Malaysia’s 5G network and the geopolitical battle for influence

 

From Amir Khaled

As Malaysia advances with its dual 5G network rollout, the race for the second network has intensified both local competition and international tensions.

As reported on Aug 23, Maxis Bhd is emerging as a potential front-runner for the second 5G network following Telekom Malaysia’s (TM) potential disqualification from the bidding process.

However, the decision on who will be the technology provider for this network, and whether Huawei will play a central role, carries broad geopolitical implications.

At the core of the issue is Malaysia’s delicate balance between technological advancement and the need for security and technological sovereignty to avoid over-reliance on a single provider.

Chinese incursions and Malaysia’s geopolitical tightrope

Recent reports of Chinese military and coast guard vessels entering Malaysia’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) near a Petronas oil rig in the Kasawari gas field on Sept 3 have added complexity to the geopolitical landscape.

While Wisma Putra has remained noncommittal on the specifics, deferring the growing presence of Chinese vessels in Malaysian waters to defence authorities puts pressure on the nation to carefully navigate its territorial rights and diplomatic relations.

China’s broad claims over the South China Sea, reinforced by its controversial 

nine-dash line,

 bring these territorial disputes into sharper focus.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has previously stated that Malaysia will not halt its oil and gas exploration in the region, despite China’s protests.

These tensions over sovereignty amplify the stakes as Malaysia considers its partnerships for critical infrastructure, such as the 5G network.

Technology diversification to mitigate geopolitical risks

One of the most important aspects of Malaysia’s dual 5G network strategy is the principle of technology diversification.

The move to establish two separate 5G networks aims to avoid a monopoly, encourage competition and, most importantly, ensure resilience by not relying too heavily on a single technology provider.

In this context, China’s Huawei, a leading global telecom player, is seen as a potential contender for the technology provider of the second 5G network.

While Huawei has significant experience in building 5G networks worldwide, its involvement would place Malaysia in a geopolitical hotspot.

The US, Australia and several European countries have restricted or banned Huawei’s participation in their 5G infrastructure due to concerns about national security and its alleged links to Chinese military intelligence.

Balancing technology efficiency with security concerns

Huawei’s potential involvement in the second 5G network could accelerate its deployment and reduce costs.

Its comprehensive technology solutions are renowned for their efficiency. Partnering with Huawei could give Maxis, the likely operator of the second network, a technological edge.

However, Huawei’s ties with the Chinese government raise security concerns, particularly as cybersecurity risks become more significant in critical infrastructure projects like 5G.

Malaysia finds itself in a delicate position, balancing its need for technological advancement with the importance of maintaining national security and sovereignty.

The recent incursions of Chinese vessels near Malaysia’s waters highlight the broader regional challenges Malaysia faces.

The decision to rely on Huawei could signal Malaysia’s closer alignment with China, which is now also a key economic partner.

Yet, doing so may provoke scrutiny from Western nations, which have raised espionage and data privacy concerns linked to Huawei’s technology.

The case for technology diversification

Given these geopolitical tensions, Malaysia’s approach to 5G must prioritise technology diversification.

By involving multiple vendors in the deployment of its 5G networks, Malaysia can mitigate the risks associated with over-reliance on any one provider, including Huawei.

Diversifying technology providers could strengthen network resilience and enhance cybersecurity by spreading risks across various trusted suppliers.

The success of the first 5G network, built with Ericsson as the end-to-end technology provider, shows the benefits of engaging with different global players.

If Maxis and the government embrace a similar approach for the second network – leveraging the expertise of multiple suppliers – Malaysia could ensure a more balanced and secure 5G rollout.

Moreover, diversification would help Malaysia maintain strategic autonomy amid growing geopolitical pressures.

By carefully selecting a mix of Western, Asian and local vendors, Malaysia can continue to build robust digital infrastructure while mitigating the geopolitical fallout of choosing a single provider tied to a superpower like China.

What’s next for Malaysia’s 5G rollout?

With Maxis poised to lead the second 5G network, the choice of technology provider will have long-lasting implications.

If Huawei is selected, Malaysia will need to navigate the geopolitical risks of aligning too closely with Chinese technology.

Diversifying the vendors involved in the network could safeguard Malaysia’s national interests while keeping the country on a path toward technological innovation and economic growth.

As the nation continues to assert its sovereignty in the South China Sea and maintain diplomatic relations with key global powers, the decision on who will provide Malaysia’s 5G infrastructure is not just a matter of technology – it’s a strategic move that will define Malaysia’s role in the global order. - FMT

Amir Khaled is a FMT reader and an IT consultant.

The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT.