THE Digital Ministry was set up to lead the government’s digital transformation efforts so that Malaysia does not fall behind and can quickly become competitive in the sphere, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

“The digital agenda should be carried out more aggressively than before. Otherwise, we will be left behind,” he said at a meeting with staff of the Prime Minister’s Department (JPM) in Putrajaya today.

Anwar said in pursuit of driving economic and digital growth, as well as improving the quality of education and health, human values, justice and good morals should not be discarded.

Although the digital sector emphasised new technology, he said, the issue of value also needed to be given attention.

As such, any efforts made related to the matter are to be across ministries and departments, he added.

“We must be rooted to the earth. We have a system of beliefs and values. We must approach this and that’s why (it needs to be) across departments and ministries. Don’t think of the old way… this is my department, my ministry… there needs to be collaboration with other ministries.

“If the law (portfolio) involves everyone, so does Jakim (Islamic Development Department Malaysia). Otherwise, it will become a branch of the religious ministry that has nothing to do with the others.

The prime minister also said the country’s education sector can no longer remain in the old mould.

The mastery of the Malay language should be better, but efforts to improve mastery of the English language should also be given priority, he added. – Bernama, January 8, 2024.