Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim becomes the first Malaysian to register for the National Digital Identification or Digital ID on Friday (1 December).
Based on reports from Bernama, Digital ID is a digital form of identification and verification when carrying out online transactions of individuals to avoid identification fraud.
Anwar’s registration into the system is reportedly expected to boost confidence in the safety and transparency of the system.
The Finance Minister was quoted saying that the Digital ID is also an initial step towards allocating targeted subsidies and other facilities by government departments and the private sector.
After Anwar, both Deputy Prime Ministers Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof and Cabinet members were also registered into the system.
Based on reports, here is the list of the Cabinet members who joined the Digital ID programme:
- Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu,
- Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin,
- Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri,
- Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said,
- Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil
- Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali
Anwar says fear of Digital ID is unfounded
Anwar also addressed concerns over the implementation of the Digital ID, saying that rumours of personal and banking records being leaked and chips to be implanted into people are completely unfounded, based on reports from Bernama.
He said that when talking about the digital transformation, the people must accept that Malaysia should follow current developments, including the use of technology.
What is there to be afraid of personal issues? Bank Negara Malaysia will not release personal banking details. So, that is under control. Then, there are those who say that chips will be implanted into our bodies and so on — that is from watching too many Hollywood movies.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim
Before making any comments, Anwar mentioned, one should listen to the explanations from the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation and Ministry of Communications and Digital regarding the Digital ID to not affect the people’s confidence.
