SHAH ALAM, April 24 – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has provided assurance yesterday that the transparency issues surrounding Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB), the country’s single wholesale 5G network operator, will be addressed next week. Speaking to reporters after PKR’s 25th anniversary special convention in Shah Alam, Anwar stated, “They will discuss. Next week they should resolve. DNB will hold a meeting next week to decide on the issue.”
Anwar’s remarks come in response to allegations raised against DNB’s transparency, particularly regarding the awarding of contracts to Ericsson for the development of the 5G infrastructure, which reportedly cost close to RM5 billion, and other arrangements with third parties for software procurement. DNB issued a statement yesterday refuting these allegations and dismissing any suggestions of impropriety in its governance and procurement practices.
The response follows claims initially reported by Channel News Asia regarding Malaysia’s 5G rollout stalemate, which were subsequently picked up by local media outlets. The report also highlighted concerns regarding the establishment of a second 5G network promised after DNB achieved its 80% 5G population coverage target almost four months ago.
