5G roll-out: Zahidi claims govt underlings kept out of DNB dealings

KUALA LUMPUR – Deputy Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Zahidi Zainul Abidin today pointed the finger at Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah, now foreign minister, over controversies surrounding Digital Nasional Bhd’s (DNB) 5G roll-out.

Saifuddin previously served as multimedia and communications minister during former prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s administration.

Speaking at a press conference at parliament today, Zahidi claimed Saifuddin had discussed the matter with Finance Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz – who also held the position in Muhyiddin’s government – while underlings were left out of the meetings.

These meetings, he said, were also attended by Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) chairman Fadhlullah Suhaimi Abdul Malek.

“I don’t have the information on the discussions between the two ministers, as I was never informed.

“Similarly, the MCMC chairman did not discuss these matters with me.

“When I raised these things in Parliament, the chairman was not present. Only his officers were – and they did not have the answers either,” Zahidi said.

The Barisan Nasional lawmaker further suggested that the secrecy may be due to the fact that Saifuddin was previously under PKR, while Zahidi himself is an Umno man.

To remedy the situation, Zahidi said, discussions are being held between current Communications and Multimedia Minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa and the Finance Ministry along with other parties, to keep the prime minister in the loop.

“Better not keep secrets,” Zahidi said. “If they want it to be secret, the minister should answer in Parliament. There is no need for me.”

Among concerns Zahidi said must be addressed are on why Ericsson and DNB are “monopolies” in the 5G roll-out.

Telecommunication companies that participated in the tender processes complained of a lack of transparency, he noted.

“The people are asking questions, because DNB’s chief executive officer is Augustus Ralph Marshall, who is from Maxis,” he claimed. “Maxis works a lot with Ericsson.” 

“Now with DNB, Ericsson is there too,” he added. – The Vibes, December 15, 2021