Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim declared that Malaysia’s shift towards adopting a dual 5G network would enable China’s Huawei to participate more effectively, creating a balance between Western and Eastern technology within the country.
In May, the government had announced its intention to permit the operation of a second 5G network from the following year, breaking the monopoly previously held by a single state-run network.
This decision was made despite concerns raised by certain Western nations that had urged Malaysia to adhere to its original plan, according to Reuters.
Both the European Union and the U.S. had cautioned Malaysia about potential national security and foreign investment risks, particularly as Huawei sought a role in the nation’s telecommunications infrastructure.
During an event hosted by Huawei in Kuala Lumpur, Anwar acknowledged the apprehensions expressed by some countries regarding the “security and capacity” of Chinese technology.
Nevertheless, he emphasised that the choice to accommodate a second 5G network was driven by Malaysia’s desire to leverage different technologies for its benefit.
“We in Malaysia… and I believe rightly, decided that while we get the best from the West, we also should benefit the best from the East,” he stated.
Following extensive deliberations, the decision was reached to allow for the establishment of a dual network, thereby facilitating more effective participation by Huawei.
In 2021, Malaysia had introduced a plan in which a state-owned agency, Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB), would possess the entire 5G spectrum.
Various carriers would then utilise this infrastructure to provide mobile services. However, this plan had faced criticism within the industry regarding pricing and competition.
DNB, a state-run entity, had partnered with the Swedish telecommunications giant Ericsson to deploy Malaysia’s 5G network.
It remains uncertain how Malaysia’s plan for a second network might impact DNB’s existing agreement with Ericsson or its relationships with other mobile operators.
