Anwar stated that the 5G proposals will be assessed to make sure they fully adhere to protocol.
Anwar Ibrahim, the newly elected prime minister of Malaysia, announced on Monday that his administration will investigate a previous administration’s proposal for a state-owned 5G network since it was not developed in a transparent manner.
In 2021, Malaysia presented a proposal for a state-owned organisation, Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB), to own the whole 5G spectrum, with several carriers using the infrastructure to offer mobile services. This was done during the premiership of Muhyiddin Yassin.
Related: Apple will release 5G in India in December as part of a push for early adoption.
The main carriers in the nation expressed worry over price, transparency, and monopoly due to the 5G spectrum’s sole ownership.
Anwar said that there had been “no legitimate tender process,” without going into specifics, and stated that the 5G plans would be assessed to make sure they carefully followed rules.
At a press conference after his first cabinet meeting, Anwar stated, “It has to be reconsidered since it was not done in an open manner.”
Last year, Malaysia chose Ericsson, a major player in Swedish telecommunications, as its partner in 5G development.
DNB stressed that the contract award to Ericsson had been made in a transparent manner and that it would assist with the government’s investigation.
In a statement, DNB expressed its hope that the study “will clarify the air and enable the complete execution and implementation of the 5G rollout for the benefit of the nation.”
The 5G proposal has previously been backed by Muhyiddin’s administration, which claimed that it would save costs, boost efficiency, and hasten infrastructure construction.
The 2023 budget that was presented in October will also be revised and improved, according to Anwar. The former administration proposed the budget to the legislature, but it was not approved because of the general election.
Anwar also stated that his government will not reverse some past administration policies, although he did not specify which ones.
After the election produced an unusual hung parliament, Anwar was chosen as prime minister by the monarch last month. Anwar created a coalition administration with the aid of other political blocs, even though his bloc did not receive a simple majority.
He announced his cabinet, which includes his deputy as an associate accused of corruption, on Friday.
Co-deputy premier Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is facing 47 accusations of bribery, money laundering, and criminal breach of trust. He entered a not-guilty plea.
Related: India will put pressure on Apple and Samsung to add 5G software to phones more quickly.
Ahmad Zahid’s appointment didn’t deter Anwar from keeping his vow to tackle corruption, he claimed.
He said that prior arrangements “enabled leaders to steal,” saying, “I hope my cabinet team is dedicated to guaranteeing we follow tight standards and the principles of good governance.”
