KUALA LUMPUR – Deputy Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Zahidi Zainul Abidin shares the same confusion with his colleagues from the opposition aisle as to why the 5G spectrum was sold to Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB).
Taking the minister to task at the Dewan Rakyat, Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman (Muar-Independent) told Zahidi to refrain from hiding behind Ericsson, stating that the company was awarded a contract for RM4 billion.
“The question here is the scrutiny behind the additional RM7 billion for DNB as if it is a monopoly.
“The total RM11 billion is the rakyat’s money, and MPs have no opportunity to ask questions to DNB.
“Are administrators of DNB willing to appear in Parliament over a special meeting today?” Saddiq asked.
In response, Zahidi suggested that sentiments in his ministry are similar, and expressed curiosity as to why the 5G spectrum was awarded to DNB instead of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
He pointed out that usually MCMC has jurisdiction over spectrums as per the law.
However, Zahidi then proceeded to pass the buck to the Finance Ministry (MoF), as DNB is a special purpose vehicle established by them.
“Because this is a move by MoF, maybe they have financial expertise that we don’t know about.
“For me, within my own ministry, our jurisdiction is only on price control,” Zahidi added. – The Vibes, November 2, 2021
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