Cabinet reshuffle: Separation of ministry will empower information delivery, drive digital economy, says Fahmi

KUALA LUMPUR: The creation of the Communications Ministry and the Digital Ministry will assist to empower the delivery of information on government policies and initiatives to the people and also drive the growth of the nation's digital economy.

Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said the separation of duties also proves the commitment and determination of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to ensure that the digital economy in Malaysia continues to flourish.

However, Fahmi said he needed more time to scrutinise the distribution of tasks and duties of the two ministries, which were previously under the single communications and digital portfolio.

"Maybe in a week or two, we will know our functions and duties – maybe also the related agencies of the ministry. There may be some changes.

'Nevertheless, in a week or two, we will have plans on the ministry's focus for 2024," he said after the ceremony to take the oath of office, loyalty and secrecy as well as the presentation of appointment letters at Istana Negara here on Tuesday (Dec 12).

Meanwhile, Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said in the current digital era, it was appropriate to create a specialised ministry to prepare the country for the future.

"There are many measures we need to take to ensure the people and country is ready for the challenges we will face in the digital era.

"It is reasonable that we have a ministry to look into matters in detail to deal with the existing problems and get ready for the future," he said.

Gobind said he would first have a discussion with Fahmi to identify their respective roles.

He also said a media conference would be held to explain the ministry's action plan as well as measures for future plans.

Earlier, five new ministers and five new deputy ministers were sworn in before the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah at Istana Negara.

They took the oath of office and loyalty before signing the official appointment document witnessed by Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali. – Bernama