5G roll-out: Fahmi says will meet with envoys concerned

PUTRAJAYA – Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil said he will meet with all envoys who raised concerns over the nation’s 5G connectivity roll-out.

He said he has asked his office to arrange for a meeting with the diplomats soon to explain the government’s decision to shift to the dual wholesale network system, although they had warned of security and trade concerns should it involve infrastructure by Chinese company Huawei.

“It’s important that we emphasise that as a sovereign country, the Malaysian government has the right and prerogative to determine its own policies without any foreign interference,” Fahmi said.

“But I believe any decision that has been made by the government (on the 5G roll-out), will not only benefit the people and drive growth for the economy, but will also be done in a harmonious way.”

According to the Financial Times yesterday, the US ambassador to Malaysia, Brian McFeeters, had sent a letter to the government in April warning of national security risks unless Malaysia sticks to its original plan for the 5G roll-out.

“Senior officials in Washington agree with my view that upending the existing model would undermine the competitiveness of new industries, stall 5G growth in Malaysia, and harm Malaysia’s business-friendly image internationally,” he said in the letter sighted by the news site.

“The United States and other countries prioritise a fair and transparent review process and contract sanctity, as does the international business community. Allowing untrusted suppliers in any part of the network also subjects Malaysia’s infrastructure to national security risks.”

Michalis Rokas, ambassador and head of the EU delegation to Malaysia, also issued a similar letter, saying the review would “likely impact negatively and significantly the contractual terms agreed upon at the time of the launch of the open tender”. 

Rokas added that the EU had more than €25 billion (RM122.27 billion) invested in Malaysia and that companies from Europe placed a “high value on clear policy direction”.

Despite concerns raised by the ambassadors, Fahmi remained diplomatic on the matter.

“After we meet (the envoys) to provide explanations on the matter, they will understand the Malaysian government’s stance.” – The Vibes, May 3, 2023