Fahmi Leads Malaysia's ITU Council Re-Election Bid In Doha

PUTRAJAYA, Nov 6 (Bernama) -- Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil is leading Malaysia’s delegation to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Plenipotentiary Conference 2026 (PP-26) in Doha, Qatar, from Nov 6 to 11, as the country seeks re-election to the ITU Council for the 2027-2030 term.

Malaysia's participation in the ITU's highest decision-making conference, held every four years, aims to ensure its interests remain represented in shaping global telecommunications and information and communications technology (ICT) policies.

The conference will determine the ITU's policies and strategic plans for 2027-2030, as well as elect its top leadership, members of the Radio Regulations Board (RRB), and 48 countries to serve on the ITU Council.

The Cabinet approved Malaysia’s bid for re-election through the Communications Ministry on June 5, 2025, and subsequently endorsed Fahmi's appointment as head of the delegation on Sept 2 this year.

Malaysia aims to strengthen its role in shaping international telecommunications policies while engaging ITU member states to secure support for its re-election bid.

A seat on the ITU Council would allow Malaysia to continue participating directly in decisions affecting global telecommunications and ICT development, including digital infrastructure, technology standards, cybersecurity and efforts to bridge the digital divide.

The 48-member council serves as the ITU's governing body between Plenipotentiary Conferences, overseeing policy implementation, strategic planning, finances and work programmes.

Re-election would also enable Malaysia to contribute to international regulations and standards, particularly technological compatibility and interoperability, while promoting a more inclusive and sustainable digital ecosystem.

Council membership would further strengthen Malaysia's digital diplomacy, international presence and cooperation with other ITU member states, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region.

Malaysia joined the ITU on Feb 3, 1958, and served four consecutive terms on its council from 1998 to 2014 before securing a seat for the 2023-2026 term at PP-22 in Bucharest, Romania.

Fahmi is scheduled to attend the heads of delegation meeting, opening ceremony and plenary session on Nov 9, when he will also deliver Malaysia's national policy statement.

He will also participate in a high-level thematic discussion on strategic telecommunications and ICT development issues.

Malaysia will host a lunch reception at the conference venue to strengthen diplomatic ties with ITU member states and highlight its achievements and contributions during its 2023-2026 council term.

Ahead of the conference, Fahmi is scheduled to meet Malaysians residing in Doha, including representatives of the Malaysian Association in Qatar, Malaysian Business Executive Council-Qatar, community groups and students.

He is also expected to attend Sukan Malaysia Qatar (SUQMA), organised by the Malaysian Association of Qatar in collaboration with the Malaysian diplomatic mission in Doha.

-- BERNAMA