PUTRAJAYA, Dec 5 (Bernama): Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim voiced his disappointment regarding delays in two critical national digital projects—MyDigital ID and the second 5G network rollout.
During the Finance Ministry’s Monthly Assembly today, Anwar revealed that MyDigital ID is a year behind schedule, while progress on the second 5G network has been hindered by unresolved negotiations between Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB) and telecommunications companies.
“This has caused me to lose some patience,” he remarked, highlighting the delays as barriers to Malaysia’s digital transformation agenda.
Delays Reflect Negligence
The Prime Minister called the delays negligent and questioned how the nation could embrace advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) without completing the necessary digital infrastructure.
“These delays reflect negligence. How can we advance towards AI when the basic digital infrastructure that should have been established is still unfinished?” he asked.
Urgent Need for Action
Anwar emphasized the urgency of completing these projects, especially as Malaysia prepares for the ASEAN chairmanship next year, with digital networking, the ASEAN Power Grid, and food technology as key priorities.
“We need to emerge as a competent nation and lead by example. Two years should be sufficient to prepare for these initiatives,” he stated.
Acknowledging Overreaction
The Prime Minister apologized for his stern remarks during the National Digital Economy and Fourth Industrial Revolution Council (MED4IRN) meeting, attributing his frustration to high expectations.
“This shows I’m human and not without flaws. My frustration stems from unmet expectations, and I hope my apology will be accepted,” he said.
About the Initiatives
MyDigital ID: A government project designed to provide secure, legal online identity authentication.
Second 5G Network: A complementary system to the Single Wholesale Network (SWN) by DNB, aimed at closing the digital divide and enhancing infrastructure, especially in underserved areas.
Anwar concluded by urging all stakeholders to accelerate efforts to establish Malaysia as a leader in the digital economy.