THE Madani philosophy cannot be sustainably pursued if Malaysia assessed it purely in terms of technological change or transformation, without the care and compassion to ensure every citizen had access to connectivity, said Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

He said it was not just a matter of technology, but ensuring every single person, from urban squatting sites to the remotest areas in Sabah or Sarawak, is given access to connectivity.

“Otherwise, in my mind, it is not sustainable,” he said in his closing remarks at the Malaysia ICT Summit 2023, organised by Huawei Technologies (M) Sdn Bhd, today.

He said sustainability was not to benefit the few, the urban elite or the ruling clique, but to benefit everyone.

“We will have to respond accordingly not only through digital transformation, but to make sure there is ease of doing business and clarity in policy.

“That is why we have pronounced the Madani Economy, National Energy Transition Roadmap, New Industrial Master Plan and even our mid-term review of the 12th Malaysia Plan,” he said.

Anwar said the government had made a bold decision to ensure the country benefits from advancements in the information technology industry.

“We made the decision years ago, by the past administration, to only work on a single network, but I think after extensive discussion and debates, and even people like me having to learn and explore innovation and technology deeply, we have decided to allow a dual network. That’s the decision for more effective participation from Huawei,” he said.

He said it was not an easy decision because the conventional view in some parts of the world was about security and the capacity of new industries.

“We in Malaysia, with this Madani Philosophy and Madani Economy, decided, and I believe rightly, that as we (benefited) from the West, we also should benefit from the East.

“The United States continues to be a reliable friend but we have seen our neighbour China showing a lot of interest and friendship to make sure we prosper together,” said Anwar. – Bernama, September 27, 2023.