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Doubts Emerge Over Malaysia PM's Tech Investment Claims

Anwar courts foreign tech firms, but his policy moves raise questions and undermine hopes for vital reforms

Author

Osama Khalid
November 23, 2023

While touting questionable tech investments, Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has made concerning moves like exempting Tesla from ownership rules and hinting at letting banned firm Huawei build 5G networks, undermining hopes for vital reforms and inclusive digital growth at home.

Summary

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is nearing his one-year mark leading Malaysia, but his tenure has prompted some puzzling tech policy moves that undermine reform hopes.

Questionable claims?

While jetting overseas as Malaysia's salesman, Anwar has made questionable claims about securing billions in tech investments from big names like Tesla, TikTok, and Amazon.

Nevertheless, proposed investments often differ from realized ones, and the numbers may represent existing or long-term pledges rather than new deals.

Special exemptions

Anwar also granted special exemptions so Tesla and its Starlink satellite arm can bypass foreign ownership rules - dubiously calling Elon Musk "good for the nation."

Another concerning remark indicated that banned Chinese firm Huawei could build Malaysia's second 5G network despite security risks, bypassing the tender process.

Tech policies on “Autopilot”?

Sources say Anwar remains more fixated on foreign policy than enacting domestic reforms. Laws limiting social media and technology still move forward despite early liberalization promises.

Two analysts say with politics still catering to conservatives, Malaysia's tech policies seem on "autopilot" rather than spearheading digital transformation and investments.

While Anwar cuts flashy deals abroad, vital structural shifts lag at home. Malaysia risks squandering its digital promise until governance genuinely prioritizes new economic competitiveness.

For now, policies appear geared toward looking innovative rather than driving authentic, inclusive tech sector growth.

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