Govt Will Not Acquire Datasonic Technologies - MKN

PUTRAJAYA, Aug 22 (Bernama) -- The MADANI Government does not plan to buyout Datasonic Technologies Sdn Bhd (DTSB), a company that provides services related to people's identity, according to the National Security Council (MKN).

In a statement today, the MKN said that the stance was taken following media reports regarding the proposed acquisition of the company.

"Regarding media reports on the proposed acquisition of Datasonic Technologies, which provides citizen identity services, the MADANI Government has decided not to acquire DTSB," according to the statement.

MKN emphasises that the identity of the people is one of the most important strategic assets of the country, therefore aspects of security and sovereignty are always given the highest priority by the government.

According to MKN, efforts to regulate the matter are carried out through a framework encompassing legal, financial, governance and security aspects.

At the same time, MKN said that the government will continue to explore and examine proactive and effective strategies to ensure the safety and sovereignty of the people's identity are always preserved.

"These strategies must also provide the best value for every ringgit spent," said the statement.

MKN also said that the government remains committed to ensuring that all parties involved continue to improve services to the people so that they are safe and reliable.

On Aug 20, NexG Bhd was reported to have valued its wholly-owned subsidiary DTSB at approximately RM7.5 billion after receiving a government request to submit an indicative price for a possible acquisition of the company.

DTSB is the provider of MyKad and since 2012 has been the vendor of Malaysian passports that comply with the standards of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

DTSB now also holds the mandate for the new MyKad structure, MyTentera, and MyPOCA with a supply commitment for several years.

-- BERNAMA