Federal govt seeks Sarawak's support for state-level data sharing law
KOTA SAMARAHAN (May 16): The Madani government is hopeful of receiving a positive response from the Sarawak government on the establishment of state-level legislation to facilitate data sharing, in line with the Data Sharing Act 2024, which came into force last April.
During a working visit to the Sarawak Information Systems Sdn Bhd (SAINS) headquarters today, Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo told reporters that he had discussed the matter with Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, and is optimistic that a decision will be made in the near future.
'This morning, during my discussion with the Premier, he expressed that he would study the matter and will make a decision accordingly.
'I am confident that the decision we will receive will likely be positive. However, the Premier must first examine the proposal thoroughly. I will also be engaging with other states to encourage similar initiatives,' he said.
Gobind stressed the importance of having a clear legal framework to define the scope and nature of data involved, outline procedures for access, and ensure proper security measures are in place.
He emphasised that any approved data sharing must be strictly for the intended purposes.
'I view the discussions as positive, as we all understand the importance of this matter. I will also be engaging with other chief ministers and menteri besar (MB) across the country,' he said.
He also mentioned that a team from the Digital Ministry, particularly legal officers, would be sent to Sarawak to present and explain the drafting process of the federal legislation, with the hope that a similar framework could be adopted at the state level.
In addition, Gobind praised Sarawak's digital initiatives through SAINS, describing the state as one of the most advanced in the early adoption of public sector digital transformation.
'We are working towards developing a unified digital platform to integrate federal and state government services.
'This approach not only accelerates the overall digital transformation process but also reduces costs, as many services have already been digitalised at the state level,' he said.
Gobind noted that his visits to several states, including Penang, Selangor, and Sarawak, are part of the ministry's efforts to assess each state's readiness to implement a nationwide data-sharing initiative. Data Sharing Act 2024 Gobind Singh Deo
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Malay Mail
11 hours ago
- Malay Mail
Sarawak's push for English in its schools on the cards in MA63 talks tomorrow, says DPM Fadillah
KUCHING, Aug 17 — Sarawak's bid to expand the use of English in schools will be among the main issues discussed at the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) Technical Committee meeting in Kuala Lumpur tomorrow. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said the demand was among the main matters to be raised by Sarawak representatives at the meeting, Malay news agency BH Online reported today. He said the discussion would include education policy challenges that currently limit the implementation of teaching in English. 'Tomorrow I will hear the report at the MA63 technical committee meeting and one of the matters brought up is related to the education field demanded by Sarawak,' he was quoted as saying after the Madani Executive Talk Programme at the Sarawak branch of the Aminuddin Baki Institute here today. Fadillah explained the talks aim to find ways to facilitate the teaching of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in English in Sarawak. He said one possible approach would be to maintain the national policy while introducing improvements or special provisions for Sarawak. 'Maybe we maintain the basic policy but add enhancements according to Sarawak's needs,' he was quoted as saying. He added that the autonomy sought is not full independence but a level deemed appropriate, to be decided at tomorrow's meeting. The MA63 technical committee is also expected to discuss other matters, including the proposed Sarawak Cancer Centre and healthcare infrastructure needs in the state.
The Star
19 hours ago
- The Star
PM: RM5bil recovered from graft cases in past year
Flourishing industry: Anwar bottle-feeding a calf at the Perak Farm Fresh dairy complex. Also present is Farm Fresh chief operations officer Azmi Zainal. — Bernama IPOH: Assets and funds worth up to RM5bil have been recovered from corruption cases in the past year, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The Prime Minister said these were recovered from ministries, government agencies and politicians. 'There are taunts and cynicism towards the government's hard stance on fighting corruption. 'But over the past year, we have recovered RM4bil to RM5bil in assets and funds seized from corruption cases across ministries, departments, Immigration, Customs and even politicians. 'This is due to our competence and willingness to take action (against corruption). 'This is also only possible with good governance,' he said at the groundbreaking ceremony for the first phase of the RM6.26bil Ipoh Sentral project. On another matter, the Prime Minister expressed hope to see more developments and projects that are in line with the Madani concept. 'Our nation must always be concerned and compassionate towards the people; otherwise, Madani is nothing more than a slogan. 'We need to have aspects that can elevate culture, civilisation and new technologies of the people,' he added. Anwar also hopes to see unique-looking buildings that are suitable for the country's environment, current needs, culture and heritage. 'We want to see Ipoh have a special landmark, with cultural vibrancy rooted in heritage, yet modern and embracing new technologies, digitalisation and artificial intelligence,' he added. At an event earlier, Anwar reaffirmed that those responsible for the death of Form One student Zara Qairina Mahathir will be brought to justice but called on parties not to manipulate the case in ways that create negative perceptions. While giving assurance that no individual will be allowed to escape accountability, the Prime Minister said the case, however, should not resort to insulting specific individuals. 'The police are investigating (the matter), and I have made it clear that it doesn't matter who (is involved); they will be investigated,' he said when launching the Madani Dairy Entrepreneurs Carnival yesterday, Bernama reported. The Prime Minister said the government will continue to support initiatives that strengthen the nation's food security, including the dairy industry. Expressing pride in the achievements of local dairy producer Farm Fresh Bhd, he praised the company for its contribution to the dairy sector, job creation for Malaysians and commitment to corporate social responsibility. Anwar also pointed out that Malaysia's close ties with its regional partners, especially within Asean, have opened up broad opportunities for cooperation in various fields, including agriculture and dairy. He noted that this sector's success is also supported by the readiness of the private sector, the resilience of local entrepreneurs, and the integration of modern technology, including artificial intelligence.
New Straits Times
a day ago
- New Straits Times
Anwar: Ipoh Sentral embodies long-term vision and progress
IPOH: The Ipoh Sentral development is poised to become a new iconic landmark in the heart of Ipoh, reflecting progress guided by a long-term vision, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He said that the large-scale project, entirely driven by the private sector through a strategic partnership between Malaysian Resources Corporation Berhad (MRCB) and Railway Assets Corporation (RAC), carried a total Gross Development Value (GDV) of RM6.25 billion. Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for Ipoh Sentral today, the prime minister expressed hope that the project would exemplify development grounded in Madani values. "We no longer seek grand physical developments that lack cultural soul. Every development must embody humanity, upholding compassion, respect, sustainability, and national dignity. "To achieve this, it requires synergy and close cooperation between developers, the city council, and relevant ministries, including Housing and Local Government, Education, Transport, and other agencies," he said on his Facebook page today. He added that the project was expected to create new opportunities, inspire public confidence, and reinforce Ipoh's identity as a vibrant, inclusive, and competitive city. The Ipoh Sentral development, aligned with the Perak Smart City Green Transport Agenda 2030, aims to transform Ipoh into a modern, sustainable transport hub with strong connectivity, while preserving the city's cultural heritage and fostering community cohesion.
