Prime minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has voiced his frustration over significant delays in two key national digital initiatives: the MyDigital ID project and the rollout of a second 5G network. Speaking at the Finance Ministry’s monthly assembly today, he described the situation as negligent and a hindrance to Malaysia’s digital transformation agenda.
Anwar stressed that the MyDigital ID initiative, intended to provide secure and valid online identity verification, is a year behind schedule. Similarly, progress on the second 5G network remains stalled due to unresolved negotiations between Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB) and telcos. This dual-network infrastructure is critical to complement the existing Single Wholesale Network and improve digital access, especially in underserved rural areas.
“This has caused me to lose some patience,” he said during the assembly. “I consider this negligent and slow because we want to advance towards artificial intelligence, yet even the basic things we need have not been completed.”
Anwar underscored the urgency of these projects, particularly as Malaysia is set to chair Asean next year. Among the agenda’s focal points are digital networks, green energy, and food technology.
“We have to rise as a country with the ability to be an example,” he added. “I think that two years (of the unity government) is enough time to prepare for all this.”
The prime minister called for expedited efforts to bring these initiatives to fruition. He stressed their importance in ensuring Malaysia’s leadership in digital transformation and regional cooperation.
(Source: Bernama)
