PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has directed that all aspects of government digital service development be carried out internally to safeguard data security and sovereignty.
Government spokesman Datuk Fahmi Fadzil (pic), who is also Communications Minister, said the Prime Minister conveyed the directive during the Cabinet meeting yesterday.
Fahmi said the internal development of digital services will be coordinated by the Digital Ministry through the National Digital Department.
“This takes into account data security and sovereignty aspects, direct access to source code, as well as talent development, particularly among civil servants,” he told Bernama at a post-Cabinet meeting press conference here.
In another development, Fahmi said the Prime Minister had instructed that firm action be taken against any party found abusing licences, visas or business facilities in the country.
“We leave it to the relevant authorities to take action in accordance with the law, and we remind all business operators to always comply with regulations and laws, especially those holding licences to conduct business or undertake commercial activities,” he said.
On another matter, Fahmi said the suspension of access to the MyKhas portal for the Members of Parliament (MPs) representing Petaling Jaya and Subang does not affect their rights or functions as elected representatives.
In fact, he said allocations channelled through the MyKhas platform are special funds under the Prime Minister’s purview and are separate from the facilities and entitlements provided to MPs through Parliament.
The Communications Minister also said residents in both constituencies will continue to have access to assistance despite the restrictions.
“The Implementation Coordination Unit of the Prime Minister’s Department (ICU JPM) has clarified that residents in both parliamentary constituencies may still submit applications, which will be assessed and approved directly by the ICU.
“As such, there is no issue regarding applications or the allocation of funds,” he said.
Fahmi was responding to claims by Subang MP Wong Chen and Petaling Jaya MP Lee Chean Chung that their offices had been denied access to the MyKhas system, affecting applications for People-Friendly Projects (PMR) allocations in their constituencies.
On Thursday, the ICU JPM assured the public that all allocations intended for the people would continue to be disbursed and managed directly to ensure public welfare remains unaffected.
The agency also said it would continue carrying out its coordinating role in an orderly manner to ensure the smooth and effective implementation of government programmes and initiatives for the benefit of the public.
