THE issues surrounding the Central Database Hub (Padu), which aims to consolidate socio-economic data, have generated a tidal wave of excitement and apprehension.
While the concerns raised by critics deserve consideration, dismissing Padu's potential would be a disservice to our nation.
Padu's goal to centralise and integrate data is commendable.
Ideally, Padu offers a pathway to data-driven governance, allowing us to tackle poverty, inequality, and economic stagnation with greater precision based on data.
However, criticism about technical aspects — such as privacy, transparency, potential misuse and absence of legal provisions surrounding its implementation — cannot be ignored.
The authorities should address these fears through legal and non-legal measures.
It is important in legal terms. There should be laws defining data handling protocols, secure storage procedures and penalties for misuse.
A robust legal framework is paramount to building trust and ensuring responsible data management.
Non-legal measures may include the way the data is processed, collected, stored and used, which must be laid bare for the public to scrutinise.
Next, an independent body should monitor Padu's operations and act as a watchdog against misuse or bias.
Then, Padu can empower citizens through control of their own data, including the right to access, rectify and even withdraw it from the system.
So a user-friendly portal and data protection laws must be implemented to uphold these rights.
Padu, like any powerful tool, is capable of immense good or significant harm.
Our focus should not be on discarding it, but on ensuring its evolution into a responsible and accountable initiative.
Imagine a Padu that empowers Malaysians in a way businesses receive market insights to create jobs and stimulate growth, and policymakers formulating targeted subsidies to uplift communities.
Let us not give in to fear, but instead focus on making Padu a beacon of progress.
NORMALA MOHD ADNAN
Assistant professor
Department of Political Science
Kuliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences
International Islamic University Malaysia