Zahidi: I was kept in the dark about 5G dealings

DATUK Zahidi Zainul Abidin has hit out at Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah and Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz for allegedly discussing the controversial fifth- generation (5G) project dealings involving Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB) in secrecy.

The Deputy Communications and Multimedia Minister said he was kept in the dark over the discussion.

“They were discussing between ministers about a project that involved almost RM20bil without consulting their subordinates. Not even the deputy minister knew.

“That is why when I was answering in Parliament, I did not have the information as the matters discussed were not relayed to me,” he told a press conference yesterday.

Zahidi also said Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission chairman Dr Fadhlullah Suhaimi Abdul Malek was aware of the meeting.

“In the future, they need to tell the deputy minister as well as the rakyat because the project cost about RM20bil.

“There is an issue of monopoly. We want a mitigation plan and risk management measures.

“So, if possible, do not be secretive. If you want to be secretive, the minister should answer, not me,” said Zahidi.

The government, through DNB, will roll out the 5G network nationwide over the next 10 years.

Separately, Deputy Finance Minister Yamani Hafez Musa said the 5G rollout project was not the same as the controversial 1Malaysia Development Bhd in terms of its tender process.