MALAYSIA, KUALALUMPUR- Last Tuesday, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the live recording of BBC World Questions at PJPAC, and let me tell you—it was a night to remember! This Malaysian edition, produced by the talented Charlie Taylor and hosted by the renowned BBC Royal Correspondent Jonny Dymond, brought together a vibrant crowd and a dynamic panel for an evening of thought-provoking debates.
The energy in the room was electric, with a fantastic turnout that reflected Malaysia’s diversity. What struck me most was the strong presence of young people in the audience—outnumbering the older crowd! It was inspiring to see so many curious, engaged minds from the Klang Valley and beyond, with some even flying in just for the event. As someone who’s a bit older, I didn’t feel underrepresented; instead, I was proud of the initiative and passion our youth brought to the table.
The format was refreshingly interactive. Audience members submitted questions, which were carefully curated by the producer’s team to reflect the issues that mattered most to the crowd. The panel was a powerhouse lineup: Senator Dr. Fuziah Salleh, Secretary General of Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) and Deputy Minister for Domestic Trade and Cost of Living; Dr. Tricia Yeoh, Associate Professor of Practice at the University of Nottingham Malaysia; Wan Ahmad Fayhsal, MP from Bersatu and former Deputy Minister of National Unity; and Dr. Vilashini Somiah, Head of the Gender Studies Programme at the University of Malaya. Fun fact: Wan Ahmad Fayhsal was the only panelist without a PhD, but he more than held his own, sparking some of the liveliest moments of the night!
The discussions covered a dizzying array of topics—everything from the rising cost of living and income inequality to global issues like the impact of U.S. tariffs and Malaysia’s relationship with China. We dove into local concerns like Malay hegemony, the role of women in leadership (or lack thereof), and unfulfilled political promises. No stone was left unturned, and the audience played a starring role as the unofficial “fifth panelist,” offering feedback and keeping the panelists on their toes.
I have to give a special shoutout to Senator Dr. Fuziah Salleh, who had the tough job of defending PKR and the Madani Government while fielding some of the night’s most challenging questions. The other panelists were equally impressive, bringing fresh ideas, constructive criticism, and a willingness to engage openly. The result? A mind-tweaking, perspective-shifting evening that left me buzzing with new insights.
If you missed the live event, don’t worry—you can catch BBC World Questions: Malaysia on World Service English this Saturday, June 14, at 7 p.m. local time. It’s also available online, on BBC Sounds, and on most podcast platforms. Trust me, you won’t want to miss this one—it’s a masterclass in debate, diversity, and the power of curious minds coming together.
What’s your take on the issues Malaysia is facing today? Drop a comment below and let’s keep the conversation going!