KUALA LUMPUR: This week's "Beyond the Headlines" episode covers the discussion surrounding the decision made by the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) to charge a senior police officer with murder.
This comes after the officer with the rank of deputy superintendent was linked to the fatal hit-and-run case of 17-year-old student Muhammad Zaharif Affendi.
Together with senior criminal lawyer Salim Bashir, the team examined the legal concerns and challenges involved in obtaining a conviction under Section 302 of the Penal Code (for murder), which carries the death penalty if found guilty.
He also shared the essential elements that the prosecution would need to establish for a successful case under Section 302.
While the team did not discuss the details of the case, Salim shared how public pressure and media attention could impact legal proceedings.
He also emphasised the roles that relevant bodies of authority should play in ensuring that a murder trial is conducted fairly.
Separately, the team also discussed the expansion of the "Look East Policy" to include China, which Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced during his recent five-day working visit to Tokyo to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Japan-ASEAN relations.
Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research Senior Fellow Dr Azmi Hassan assisted the team in navigating the opportunities and difficulties presented by China's growing influence.
Azmi also shared key strategies for Malaysia to incorporate lessons from both traditional partners and emerging economic giants.
Follow the discussion in the video podcast for a or a more in-depth look at the issues highlighted.
*This episode of "Beyond the Headlines" was recorded on Dec 21.