POLICY decisions on the streamlining of the national cybersecurity ecosystem will be discussed and finalised in a cabinet meeting on July 19, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said.

He said this demonstrated the seriousness and firm commitment of the government in addressing cybersecurity challenges.

“I want to be unequivocal in saying that the unity government will not compromise the security of our cyber space, nor will it brook delays in this regard.

“What we are lacking in time, we will make up with hard work,” the prime minister said in his speech at the opening of The Cyber Defence & Security Exhibition and Conference 2023 in Kuala Lumpur today.

His speech was read out by Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof, who officiated at the event on behalf of the prime minister.

The decision to bring the issue to the cabinet was made after Anwar chaired the first National Cyber Security Committee meeting last month, which discussed crucial decisions to fortify cybersecurity in Malaysia. 

Anwar said the meeting unanimously endorsed the National Cyber Security Agency’s (Nacsa) position as the central agency on cybersecurity directly reporting to the prime minister, where measures to enhance cybersecurity would be consolidated under the umbrella of the agency.

He said this would ensure central coordination and enable the government to establish cohesive and comprehensive strategies to counter cyber threats, streamlining efforts and maximising collective effectiveness.

Besides that, the prime minister said the meeting also agreed that the immediate drafting of a cybersecurity bill was necessary to ensure a robust legal framework with good governance to effectively address the evolving cyber threats.

“The bill will provide Nacsa with a clear legal authority to regulate and enforce laws pertaining to cybersecurity, hence enhancing the effectiveness of their functions.

“CyberSecurity Malaysia, a company limited by guarantee and which also plays an important role in strengthening the cybersecurity ecosystem in Malaysia, will be placed under Nacsa to avoid duplication and confusion,” he added.

Anwar said as securing the cyber ecosystem can only be achieved by good governance and effective strategies with measurable outcomes, the government must lead by example in creating a secure and resilient cyber ecosystem.

To achieve this, he said the government sector must strengthen its ability to manage cybersecurity challenges, working together with all relevant stakeholders. – Bernama, July 10, 2023.