PUTRAJAYA, 5 Dis -- Perdana Menteri merangkap Menteri Kewangan Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (tiga,kanan) bersalaman dengan warga kerja Kementerian Kewangan pada Perhimpunan Bulanan Kementerian Kewangan hari ini. Turut kelihatan Menteri Kewangan II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan (dua,kanan) dan Ketua Setiausaha Perbendaharaan Datuk Johan Mahmood Merican (kanan). --fotoBERNAMA (2024) HAK CIPTA TERPELIHARA
PUTRAJAYA: Disappointed over delays in the execution of two national digital initiatives, MyDigital ID and the second 5G network, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim described the hold up in both projects as negligent and a hindrance to the nation’s efforts in realising the digital transformation agenda.
The Prime Minister said the rollout of MyDigital ID is a year behind schedule, while the second 5G network remains stalled as negotiations for the project have not received positive response from Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB) and telecommunication companies.
“This has caused me to lose some patience,” he said at the Finance Ministry’s monthly assembly.
Anwar said he had voiced his dissatisfaction over the matter during the National Digital Economy and Fourth Industrial Revolution Council (MED4IRN) meeting on Wednesday.
“These delays reflect negligence. How can we advance towards AI (artificial intelligence) when the basic (digital infrastructure) that should have been established is still unfinished?” he questioned.
The Prime Minister said both projects are vital and must be expedited, particularly as Malaysia prepares to assume the Asean chairmanship next year, with priorities including the Asean power grid agenda, digital networking and food technology.
“We need to emerge as a competent nation and lead by example. I believe two years is sufficient to prepare for these initiatives,” he said.
However, the Prime Minister apologised for his reprimand during the MED4IRN meeting.
“This shows I’m human and not without flaws.
“I have high expectations and it leads to frustration when they are not met.
“I believe I overreacted and I hope my apology will be accepted,” he said.
MyDigital ID is a government initiative to provide online users with secure and legal identity authentication.
The second 5G network refers to additional infrastructure complementing the existing single wholesale network provided by DNB.
It seeks to bridge the digital divide, enhance digital infrastructure and expand coverage, particularly in underserved rural areas.
On another matter, the Prime Minister said the country’s budget and development framework is not only aimed at driving economic growth but also ensuring that its benefits reach the grassroots.
Anwar said the framework must strike a balance between offering incentives to stimulate growth and attract investments and addressing the needs of the less fortunate.
He said digital and energy transformations should benefit all segments of society.
Anwar urged institutions that record significant profits to consider the plight of the poorest working groups.
“Take note of their food security, housing conditions and salaries. Pay attention to families of drivers and the most impoverished guardians,” he said.
Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said that during the presentation of Budget 2025 in the Dewan Negara on Wednesday, he explained that while the nation’s growth surpassed projections, this success must not lead to complacency within the government machinery.
“As humans, our capabilities are commendable but sometimes we feel we have already reached our best,” he said.
Anwar encouraged civil servants to seek the best methods to achieve greater success.
He also placed emphasis on the importance of adopting better approaches in digital transformation.
