An opposition lawmaker proposed for the Central Database Hub (Padu) to be moved under the Digital Ministry’s purview, as the Economy Ministry led by Rafizi Ramli is deemed “untrustworthy”.
This is due to his affiliation with data company, Invoke Solutions Sdn Bhd.
Machang MP Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal said Rafizi is known to be a “data merchant” outside the political sphere, through a company the latter founded.
Thus the minister’s role in spearheading the national mega database hub project becomes questionable.
“Finally, I want to suggest that perhaps to ensure Padu is secure, controlled and trusted by the Malaysians, I propose Padu be placed under the digital minister.
“What concerns me is the people don’t trust Pandan (Rafizi’s constituency) as he was previously a data trader. He worked at Invoke.
“We know what he did regarding data leaks during the previous PKR party elections. Therefore, I’m confident if the digital minister oversees Padu, more people will participate in it,” Wan Ahmad Fayhsal (above) told the Dewan Rakyat during the debate on the Cybersecurity Bill.
Invoke Malaysia is an NGO Rafizi founded in 2016 and headquartered in Sungai Besi.
Don’t punish the opposition
Wan Ahmad Fayhsal further advised the government to exercise caution in implementing the Bill as it is crucial to differentiate between data protection and privacy.
While acknowledging the importance of the cybersecurity law, the Bersatu lawmaker said the government must refrain from abusing the legislation to punish the opposition.
“Don’t let that happen once this law is passed. If it is misused, the opposition, in particular, will face oppression,” he added.
Previously, Umno supreme council member Mohd Puad Zarkashi chided Rafizi for allegedly failing to entice the masses to participate in Padu, citing the low registration rate recorded.
The Pandan MP refuted Puad, saying the latter had allowed his sentiments to cloud his judgment.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim later announced Rafizi had been asked to clarify the registration issue at this week’s cabinet meeting.
He said this followed concerns raised by Sarawak Premier Abang Johari Openg about the database hub’s system.
On Monday, it was reported that Padu had seen a sharp rise in registrations over the past week.
Rafizi said as of 11.59pm on March 24, the number of registrations had increased to 7.7 million from the 5.4 million recorded on March 17.
To date, registrants aged 18 years and above have reached 35.1 percent. - Mkini
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