There is no dedicated ICT minister in the new cabinet lineup announced by Malaysia’s new prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
Malaysian IT industry association (PIKOM) had earlier urged the recently-appointed prime minister to form a dedicated ministry, suggesting that such a move would help boost the industry during the current adverse global economic conditions.
However, the prime minister, who has trimmed the number of ministerial posts from 32 to 28 but increased the number of deputy ministers from 38 to 40, said the country's information technology industry would continue under the purview of the ministry of science, technology and innovation (MOSTI), which would continue to be headed by Datuk Dr Maximus Johnity Ongkili.
PIKOM chairman David Wong Nan Fay said: “We are glad that there were no changes made to the minister and deputy minister in the ministry of science, technology and innovation. This will create continuity in the policies and plans architected by them for the industry well-being. Among them are Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili’s Innovation Council and the revival of the National IT Council.”
PIKOM also welcomed the slimmer cabinet, said Wong. “This will augur well with ministries as they are able to foster stronger inter-ministerial coordination and corporation.”
Green IT and broadband
Wong also welcomed the prime minister’s move in creating a ministry to facilitate green technology under the ministry of energy, green technology and water. “This would definitely see the nation adapt into energy cost saving measures and future environmental protection and preservation. It will also see Malaysia transforming into a developed country and society. “
However, Wong added: “PIKOM was caught by surprise that the communication element was lumped together with the information ministry especially since communication is high on the national agenda with the rollout of high-speed broadband [HSBB]. In this respect, PIKOM is disappointed that our call for a single ICT ministry has not been realised.”
“Our proposal for a single ICT ministry would see faster, more convenient and informative decision-making processes, reduced costs, increased efficiency and procedural clarity for local and foreign ICT companies to prosper,” said Wong. “These are pro-investor conditions that are likely to increase foreign direct investment flow in Malaysia. We envisage such a ministry would be specifically tasked to actively promote Malaysia’s ICT industry, develop constructive policies and guidelines to deal with global ICT deregulation and market liberalisation.”
