9MP MID TERM REVIEW - EFFECT ON ICT

The emphasis under the 9MP for ICT related projects were mainly on computerisation of government agencies to improve the delivery systems, bridging the digital divide by providing infrastructure and services such as greater broadband access, telecentres and ICT training. Also emphasised was the increased multisector usage of ICT applications viz e-government, telehealth, smart schools and government multipurpose card using the Mykad.

The first half of 9MP has witnessed major progress especially in e-government applications, IT banking and e-commerce. Productivity tools enabled by ICT have also greatly benefited the transport, health, finance and service sectors.

In view of the greater emphasis on people-centric projects for the 2nd half of the 9MP, it is now even more crucial to focus on ICT because the productivity-enhancing nature of ICT applications ensures the delivery of projects to benefit the people and enhance the quality of life.

The Government has indicated greater priority towards food production, improving transport services and eradicating poverty. The foundations enabled by strong ICT applications will facilitate effective implementation of projects in these sectors and accelerate the achievement of the intended objectives of the 2nd half of the 9MP.

PIKOM hopes that Government reverses its decision to cut back on ICT spending in order to ensure that the objectives of the remainder of the 9MP can not only be met, be even exceeded with more effective ICT implementations. PIKOM also fully agrees with the Government that more attention should now be given to bridging the digital divide between urban and rural areas as well as different levels of the society.

Efforts to improve the use of ICT in the education and commercial sector must continue unabated. In particular, ICT education, the critical success factor of Malaysia becoming a knowledge-based economy, and the lifeblood of the ICT industry, must be revamped for quality and relevance. Equally important are the measures undertaken to improve information security both of individuals and businesses to raise the confidence level of investors and citizens alike.

Any reduction or slowdown in the expansion of ICT now will negate all the hard work, progress and investments made and will have negative implications in the long run.