No to collecting mobile phone data
Raising concern: Dr Wee (centre) together with MCA publicity bureau chairman Chan Quin Er (right) and Institute of Strategic Analysis Policy Research director Woon King Chai holding the 'Position Paper on Mobile Phone Data Collection by the MCMC' during a press conference at Wisma MCA. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
Dr Wee: Cancel move as it could lead to abuse and erosion of public trust
KUALA LUMPUR: The government's move to collect mobile phone data must be called off as it could lead to abuse and the erosion of public trust, says MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
He said there was no justification for authorities to demand such detailed data, which could still be exploited despite assurances that the data would be anonymised.
'Anyone with IT knowledge can misuse private data. Why should I share mine?' he told reporters at the MCA headquarters yesterday.
'I don't want to share my personal data with any government, current, future or past.'
Dr Wee raised concerns over the effectiveness of anonymisation, noting that with advanced technologies, sensitive personal information could still be revealed.
In response, he said MCA had proposed seven measures to safeguard public interest and uphold privacy rights.
'We are here to fight abuse,' he said, reaffirming the party's stance on transparency and accountability.
The proposals include ensuring anonymisation protocols are independently audited, implementing consent mechanisms and mandating public consultation.
Dr Wee also called for reforms to the Personal Data Protection Act to cover government agencies, the enforcement of data deletion timelines, an end to digital intimidation, and the establishment of an independent oversight mechanism.
It was reported that the government had instructed telecommunication companies to hand over phone call records and Internet usage logs for the first three months of this year under its 'Mobile Phone Data' project.
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) said the data, which reportedly includes IP call records and geolocation coordinates, would be anonymised and used to support policymaking in the ICT and tourism sectors.
The commission stressed that no individual user could be identified through the data collected.
However, Dr Wee remains unconvinced.
'The government says it's for statistics. But when you read the fine print, location histories, device identification, call logs, Internet access patterns, it becomes crystal clear that this isn't just data collection.
'It's surveillance,' he said.
Dr Wee added that MCA is deeply concerned about the erosion of public trust and questioned the true purpose behind the data collection.
'They tried to explain the logic of it, but you know the explanation doesn't hold water.
'Why does the government need to know who I'm calling?' he said.
He also cited instances in which dissenting voices had been subjected to action by the authorities.
Instead of demanding intrusive data, Dr Wee said, MCMC should focus on more pressing issues such as tackling online scams and improving 5G network coverage.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
an hour ago
- The Star
Dr Wee congratulates SPM top scorers from Ayer Hitam
PETALING JAYA: Dr Wee has congratulated SPM top students from Ayer Hitam. "Congratulations to the 152 students and their parents from the Ayer Hitam constituency (88 students from the Yong Peng state constituency and 64 students from the Semarang state constituency) who achieved excellent results in the SPM examination. "Among them, 25 students achieved Straight As. Well done to the parents for playing their parts in encouraging and supporting their children in their studies," said the Ayer Hitam MP and MCA president. Dr Wee and Yong Peng assemblyman Ling Tian Soon presented incentives and certificates worth more than RM30,000 to the students for their outstanding academic achievements. "Wishing you all the best for a bright future ahead," said Dr Wee.
Focus Malaysia
7 hours ago
- Focus Malaysia
MCA mulls exit from BN with internal discussion ongoing
MCA is weighing its future in the BN coalition, with internal discussions ongoing ahead of its annual general assembly expected by October this year. The move could mark a major shift in Malaysian political alliances, as MCA leaders and grassroots express growing dissatisfaction with UMNO's increasingly warm ties with DAP. MCA president Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong, according to a report by the Straits Times, Singapore, confirmed that the party is exploring several strategic options: remaining within BN, forming new alliances with parties such as MUDA or PSM, or potentially joining PN, which includes their former ally, Gerakan. According to Straits Times, Wee confirmed that divisional delegate assemblies will talk about the future and direction of the party. Nevertheless, he refused to anticipate or make a conclusion now on what the 191 MCA divisions nationwide will propose. Sources indicate that MCA divisions in Johor and Pahang are leaning towards a breakup of BN from PH once elections are called. But UMNO President Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is seen favouring the continuation of the PH-BN alliance. There is a growing unease in the BN coalition and it stems from what MCA views as UMNO's preference for DAP, a party with broader Chinese community support, undermining MCA's role within BN. During the April Ayer Kuning by-election in Perak, DAP deputy chairman Nga Kor Ming and UMNO campaigners sparked controversy by chanting 'UMDAP mantap,' a phrase combining the names of the formal rivals. Originally used derogatorily by the opposition to accuse both parties of betraying their principles by cooperating, the chant was reframed to rhyme with 'mantap,' meaning 'solid,' in an apparent attempt to normalise their alliance. The incident further strained relations between MCA and UMNO. That discontent could revive a reunion with Gerakan, which left BN in 2018 and is now part of PN. As Malaysia's political landscape continues to shift, MCA's next move could reshape electoral dynamics, especially in mixed-ethnicity constituencies where Chinese votes remain crucial. —June 14, 2025 Main image: Malaysia Gazette
New Straits Times
10 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Transparency remains the issue when it comes to digital governance
Malaysia's digital governance is at a crossroads, navigating a delicate balance between epistemic sovereignty and potential government surveillance. Epistemic sovereignty pertains to the imperative of ensuring that its digital policies, historical narratives, and governance models are formulated by Malaysians themselves, rather than being prescribed by Western technology conglomerates, global institutions, or prevailing foreign ideologies. This encompasses the methodologies employed in data collection, processing, and regulation, as well as the shaping of media, education and national discourse. The question is no longer just about data security — but who holds the power to shape reality, Malaysia's digital governance has undergone significant changes over the years, with the Communications and Multimedia Act (CMA) of 1998 initially designed to foster a dynamic digital economy while promoting responsible online content management. Over time, however, regulatory mechanisms have been expanded, leading to greater intervention in cyberspace. The recent introduction of the Data Sharing Act 2025 exemplifies this shift. Designed to facilitate cross-agency access to anonymised datasets, the act aims to streamline governance and improve infrastructure planning. Yet, critics warn that such data-sharing mechanisms could be repurposed beyond their initial scope, opening the door for expanded digital oversight. History has shown that when governments gain access to large-scale data, it often leads to broader surveillance under the pretext of security or public order. Social media, a critical space for political discourse, has also come under increasing scrutiny. Misinformation, fake news and cyber slander pose undeniable risks to national stability. In response, Malaysia has tightened regulations governing social media platforms, requiring greater cooperation from tech companies in moderating harmful content. There is also growing concern that misinformation laws could become instruments of censorship, restricting dissent and alternative viewpoints. Amid growing concerns over data collection, Malaysia's major telecommunications companies have reaffirmed their commitment to customer privacy. A few telcos have issued statements clarifying that any data shared with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is strictly anonymised and does not contain personally identifiable information. These assurances align with Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil's statement that the government's request for mobile phone call data is solely for evidence-based policymaking and does not involve tracking individual identities. Nevertheless, critics argue that once large-scale data collection mechanisms are established, they can be expanded beyond their original purpose, potentially leading to greater oversight of online activities. The challenge for Malaysia is ensuring that data governance remains transparent and accountable. Malaysia's commitment to epistemic sovereignty — its capacity to regulate the generation and circulation of knowledge within its borders — has emerged as a pivotal element of its overarching geopolitical strategy within the Global South. Yet, the push for digital independence must be accompanied by institutional safeguards to prevent the erosion of fundamental freedoms. As Malaysia strengthens its own digital frameworks, the challenge is in ensuring that its pursuit of sovereignty does not align with authoritarian tendencies. The future of Malaysia's digital policies depends on its ability to balance governance with public trust. If epistemic sovereignty is to be a force for national empowerment rather than an instrument for suppression, several critical steps must be taken. First, transparency must be a cornerstone of digital governance. The government must publicly disclose the full scope of its data collection protocols, ensuring that anonymisation measures remain intact and protected from misuse. Second, independent oversight is imperative. Non-partisan commissions must be instituted to scrutinise government-led digital policies, ensuring that misinformation statutes do not metamorphose into instruments of political manipulation. A governance paradigm that prioritises public accountability will be instrumental in preserving trust in the state's management of digital liberties. Thirdly, Malaysia must disentangle data surveillance from misinformation regulation. While deceptive narratives and cyber propaganda represent legitimate threats, digital governance must guarantee that misinformation laws do not unduly suppress alternative perspectives. For Malaysia to truly establish an independent and transparent digital governance model, it must ensure that its digital policies empower open discourse rather than stifle it. Sovereignty should not equate to heightened state control over narratives but rather facilitate an environment where information can flow freely within a framework of accountability. The question remains whether Malaysia will embrace a transparent and democratic approach to epistemic sovereignty or whether its digital landscape will increasingly reflect patterns of state-led oversight seen across other nations. The coming years will determine whether Malaysia's digital future aligns with open governance or moves toward centralised control — a decision that will shape the nation's standing in the global discourse on digital freedom.
