MALAYSIA PLEDGES TO CONTINUE ADVANCING ITU'S GLOBAL MANDATE - FAHMI

From Rosmalis Anuar

BAKU (Azerbaijan), Nov 18 (Bernama) -- Malaysia has pledged to continue advancing the International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) global mandate as the country sets its sights on securing re-election to the ITU Council for the 2027-2030 term.

When delivering Malaysia's statement at the High-level Segment of the World Telecommunication Development Conference 2025 (WTDC-25), Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said Malaysia will continue to promote universal and affordable connectivity through collaboration.

He said Malaysia would also focus on strengthening digital trust and cybersecurity resilience, advancing capacity-building and digital skills for all, as well as deepening regional and multi-stakeholder cooperation towards an inclusive digital economy.

“Our vision remains clear - to build a digital future where everyone is Connected, Inclusive and Safe anytime, anywhere. 

“To this end, Malaysia humbly seeks the valuable support of all Member States for our candidature to the ITU Council for the 2027-2030 term,” he said.

Fahmi said Malaysia’s campaign is founded on the belief that a truly equitable future begins with ensuring that everyone is connected, included, and safe in the digital world.

On the WTDC-25, he said its theme “Universal, Meaningful, and Affordable Connectivity for an Inclusive and Sustainable Digital Future” resonates strongly with Malaysia’s vision of Inclusivity for Equitable Future.

He said Malaysia’s Partner2Connect (P2C)  pledges embody this commitment through initiatives such as the National Digital Network Plan (JENDELA), the National Information Dissemination Centre (NADI) and the Small Information Technology and Telecommunication Devices Recycling Project (KITAR).

He said these initiatives were designed to expand broadband access, improve affordability and promote sustainability through responsible digital transformation.

“We are proud that JENDELA and NADI were recognised among the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Prize winners, affirming Malaysia’s belief that digital inclusion and innovation are key to empowering people and transforming lives,” he said.

Fahmi stressed that as connectivity expands, trust must keep pace, highlighting ASEAN’s adoption of the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on the Safe and Responsible Use of Social Media Platforms under Malaysia’s Chairmanship at this year’s 47th ASEAN Summit.

“Malaysia is also proud to have spearheaded the development of the Guidelines for the Safe and Responsible Use of Social Media Platforms for ASEAN, uniting member states in promoting online safety, accountability, and cross-border cooperation,” he said.

At home, Fahmi said Malaysia continues to strengthen its cybersecurity, privacy, and data protection frameworks through the nationwide Online Safety Campaign.

The campaign aims to empower users to navigate the internet safely by raising awareness of online risks such as scams, cyberbullying, and child exploitation.

Also present at the event were the Senior Adviser on International Affairs to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) Tan Sri Mohd Annuar Zaini; Malaysian Ambassador to Azerbaijan Ahmad Kamrizamil Mohd Riza; MCMC Deputy Managing Director Datuk Zulkarnain Mohd Yasin; and Secretary of the Communications Technology Division, Communications Ministry, Ahmad Norhad Zahari.

-- BERNAMA