More senior-level changes at MDEC on the cards?

KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) is expected to see more changes in senior leadership, people familiar with the matter told The Vibes.

It is understood that current chief strategy officer Datuk Fadzli Shah Anuar’s contract might not be renewed when it expires on April 16 and his successor “has been identified”, a source said. But, the exact candidate is not known at press time.

Also leaving the agency is Belle Ibrahim, who served as MDEC’s integrity and governance head. It is understood she has tendered her resignation and is serving her notice.

The Vibes has reached out to MDEC and its chairman Rais Hussin for comment, but has not received a reply at the time of writing.

Fadzli, who joined the agency on April 16, 2019, is currently among four front runners to lead the joint secretariat overseeing the roll-out of the government’s digital initiatives, while Belle’s successor has not been ascertained at the time of writing.

The duo’s exit from MDEC come after a string of changes at the senior level.

The Vibes reported on January 20 that eight have left the agency, but MDEC in a statement shortly after said the exits were spread over a period of five months. 

As for the joint secretariat overseeing the government’s roll-out of its ambitious Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint, the other names slated for the top job include senior public officials Anna Amalina Imam Baweh, Fabian Bigar, and AwanBiru Technology Bhd (Awantec) chief executive Abu Hasan Ismail.

These names have been submitted to the Economic Planning Unit for consideration, with Abu Hasan being the sole private-sector nominee.

But, in a previous report by The Vibes, insiders flagged conflict in Abu Hasan’s candidacy as Awantec’s subsidiary, Prestariang Systems Sdn Bhd, has been appointed as a managed service provider to handle cloud services for the government.

The joint secretariat, also known as the Strategic Change Management Office, will be a company limited by guarantee governed by Ministry of Finance Inc. – The Vibes, March 5, 2021