PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has expressed frustration over the slow progress of the MyDigital ID and dual 5G network projects.
Speaking at the Finance Ministry's monthly assembly today, he shared his dissatisfaction, particularly during the National Digital Economy and Fourth Industrial Revolution Council (MED41RN) meeting yesterday.
"There have been several complex issues, and I admit that my patience has worn thin over the past two years. At times, my frustration has been intense, and for that, I apologise.
"The delay in implementing MyDigital ID for a year, along with unresolved issues regarding the dual network and the stalled negotiations between Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB) and telcos, caused me to lose my patience," he said.
Anwar said the delay frustrated him as he felt that two years was sufficient for the relevant quarters to complete the projects.
"The work I consider negligent and delayed frustrates me because, in my view, while we talk about digitalisation and advancing towards AI, the foundational elements that we should have built as a nation are still not in place.
"Next year, we will be chairing Asean. Among its key pillars are green energy and digital networking, alongside food technology. These should be our priorities. We must rise as a country capable of demonstrating both capability and leadership by example.
"I believe two years is sufficient time to prepare for all of this. I am deeply affected by these issues, and I sincerely hope my apology will be accepted in good faith."
In October, Malaysians expressed frustration over the inability to register for the MyDigital ID application, which was required to log in to the MyJPJ app.
The MyDigital ID system also experienced prolonged disruptions, delaying the registration process.
On Nov 1, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) announced that UMobile had been selected to implement the second 5G network in Malaysia after a rigorous screening process.
The government on June 21 said it remains committed to implementing the dual network 5G model policy, where its implementation will help enhance 5G coverage, foster healthy competition in the telecommunications sector, and ensure affordable plans and high-quality 5G services for the public.