SUBANG JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called on government-linked investment companies (GLICs) to play their part in bridging the digital divide through initiatives that serve communities nationwide.
He said CelcomDigi Bhd’s flagship CD:NXT programme, launched today with a RM10 billion investment, was an example of efforts that should be emulated.
The government, he added, has also channelled funds through GLICs to drive investment projects.
“I am proud — and coincidentally, I am also the Finance Minister. That RM10 billion investment is important. That is why, when I presented the 13th Malaysia Plan and the national budget, I did not announce only government development expenditure projects.
“I also highlighted investments from major companies, including GLICs and government agencies, which are making significant domestic investments.”
Anwar said that such investments must address inequalities that contribute to the digital gap.
“What is the point of talking about 4G, 5G or AI if it has no direct relevance to the majority who are marginalised?
“These are not matters for political leaders alone but for all of us, because we want the country to progress without anyone feeling left out of development.
“That is why I said AI and digital transformation must also help bridge the digital divide — the gap between the more fortunate in urban areas and the poor in cities, villages, and rural communities.”
Also present at the launch were Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, CelcomDigi chairman Tengku Datuk Seri Azmil Zahruddin Raja Abdul Aziz, and chief executive officer Datuk Idham Nawawi.
The CD:NXT programme marks a key step in Malaysia’s push towards a 5G- and AI-powered digital economy, with CelcomDigi committing to equip 5,000 youths with knowledge, hands-on experience, and future-ready skills in AI, technology, data, and analytics.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
