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In a significant stride towards amplifying the country’s digital economy, Malaysia’s recent Cabinet reshuffle led to the separation of the Communications Ministry and the Digital Ministry. This move aims to centralise efforts and policies, driving the nation’s technological progression.
Fahmi Fadzil, the Communication Minister, emphasised the necessity of streamlining internal policies to fortify the digital sector. He highlighted the deliberations with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s team, identifying the need for cohesive coordination across various ministries. Previously, the digital economy spanned four ministries, leading to fragmented handling of crucial aspects.
“The dispersion of responsibilities across multiple ministries caused uncertainties within the industry,” Fahmi explained. “Pooling all agencies under a single ministry emerged as a logical solution.”
Speaking at a media conference during the inauguration of the R.E.N.E.W programme by the Institute of Continuing Education and Professional Studies (iCEPS) of Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), Fahmi clarified misconceptions regarding the motives behind this separation. Denying claims of a political motive, he underscored the strategic reorganisation’s intent to bolster the digital economy’s growth.
The alignment of agencies, with the majority retained by the Communications Ministry, reflects a strategic continuity in their operations. Fahmi echoed Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo’s call for policy alignment not only within the National Digital Economy and 4IR Council but also within the Digital Ministry itself.
Anticipating the finalisation of agency placement under both ministries by the coming month’s end, Fahmi reiterated the urgency of this division. As the country targets a projected contribution of 25.5% to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from the digital economy by 2025, this reorganisation becomes pivotal for sustained growth.
Underlining Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s directive for immediate action, Fahmi advocates a proactive stance. The realignment of the Malaysian Administrative Modernisation and Management Planning Unit (MAMPU) as the key agency under the Digital Ministry reflects the government’s commitment to elevating digitalisation efforts, subsequently enhancing the nation’s economic landscape.
In essence, the division of ministries signifies Malaysia’s dedicated approach to prioritising and fortifying its digital economy. This strategic manoeuvre aims to consolidate efforts, align policies, and foster a robust technological ecosystem, poised to steer the nation towards sustainable economic growth in the digital era.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s decision to split the Ministry of Communications and Digital into separate entities highlights a focused approach to modern communication challenges.
With social media’s expansion, managing misinformation becomes critical, necessitating effective communication planning and initiatives like Sebenarnya.my for public awareness. Regulating communication gains importance, as seen in key agencies placed under the Ministry of Communications, aligning with evolving landscapes.
Various departments, including J-KOM, IPPTAR, Broadcasting, Finas, and MyCreative Ventures, moving under this Ministry signal Malaysia’s readiness for technological advancements. This division created the Ministries of Communications and Digital, led by Gobind Singh Deo, fostering structured approaches.
Youth activists anticipate a refined focus on fake news, social media, and journalism in Communications, while Digital focuses on tech areas. The evolving digital realm requires careful information validation, acknowledged by industry professionals.
This strategic move showcases Malaysia’s proactive stance in addressing digital-era challenges, aiming for societal and economic growth amidst an evolving communication landscape.
