Malaysia

More senior-level changes at MDEC on the cards?

Successor to chief strategist Datuk Fadzli Shah Anuar ‘has been identified’; integrity head Belle Ibrahim serving notice period

Updated 5 years ago · Published on 05 Mar 2021 6:33PM

More senior-level changes at MDEC on the cards?
MDEC chief strategy officer Datuk Fadzli Shah Anuar’s contract might not be renewed when it ends on April 16, says a source. – Twitter pic, March 5, 2021

by Emmanuel Samarathisa

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.

MDEC integrity and governance head Belle Ibrahim has tendered her resignation and is serving her notice period, with no news on who will succeed her. – Belle Ibrahim Facebook pic, March 5, 2021
MDEC integrity and governance head Belle Ibrahim has tendered her resignation and is serving her notice period, with no news on who will succeed her. – Belle Ibrahim Facebook pic, March 5, 2021

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

Related News

Malaysia / 1y

I am not related to  new MDEC CEO, says Fahmi

Education / 2y

Draper University to set up first campus outside of Silicon Valley in KL

Business / 3y

Work with Korea’s Naver, Fahmi calls on MDEC

Malaysia / 3y

Unify industry players before finalising cybersecurity policy, MDEC tells govt

Malaysia / 3y

Malaysia joins London Tech Week to elevate digital tech position

Business / 3y

MDEC expects to attract billion-ringgit FDI from London Tech Week

Spotlight

Malaysia

MP calls on US to take legal action against Hadi over ‘plot to topple government’ statement

By Ian McIntyre

Malaysia

Malaysia needs to master its own technology - PM Anwar

Malaysia

RM2.48m lost daily to investment fraud syndicates since 2023

Malaysia

Rising bond rates are a sign of rising debt

Education

Selangor to close schools if API readings exceed 200

Malaysia

Loke: Keep Anwar as PM to complete reform agenda

Malaysia

Investigations into political leaders not driven by spite or political payback - PM

You may be interested

Malaysia

ISIS surveillance of top Malaysian policemen: A massive red light on persistent extremism

Malaysia

Malaysia’s SMART Team begins HADR mission in Nepal

Malaysia

Budget 2027 may bring new relief for squeezed M40

Malaysia

PM warns fertiliser firms of potential contract cancellations, orders MACC review

Malaysia

Negeri Sembilan MB reaffirms loyalty to Tuanku Muhriz amid throne dispute

Malaysia

Former Felda GM remanded five days

By Alfian Z.M. Tahir

Malaysia

Sultan Nazrin calls for wider access, stronger action in fight against cancer

Malaysia

Zahid defends ministry, rejects all claims of financial recklessness