Malaysia Does Not Want To Be Pawn In Great Power Game Of 5G Development, Says Fahmi

By Samantha Tan Chiew Tieng

DOHA, Nov 7 (Bernama) -- Malaysia will not allow the country to become a pawn of any major power in the global telecommunications geopolitical competition, but will instead maintain a neutral stance to ensure that the development of the country's digital infrastructure is not influenced by the interests of certain parties.

Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil said that this stance forms the basis for the government's decision to transition from a single wholesale network model to a dual 5G network, thereby ensuring a balance in the use of technology and telecommunications equipment providers.

He said the decision was not an easy one because Malaysia had to navigate various geopolitical interests, including differing views from foreign diplomatic representatives.

"Malaysia is a neutral country. We will trade with anyone who wants to trade with us, be friends with anyone who wants to be friends with us. We will not become what people call a chess piece, a pawn to anyone," he said while speaking at an event with the Malaysian diaspora in Doha, Qatar, here today.

The meeting was part of Fahmi's working visit to Doha in conjunction with the 2026 International Telecommunication Union Plenipotentiary Conference (ITU PP-26).

Fahmi said he himself was tasked by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to manage the transition of the country's 5G system, which has significant geopolitical implications.

According to him, before the policy change was implemented, Malaysia only had one 5G network provider using equipment from a single source before the government decided to create a balance to avoid the country getting trapped in the geopolitical competition of major powers.

He said that Malaysia's success in managing that challenge also caught the attention of the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA), which sees the country's approach as an example in balancing technological and geopolitical interests.

He said that the recognition was one of the factors Malaysia was chosen to host M360 ASEAN for three years after surpassing five other countries that were also interested in organising the event.

"We managed to leapfrog over five other countries that asked for this event and now it's hosted in Kuala Lumpur. It's a major milestone," he said.

Fahmi said that the hosting of M360 ASEAN not only opens up opportunities for Malaysia to showcase Kuala Lumpur as a regional telecommunications event hub but also demonstrates the country's ability to manage complex policy and technology issues.

He said Malaysia has also made rapid progress in the implementation of 5G with a high usage rate in a short period, in addition to offering Internet services at affordable prices.

Meanwhile, Fahmi said that Malaysia intends to strengthen its influence in the establishment of international telecommunications standards through re-nomination as a member of the ITU Council.

He said that membership is important to ensure Malaysia has a voice in discussions and the formulation of international standards involving 5G, 6G, satellite telecommunications and quantum secure communications.

Fahmi is currently in Doha to lead the Malaysian delegation to ITU PP-26 from yesterday (Nov 6) to Nov 11.

His working visit to Doha also carries Malaysia's important mission to defend the ITU Council seat for the 2027-2030 term.

Fahmi was accompanied by Communications Ministry deputy secretary-general (Telecommunications Infrastructure) Mano Verabathran.

The Malaysian delegation was also joined by representatives from the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) as well as players in the national telecommunications industry, including Telekom Malaysia (TM), CelcomDigi, Maxis and U Mobile.

Earlier, Fahmi officiated a bowling tournament in conjunction with the Malaysia Games in Qatar (SUQMA) 2026, which serves as a platform to strengthen the bonds of friendship among Malaysians residing and working in the country.

His presence also provided an opportunity for the Malaysian community in Qatar to interact directly with government representatives, as well as to share views on current developments and experiences working abroad.

Fahmi also presented a cash donation as support to help ensure the smooth organisastion of SUQMA 2026.

-- BERNAMA