Malaysia sets example in balancing 5G geopolitical interests, says Fahmi

 Communications minister says the country’s approach has drawn the attention of the GSMA amid competing global interests.

Communications minister Fahmi Fadzil said the government’s decision to move from a single wholesale 5G network to a dual-network model was partly driven by the need to balance competing technology providers. (Reuters pic)

PETALING JAYA:

Malaysia’s approach to balancing geopolitical and technological interests in developing its dual 5G network has drawn recognition from the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA), says communications minister Fahmi Fadzil.

He said the international telecommunications industry body viewed Malaysia’s approach as an example of how countries could navigate competing geopolitical interests while developing their digital infrastructure.

Fahmi said the government’s decision to move from a single wholesale 5G network to a dual-network model was partly driven by the need to balance competing technology providers and avoid becoming overly dependent on any major power.

He said Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had personally tasked him with overseeing the transition, which involved navigating geopolitical tensions and differing positions among foreign diplomatic representatives.

“Malaysia is a neutral country. We will trade with anyone who wants to trade with us, be friends with anyone who wants to be friends with us.

“We will not become what people call a chess piece, a pawn to anyone,” Bernama quoted him as saying at a gathering with Malaysians in Doha, Qatar, yesterday.

Malaysia’s first 5G network, operated by Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB), uses equipment supplied by Sweden’s Ericsson, while the second network, developed by U Mobile, uses technology from Chinese companies Huawei and ZTE.

The arrangement allows Malaysia to maintain access to both Western and Chinese telecommunications technologies amid growing competition between major powers.

Fahmi said the decision to introduce a second network was not straightforward, given the geopolitical implications of the technology choices involved.

He said Malaysia had to ensure that the development of its digital infrastructure was not dictated by the interests of any particular country.

Fahmi said the GSMA’s recognition of Malaysia’s approach was among the factors that helped the country secure the right to host the M360 Asean telecommunications event for three years.

Malaysia was selected ahead of five other countries that had expressed interest in hosting the event.

“We managed to leapfrog over five other countries that asked for this event and now it’s hosted in Kuala Lumpur. It’s a major milestone,” he said.

Fahmi said hosting the M360 Asean event would allow Malaysia to position Kuala Lumpur as a regional telecommunications hub while demonstrating its ability to manage complex technological and policy challenges.

He also highlighted Malaysia’s progress in 5G adoption and its ability to provide affordable internet services.

Meanwhile, Fahmi said Malaysia was seeking re-election to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Council for the 2027-2030 term to strengthen its role in shaping global telecommunications standards.

He said council membership was important to ensure Malaysia continued to have a voice in discussions on 5G, 6G, satellite telecommunications and quantum-secure communications.

Fahmi is leading the Malaysian delegation to the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference 2026 in Doha from Nov 6 to 11.

The delegation includes representatives from the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, Telekom Malaysia, CelcomDigi, Maxis and U Mobile. - FMT