PUTRAJAYA, Oct 14 — The Ministry of Communications and Digital (KKD) will make several announcements regarding the new direction of the Digital Economic Centres (PEDi) during the PEDi Awards Day celebration on November 29.
This comes after the RM25 million allocation from the government to empower the centres in all state constituencies as part of the efforts to support small businesses to sell their products online, announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim when tabling Budget 2024 yesterday.
“PEDi has been established and operating across the country for over a decade, and it is time for a shift in the perception (of what PEDi is) and operations. Apart from being a digital economic centre, it will play a role as a catalyst for the digital economy,” said its minister Fahmi Fadzil.
Speaking to the press after the KKD monthly gathering and the closing ceremony of its 2023 National Sports Day today, he said the RM25 million allocation is not to build new centres but to be used to set new directions to enhance the initiative.
“This is also to ensure PEDi does not only operate as an Internet centre for the community but also taps into the immense potential of the digital economy. Local entrepreneurs will not have to go to the city as they can generate substantial income with just a few quality products and robust marketing strategies,” Fahmi said.
He instructed agencies under the ministry to take note of any views, comments and suggestions to improve Budget 2024, which MPs will submit in the coming week.
The Information Department (JaPen) has been told to disseminate information so that the people can clearly understand Budget 2024 as well as the direction of the government.
“We are in a situation where we need to transform the economic structure,” Fahmi said, adding that Budget 2024 will set the course for the country through the Madani Economy framework, the New Industrial Master Plan 2030, the National Energy Transition Roadmap, and the Mid-Term Review of the 12th Malaysia Plan.
On another matter, the decision of Perikatan Nasional’s (PN) Kuala Kangsar MP Datuk Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid to support the Prime Minister comes as a surprise, but is a personal decision.
“I did not expect it because, at the moment, there are no changes to the Federal Constitution, which requires a two-thirds majority of MP support. So, it cannot be considered a political move as it is unnecessary,” he said.
The minister added that PN president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and PN secretary-general Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin should be held accountable for the actions of the Kuala Kangsar MP.
“I see that he (Iskandar) is acting on his own free will…the Prime Minister did not hold any meetings. Do not blame us if you cannot control your MPs,” Fahmi, who is also the Pakatan Harapan communications director, said.
— Bernama
