PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is disappointed by delays in executing the MyDigital ID and second 5G network national digital initiatives.
He said the rollout of MyDigital ID is a year behind schedule, while the second 5G network remains stalled as negotiations have not received a positive response from Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB) and telecommunications companies.
"This has caused me to lose some patience,” he said at the Finance Ministry’s monthly assembly here on Thursday (Dec 5).
Anwar also said he had expressed his dissatisfaction during the National Digital Economy and Fourth Industrial Revolution Council (MED4IRN) meeting on Wednesday (Dec 4).
He described the delays in both projects as negligent and a hindrance to the nation’s efforts in realising its digital transformation agenda.
"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," he said.
Anwar stressed the importance of expediting the two projects as Malaysia will be Asean chair next year, and the grouping's focus will be on the Asean Energy Grid agenda, digital networks, and food technology.
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"So, we have to rise as a country with the ability to be an example. I think that two years (of the unity government) is enough time to prepare for all this," he said.
The Prime Minister also apologised if he had gone overboard in expressing his disappointment during the MED4IRN meeting.
"(It) shows that I am also a normal human being who has shortcomings.
"(My) expectations are high. So when they are not met, that is what gives rise (to anger). I hope my apology will be taken in the proper spirit," he said.
MyDigital ID is a government initiative for secure and valid identity verification for online users mooted in 2016.
The second 5G network refers to additional 5G infrastructure that complements the existing Single Wholesale Network (SWN) model provided by DNB.
It is set up to bridge the digital divide and drive better digital infrastructure and wider telecommunications reach, especially in underserved rural areas. – Bernama
