Fahmi Fadzil Under Fire for Lack of Transparency on 5G Network Partnership
Fahmi’s Previous Call for Graft Investigation
Fahmi Fadzil, the current Communications and Digital Minister, is facing scrutiny over his handling of the 5G network partnership between Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB) and Ericsson. Former MP Ong Kian Ming has questioned Fahmi’s actions following his previous call for a corruption investigation into the partnership.
Fahmi’s Discovery of DNB’s Activities
Fahmi had previously stated that he found "horrifying and concerning" things when he first took over as the Communications and Digital Minister in December 2022. He revealed that neither his ministry nor the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) had a clear understanding of DNB’s activities.
Ong’s Questions
Ong Kian Ming has asked Fahmi to explain the actions he took to address the concerns he had about DNB. Specifically, Ong wants to know:
- Did Fahmi follow up on his previous call for a corruption investigation into the 5G network partnership between DNB and Ericsson?
- Were any improprieties discovered, and if so, what actions were taken?
- What steps did Fahmi take to clean up the issues he found at DNB?
- Is he able to reveal what remedial steps were taken?
DNB’s 5G Network Rollout
Ong has also raised questions about DNB’s 5G network rollout, including:
- How did DNB and Ericsson’s rollout of the first 5G network win several global awards, such as the Ookla Award and Futurenet Asia 2024 Award?
- How did DNB manage to achieve 80% coverage of populated areas before its given deadline, despite not having a CEO from March 2023 to October this year?
- Was the RM16.5 billion reported expenditure for the 5G network properly spent, as questioned by Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Karim during the committee stage of the budget debate?
Conclusion
Fahmi Fadzil’s handling of the 5G network partnership and DNB’s activities has raised more questions than answers. As the Communications and Digital Minister, Fahmi has a responsibility to ensure transparency and accountability in the management of the 5G network. It is essential that he provides clear and substantive answers to Ong’s questions to address the concerns of the public.
FAQs
Q: What is the 5G network partnership between DNB and Ericsson?
A: The 5G network partnership is a collaboration between Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB) and Ericsson to roll out the 5G network in Malaysia.
Q: Why did Fahmi call for a corruption investigation into the partnership?
A: Fahmi, as an opposition MP, called for a corruption investigation into the partnership following a report that Ericsson allegedly breached pacts and had compliance issues.
Q: What are the concerns surrounding DNB’s activities?
A: Fahmi had previously stated that he found "horrifying and concerning" things when he first took over as the Communications and Digital Minister. He revealed that neither his ministry nor the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) had a clear understanding of DNB’s activities.