PETRA JAYA: The Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) Bill 2017 was passed at the second session of the 18th state legislative assembly sitting, here today.
The newly-established authority will regulate digital development in the state, including digital infrastructure, cyber security, talent development, e-commerce, e-government as well as research and development initiatives.
State Second Finance and International Trade and E-commerce Minister Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh, who tabled the bill, said SMA will advise the state government on all matters related to digital economy, including policy and implementation.
“It will also be responsible for assessing manpower needs in the digital field and initiative training programmes to develop potential talents,” he said.
In addition, the SMA will be given powers to provide guidelines relating to the use of research and studies carried out on communication and multimedia resources and products and to provide scholarships, grants, loans or other incentives for training or research.
The establishment of the SMA, Wong said, is pursuant to the power to incorporate authorities and other bodies set up by state law provided for under Article 95B of the Federal Constitution, which states that for Sabah and Sarawak, Item 14 of List IIA in the Ninth Schedule shall be deemed to form part of the State List.
“Hence, the new authority's functions would not contravene any federal law regulating telecommunications or multimedia, which is a federal power. SAM's major role is to help the state digitalise its economy,” he explained.
“We have also engaged with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission and they are happy and supportive of SAM’s setup,” he said.
SAM will be chaired by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Abang Openg and three exco members, namely State Secretary Tan Sri Mohamad Morshidi Abdul Ghani, State Attorney-General Datuk Talat Mahmood Abdul Rashid, and State Financial Secretary Datuk Seri Ahmad Tarmizi Sulaiman.