KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 12 — The creation of the Communications Ministry and the Digital Ministry will assist in empowering the delivery of information on government policy implementation and initiatives to the people and drive growth in 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 the growth of Malaysia’s digital economy continues to flourish.
However, he requires more time to immerse himself and understand the distribution of tasks and duties of the two ministries, which were formerly the Communications and Digital Ministry.
“Maybe in a week or two, we will know our functions and duties and maybe also on the related agencies of the ministry; there maybe a bit of changes, as some agencies are in or switch ministries.
‘Nonetheless, I am certain in a week or two, before the end of the year, we will have plans on the focus of the ministry for 2024,” he said after the swearing-in ceremony for the new ministers and deputy ministers and the appointment letters presentation at Istana Negara today.
Meanwhile, Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said in the current digitalisation era, it is appropriate to create a specialised ministry to prepare the country for the future.
This is because the digital aspect could change how the community thinks apart from making choices to move forward.
“So, if we look to the future, I think there are many measures we need to take to ensure the people and country are ready for the challenges we will face in the digital era.
“To me, 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.
Nonetheless, Gobind will discuss with Fahmi to identify the roles of their respective ministeries.
Apart from that, a media conference will be held to explain to the people the ministry’s plan of action and measures for future planning.
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 here.
They all 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.
The ministers took their oath of office today following a Cabinet reshuffle announcement by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at a media conference in Putrajaya this morning.
— Bernama
