PM Anwar Ibrahim Reviewing the 5G Program in Malaysia Because It Is Not Transparent

The newly appointed Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. (photo: twitter @anwaribrahim)

JAKARTA - Malaysia's newly appointed Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, announced on Monday, December 5 that his government will review the state-owned 5G network plan introduced by the previous government. This review was carried out because the appointment of the project was not formulated in a transparent manner.

Under prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin's post in 2021, Malaysia unveiled a state-owned agency's plan to own all 5G spectrum, with various operators using the infrastructure to provide mobile services.

Single-ownership of spectrum raises concerns from major state operators over price fixing, transparency, and monopoly.

"The 5G plans will be evaluated to make sure they strictly follow the procedures," Anwar told a news conference after his first cabinet meeting, which was quoted by Reuters.

"It needs to be reviewed because it was not done in a transparent manner," said Anwar without going into details about the transparency in question.

A spokesman for Muhyiddin was not immediately available for comment by the media. But they argue that the 5G plan is, saying it will reduce costs, increase efficiency, and accelerate infrastructure development.

Anwar Ibrahim's government will also revise and refine the 2023 budget that was submitted in October. The budget was tabled in parliament by the previous government, but was not passed due to elections.

Anwar also said his government would not overturn certain decisions made by previous administrations, but he did not identify them.

Anwar was appointed prime minister by the king last November, after elections resulted in an unprecedented suspended parliament. Anwar's bloc did not win a simple majority but he formed a coalition government with the help of other political blocs.

On Friday, November 2 he appointed his cabinet, which includes an ally accused of corruption as his deputy.

Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, deputy prime minister, is on trial on 47 counts of bribery, money laundering and breach of trust. But he pleaded not guilty.

Anwar said he would not compromise on his promise to fight corruption despite appointing Ahmad Zahid as his deputy.

"I believe my cabinet team is determined to ensure we follow the strict rules and principles of good governance," he said, adding that the previous system "allowed leaders to steal".