Vira AI Program47:26 - Combating Negative Viral News Through Direct Youth Engagement51:28 - Re-strategizing Selangor's Economy for Global Resilience with Financial Experts#AreWeOK #SelangorEconomy #YBNgSzeHan #YongKaiPing #SIDEC #ICDesign #SemiconductorMalaysia #DataCenters #MalaysianPolitics #RancanganSelangor #RS2 #SIBS2026 #AutonomousTransport #DigitalEconomy #MalaysiaTech #AmirrudinShari
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  Is RM1.99 Petrol Over? | Why Malaysia Wins FDI | Billionaires Eye GE16 09.06.2026 58min

  In this episode of Are We OK, we sit down with Yun Liu, Senior ASEAN Economist at HSBC, to discuss why Malaysia is Asia’s "quiet overachiever". We break down the hard fiscal truths behind Malaysia's massive petrol subsidies as global oil prices surge past $100 , and examine what international investors are looking for ahead of the upcoming GE16 election. We also dive into "durian economics" explaining how Vietnam rapidly captured China's massive market over Malaysia —and look at the structural hurdles and shifting supply chains shaping the future of ASEAN.00:00 - Trailer 00:26 - Intro & Guest Introduction: Meeting HSBC's Yun Liu 01:45 - From the IMF to Hong Kong: Yun Liu's Global Background 12:37 - Mapping the ASEAN Economy: Who is Leading the Race? 14:31 - The Massive Footprint of Chinese FDI in Southeast Asia 16:17 - What Does an Economist Actually Do? 21:57 - Durian Economics: Why Vietnam is Crushing Malaysia in Exports 31:04 - Diversity in ASEAN & Penang as the Silicon Valley of the East 34:10 - Deep Dive into Vietnam's Rapid Economic Rise & Energy Risks 41:10 - Malaysia: Asia's Quiet Overachiever? 43:23 - The Ticking Fiscal Cost of RM1.99 Petrol 48:32 - Prediction Time: What Global Investors Expect From GE16 52:17 - Outro: Ipoh Dreams & Unforgettable Malaysian Hospitality#AreWeOK #MalaysiaEconomy #GE16 #HSBC #YunLiu #DurianEconomics #MusangKing #Subsidies #ASEAN #FDI #PenangSiliconValley #VietnamEconomy #MalaysianPolitics #FiscalReform
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  Why We Left Anwar’s Cabinet | Inside The PKR Drama | Bersama Takes Off | EP 97 06.06.2026 1h 39min

  In this episode of Are We OK, former minister Nik Nazmi opens up about the massive internal fractures shaking the government and PKR. We dive into the behind-the-scenes drama.We also break down the high-stakes launch of Bersama, the brand-new political party founded by Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi. Why did these long-time reformists abandon the party they spent 20 years building? Finally, we discuss the heavy policy battles that defined his time in office including the shift away from blanket subsidies and how Malaysia's rare earth minerals are getting caught in a global US-China Cold War.Timestamps00:00 - Intro01:20 - The Launch of Bersama: A Political Startup10:45 - Reality of Power: Missing the Cabinet Cut in 201823:30 - Breaking Stigmas: Mental Health in Malaysian Politics48:20 - Rare Earths & Geopolitics: Navigating US vs. China58:08 - Losing Anwar’s Inner Circle & Splitting the Ministry1:01:20 - "Fixed" Party Polls & Resigning From Cabinet1:20:32 - Fantasy Politics: Could KJ Ever Join Bersama?1:34:10 - Defensive Strategies & The Battle for Pandan#AreWeOK #MalaysianPolitics #NikNazmi #RafiziRamli #AnwarIbrahim #Bersama #PKR #UnityGovernment #RareEarthMinerals #CabinetDrama #MalaysiaNews
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  Tony Pua Said What?! | Rafizi’s New Party Drama | Early Election? | EP 96 29.05.2026 34min

  In this episode of Are We OK?, things get real. We’re diving straight into a massive political bombshell: Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi have officially resigned as MPs to start a brand-new political party. Is this a bold move for change, or a chaotic play that will tear the government apart? Next, we look at the sudden uproar surrounding Tony Pua. Finally, the battle lines are being drawn for an explosive election season. We talk about the tense situation on the ground in Johor , why the usual political attacks aren't working anymore , and our exact timeline for when we head back to the ballot box. 00:00 - Teaser 03:34 - The Resignation Shockwave: Rafizi’s Huge Gamble 12:01 - Tony Pua’s Post: Did He Just Cross the Line? 20:58 - Johor PH Convention: Why the Strategy is Backfiring 31:09 - Prediction Time: The Secret Election Timeline 34:02 - Outro & Next Guest Announcement #AreWeOK #MalaysianPolitics #RafiziRamli #NikNazmi #TonyPua #PakatanHarapan #BarisanNasional #JohorElections #MalaysiaNews
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  Rafizi - The Next Leader? | Opposition vs Insider | Policy, Tax & Economy Breakdown | EP 95 05.05.2026 2h 7min

  In this episode of Are We OK, we break down the growing political speculation surrounding Rafizi Ramli and whether a high-stakes contest in Bandar Tun Razak could signal deeper tensions within the government. Is this a real political battle or just noise?We also examine Rafizi’s evolving role as a political figure: Is he more effective as an opposition voice rather than an insider within the system? The discussion expands into broader questions about governance, political strategy, and whether personality-driven politics is overshadowing real policy debates.Finally, we explore key economic and policy issues shaping Malaysia today from taxation and fiscal decisions to the wider economic direction of the country and what it means for everyday Malaysians.
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  General Election | Anwar vs Rafizi | UMNO Superstar Return | Bangun KL | Medical Brain Drain | EP 94 02.05.2026 1h 7min

  In this episode of Are We OK, we dive into the high-stakes world of Malaysian politics and pressing social issues. We debate the strategic timing of the next General Election, analyzing whether a "sooner rather than later" approach favors Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim amidst global economic instability. We also explore the impact of political "superstar" return to UMNO and the shifting dynamics between major political coalitions. Finally, the conversation shifts to public policy, addressing the controversial "coffee fiasco" and the critical brain drain crisis currently hollowing out Malaysia’s medical sector.
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  Life as a Professional Runner | Challenging Official Records | Opposing the Singapore National Olympic Council ft. Soh Rui Yong | EP 93 25.03.2026 2h 16min

  In this episode, Dr Ong Kian Ming is joined by Soh Rui Yong, a celebrated professional runner from Singapore, recognized as the nation's fastest marathoner and a two-time SEA Games gold medallist. They discuss Rui Yong’s journey to represent Singapore, his entanglement with sports governing bodies, and his controversies with other athletes.
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  James Chai Investigation | DAP Congress 2026 | Cancelling Raya Celebrations | EP92 17.03.2026 49min

  In this special episode of Are We OK, we break down several major developments in Malaysian politics, from the investigation involving James Chai and the potential response from Rafizi Ramli, to the failed proposal to limit the Prime Minister’s term to 10 years.We also discuss the upcoming vote on separating the Attorney General’s Chambers from the Public Prosecutor, the implications of the DAP Special Congress in July 2026, and the government’s decision to cancel Raya celebrations for government agencies and GLCs.00:00 — Highlight02:15 — Investigation Against James Chai & Political Implications04:25 — Rafizi Ramli’s Team and the ARM Deal Controversy30:17 — DAP Special Congress in July 2026 & Its Implications32:07 — Is the DAP Congress a Signal to the Prime Minister?42:49 — Government & GLC Raya Celebrations Cancellation#AreWeOK #MalaysianPolitics #JamesChai #RafiziRamli #DAP #MalaysiaGovernment #MadaniGovernment #Politics#MalaysianEconomy
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  Council Elections in KL? | Can MHIT Help Malaysians? | EP91 26.02.2026 1h

  This week Rajiv and Peter discuss the recent DBKL moves, the government’s announcement of a Base Medical and Health Insurance/Takaful (MHIT), subsidizing of the M50 Pass, Pig Farm Ban in Selangor and the new EV import rules set by the government. 
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  Tun Razak’s Legacy | Unfolding the NEP ft. Tan Sri Nazir Razak | EP 90 20.02.2026 1h 20min

  In this episode, Peter and Ong Kian Ming are joined by special guest Tan Sri Nazir Razak to discuss how Tun Razak has shaped Malaysia and how his policies were misinterpreted by others.
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  10 Suggestions for the MADANI Government | EP 89 20.02.2026 1h 13min

  In this episode of Are We OK, we unpack the deeper structural issues facing Malaysia beyond politics, beyond daily news cycles.We discuss:• Why SMEs feel squeezed despite “positive” economic numbers• Whether institutional reforms have truly been implemented• The tension between political survival and long-term national planning• Brain drain and talent competitiveness• Industrial strategy and whether Malaysia knows its direction• Why poor policy execution could cost votes• And the uncomfortable question: are we stuck in the middle?This is not a shouting match.It’s a serious conversation about systems, incentives, and whether Malaysia can compete in the long run.If you care about the country’s economic future, institutional strength, and the real impact of policy decisions this episode is for you.Chapters00:00 - Highlight00:30 - Intro2:12 – Are Malaysia’s “Good Numbers” Misleading?4:10 – SMEs Are Getting Squeezed From All Sides6:15 – Institutional Reform: What Has Actually Changed?10:02 – Political Incentives vs Long-Term National Planning14:45 – Brain Drain & Talent Retention19:30 – Industrial Policy & Economic Direction24:50 – Are We Stuck in the Middle?31:10 – Governance & Bureaucratic Bottlenecks38:40 – Public Expectations vs Political Reality45:20 – Can We Actually Compete Regionally?52:00 – Education Policy & Long-Term Impact58:30 – What Needs to Change?1:05:00 – Final Thoughts#Malaysia #AreWeOK #EconomicPolicy #SMEs #BrainDrain #InstitutionalReform #Politics #Governance #education
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  KL Mayor Elections? | PM Term Limit | National Education Blueprint | EP 88 20.02.2026 1h 7min

  In this episode, Peter and YB Rajiv discuss the recent controversy surrounding YB Hannah Yeoh’s mention of Mayoral Elections in KL, 2-Term Limit for PM and other positions, and new developments in the National Education Blueprint.
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  UMNO AGM, National Education Blueprint, Sunway-IJM Merger | EP 87 20.02.2026 49min

  In this episode, Peter and YB Rajiv discuss UMNO’s internal dynamics, the announcement of placing STPM and Matriculation under MOHE, and Sunway’s RM11 Billion bid for IJM.
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  PN Break-Up, UMNO Leaving MADANI?, Army Corruption Case | EP 86 20.02.2026 57min

  This week, Peter and YB Rajiv discuss Muhyiddin resigning as PN Chairman, calls for BN to leave the MADANI government, and a corruption scandal unfolding within the Army.