After speech controversy, MCMC distances itself from XiddiG’s internet project

Rashid Hasnon (right) with the XiddiG Cellular Communications chairman Abdul Rashid Abdul Rahim (second from right) at the company’s event earlier this week. (Bernama pic)

PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) says it has never endorsed a communications firm linked to the brother of the former Tabung Haji chairman, following a recent controversy surrounding an event to launch a multi-billion ringgit broadband infrastructure.

MCMC said the Enhanced Malaysia International Internet Gateway (EM-IIG) High-Speed Broadband developed by XiddiG Cellular Communications Sdn Bhd was a commercial endeavour which did not involve the commission.

It said although XiddiG, whose chairman is Abdul Rashid Abdul Rahim, was issued a license under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (CMA), it did not amount to an endorsement by MCMC.

Rashid is the brother of former Tabung Haji chairman and Baling MP Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim.

MCMC said all licensees under CMA must adhere to the provisions of the act, the terms and conditions of its licences and all instruments issued, made or given under the act.

It added that any party intending to collaborate with any licensee under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 should conduct its own due diligence.

On Tuesday, Deputy Prime Minister Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail said she had never approved the text of a speech attributed to her at the launch of the EM-IIG project in Shah Alam.

Her office also said Wan Azizah never pledged any cooperation from the government for the project.

At the event, the text of a speech purportedly by her was read out by the Deputy Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat, Rashid Hasnon.

Rashid, who said he had attended the event in his capacity as the former deputy chief minister of Penang, later blamed the organisers for the confusion, saying he never represented Wan Azizah at the function. - FMT