KUALA LUMPUR: The creation of the Communications Ministry and the Digital Ministry will assist in empowering the delivery of information on government policy implementation and initiatives to the people and to drive growth in the nation's digital economy.
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said the separation of duties also proves the commitment and determination of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to ensure the growth of the digital economy in Malaysia continues to flourish.
However, Fahmi said he needed more time to immerse and understand the distribution of tasks and duties of the two ministries which were earlier known as the Communications and Digital Ministry.
"Maybe in a week or two, we will know our functions and duties and maybe also on the related agencies of the ministry, there maybe a bit of changes, some agencies are in or switch ministry.
'Nonetheless, I am certain in a week or two, before the end of the year, we will have plans on the focus of the ministry for 2024," he said when met after the ceremony of taking the oath of office, loyalty and secrecy as well as the presentation of appointment letter at Istana Negara today.
Meanwhile, Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said in the current digitalisation era, it is appropriate to create a specialised ministry to prepare the country for the future.
He said this is because the aspect of digital could change how the community thinks apart from making choices to move forward.
"So, if we look to the future, I think there are many measures we need to take to ensure the people and country is ready for the challenges we will face in the digital era.
"To me, it is reasonable that we have a ministry to look into matters in detailed to deal with the existing problems and get ready for the future," he said.
Nonetheless, Gobind said he will be having a discussion with Fahmi to identify the respective roles of the Ministry of Communications and Ministry of Digital.
Apart from that, he said a media conference will be held to explain to the people the ministry's plan of action as well as measures for future planning.
Earlier, five new ministers and five new deputy ministers were sworn in before the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah at Istana Negara here.
All of them took the oath of office and loyalty before signing the official appointment document witnessed by Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali.
The ministers and deputy ministers took their oath of office today following a Cabinet reshuffle announcement by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at a media conference in Putrajaya this morning. --BERNAMA