KOTA KINABALU: Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan has joined the chorus voicing reservations over the Central Database Hub (Padu), saying he was "deeply concerned" by the push by the Federal Government for comprehensive registration to the system.
The Sabah Deputy Chief Minister said he was also uncomfortable with the remarks and push by Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli over this issue, urging the latter to pause and reassess the strategy.
He contended the four-month window for the registration of approximately 20 million targeted Malaysians to the Padu system was quite alarming, and at the same time, puzzling.
"What is the reason behind this rush?" he asked, in a statement here on Monday (March 25).
"Would it not open the system to potential repercussions on data accuracy and security?
"How prepared is the government to ensure the data will be managed and protected securely with the influx of personal data coming into the system in such a short time?
"Surely, a more measured and phased approach would be more prudent," added Kitingan.
On Saturday (March 23), Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim asked Rafizi to clarify Padu registration issues at the Cabinet meeting.
He said this followed concerns raised by Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg about the system.
Sarawak Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah had said registering with Padu was akin to exposing all of one's personal details, including bank accounts and investments.
Umno supreme council member Datuk Dr Puad Zarkashi had also said the flaws of Padu were Rafizi’s failures.
Kitingan said the fact that over 65% of Malaysians have yet to register showed that there was an issue of trust.
"I wonder why. Could it be because of the intrusive nature of the data required by Padu?
"Why does the government need to know who I owe money to and how much? How is this relevant to my eligibility for subsidies?" he asked.
There were also questions like who developed Padu, he added, asking what would happen if the data were leaked.
He said he concurred with Abdul Karim that there was no difference between Padu and existing systems like e-Kasih or Rahmah Cash Aid (STR).
"I do not see the necessity for Padu or how it justifies the extensive collection of personal data beyond what is traditionally required by agencies such as the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) or welfare systems.
"The government's duty is to serve its citizens, not to delve unnecessarily into their private lives," he said, adding the protection of individual privacy must be balanced against the benefits of data collection.
If the Federal Government wishes to proceed with Padu anyway, Kitingan then suggested that the platform be modified extensively and improvised without making the people apprehensive.
Proponents of this system should also consider the impact of their communication style, he said, pointing out there was no need to threaten the people by saying that if they did not register, they would not get subsidies.
"Personally, I would suggest that Padu populate their database using the existing databases already at their disposal.
"Help the people to ease their privacy concerns and more importantly, do not burden them as they are already wary of sharing their personal information as it is.
"In fact, I believe that all this data should be managed by the respective states. We in Sabah have endured too many bad memories of our data being misused in the past for unwarranted purposes.
"We do not want a repeat of that mistake," Kitingan said.
