PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today announced the first Cabinet reshuffle a year into the Pakatan Harapan-Barisan Nasional (PH-BN) government’s administration.
Anwar stated that this reshuffle is a strategic move to make adjustments to meet current demands and conditions.
The reshuffle includes a change that has attracted much attention, namely the division of the Communications and Digital Ministry into two separate entities.
Now the Communications Ministry will be headed by Fahmi Fadzil while Gobind Singh Deo will lead the newly-established Digital Ministry.
This move has raised questions among the public, especially regarding the necessity and financial implications of the reshuffle.
There are voices questioning the need to increase management budgets with the establishment of a new digital ministry, particularly in the current challenging economic conditions.
The formation of the Digital Ministry, to be led by Gobind Singh Deo from DAP, has raised questions about the real intentions behind this move.
Many have expressed concerns that this step may be directed to promote a certain agenda, including worries about the covert collection of people’s data and the lack of clarity regarding the functions and objectives of this ministry.
This development is also linked to NVIDIA Corporation’s announcement of a strategic partnership with the Malaysian conglomerate, YTL, to build an AI data center involving an investment of RM20 bil.
NVIDIA’s and YTL’s involvement in this project has raised questions about the planning and interests behind the establishment of the new Digital Ministry.
The public is also concerned about the potential additional burdens in terms of upcoming laws and digital policies, and how this will affect their daily lives. They are questioning the budget to be allocated for the new ministry and its impact on the nation’s economy.
These concerns are compounded by the lack of clear information about the direction and budget during the announcement of the new ministry’s formation, casting doubt on the government’s move in the context of the country’s economic development and the overall interest of the people.
In this situation, the public demands a more in-depth explanation from the government, especially regarding the long-term implications of this cabinet reshuffle and the establishment of the new Digital Ministry. – Dec 12, 2023
Mahathir Hj Mohd Rais is the Perikatan Nasional Federal Territories information chief.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
Main pic credit: Bernama
