PUTRAJAYA – The cabinet has agreed to transfer several government agencies to the Digital Ministry, starting with Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB).
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil announced that other agencies, including the Malaysian Administrative Modernisation and Management Planning Unit, Malaysian Digital Economy Corporation and CyberSecurity Malaysia, would also be integrated into the ministry under Gobind Singh Deo.
“CyberSecurity was previously under the Prime Minister’s Department, but it has now been relocated to the Digital Ministry to facilitate collaboration between the public and corporate sectors under a unified ministry,” Fahmi told a press conference in Putrajaya today.
Fahmi emphasised the importance of rebranding to eliminate misunderstandings related to digital security. The decision to move DNB and CyberSecurity to the Digital Ministry was reached during today’s cabinet meeting, he said.
Furthermore, Fahmi clarified that the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission would continue to operate under the Communications Ministry.
Regarding the Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (Mitra), Fahmi said its position would be reconsidered following last month’s cabinet reshuffle.
Discussions on Mitra’s status will take place after Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang gathers feedback from the public and stakeholders.
Addressing other changes, Fahmi said Mimos Bhd would be returned to the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry.
However, the Digital ID function initiated by Mimos through the Malaysian Digital Economy Action Plan would temporarily remain under the Prime Minister’s Department until March.
After its full implementation, the system would be transferred to the Digital Ministry.
For the Irrigation and Drainage Department, previously under the Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Ministry, it will now be placed under the newly formed Energy Transition and Public Utilities Ministry led by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
The Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation will continue to be under the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry.
Fahmi also underscored the prime minister’s directive for cabinet members to adopt a teamwork approach, especially when addressing questions in Parliament. Specific ministers were assigned to respond to various issues, ensuring a coordinated and efficient process, he said.
For example, Fadillah will address Sabah and Sarawak affairs. If he is unavailable, Entrepreneurship and Cooperatives Development Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick or Unity Minister Aaron will take charge. In the absence of these ministers, the responsibility will fall to the deputy to Fadillah, Fahmi said.
Regarding disaster-related matters, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi will be the primary responder. If he is not present, Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri will assume the responsibility.
For Felda-related issues, Fahmi said the cabinet decided that Zahid would be the designated respondent, replacing the previous arrangement where the law minister handled such matters.
If Zahid is unavailable, Deputy Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Rubiah Wang will step in to address Felda matters, Fahmi said. – January 10, 2024