During one of those many restless nights in KL years ago I went on a channel surfing. Then I stumbled upon this horrible talk show programme called “Bila Larut Malam” (BLM). To me it was a Malay version of a show talk mimicking the American, and it did not work for me.

I enjoyed David Letterman’s show and Trevor Noah’s Daily Show, I find BLM to be a very, very sad, a futile bad attempt to imitate the American talk shows, which feature real, funny and intelligent hosts and guests and topics.

For a start, the host of BLM was most unnatural while trying to speak Malay with American nuances. Second, he thrived on making fun at other people’s expense such as imitating Malaysians of Punjabi descent.

Thirdly, the lighting in the set is so audience unfriendly, with all the pink spotlights and misplaced furniture.

BLM is one of those programs that can really bring me down into the bottom pit of my abyss of depression when I need something to boost up my state of mind. The effect of watching programs such as BLM is that it will depress me until the next day.

If the next day is Monday, my depression will just continue on until about 6pm when I went back and watch the Simpsons. Yes! Yea!!! I do watch the Simpsons. Try it when you are totally not in sync with your immediate environment.

Another program that made me cringe was “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire”. It was not the program that made me want to throw up. It was the presenter. He was so unnatural when he tried to speak Malay, again, using the American nuances.

You know how it is when you start to use the “erms” and the “ums” when you speak the Malay language. It is almost as if you are trying to tell the world that you are just learning to speak the Malay language.

Now that I have moved back to Canada, and also during one of those sleepless winter nights I troll through the internet, and voila, I stumbled into another Malaysian talk show or rather a podcast as we call it now. I find it to be invigorating and quite refreshing. AND I have to give this one my approval.

It is called KS: Keluar Sekejap. Hosted by Khairy Jamaluddin and Shahril Hamdan. I like their style and their candour, when touching on subjects, ranging from politics and to more politics. A little bit of a self-aggrandisement, on KJ’s parts when trying to promote himself, but totally acceptable by me, since it was nicely done in a good taste.

Shahril, who is equally smart in a meanwhile, or once in a while, can be seen as KJ’s second fiddle. He is also equally brilliant in his presentations. However, they do complement each other. I have seen both of them interviewing guests such as Tun Dr Mahahir Mohamad. I thoroughly enjoy watching a friendly banter between KJ and Shahril, and Dr Mahathir.

Although on this one Dr Mahathir was given a respectful treatment with only soft punch on the shoulder with a kid’s gloves.

But, they weren’t afraid to question the former prime minister, on many issues. I thought when KJ asked Dr Mahathir “why he did not like him”, I thought I saw a change in the former PM face.

Clearly the question by the host had taken him by surprise, but a quick recovery by the 98-year-old Dr Mahathir with his repartee by giving an answer that seem to stop further diatribe on the subject.

Touche KJ and Shahril!!

For creating a talk show that is watchable.

The country needs more quality talk show of podcast which is entertaining, intelligent, down to earth, presented in a Malaysia nuances. Above all do not mimic the American style of talking,

As for KS: Keluar Sekejap I am giving you a rating of an A+ on the overall presentation, another A+ on being real! And Carry On KS: Keluar Sekejap. And finally for two bits worth on my part you have my complete support!

As I will be watching you guys very closely!