KUALA LUMPUR: Former chairman of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), Datuk Seri Dr Halim Shafie, has been appointed as the new chairman of MCMC for a two-year term, Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek announced today.
Halim, 65, is currently the chairman of Telekom Malaysia, a non-executive position he has held for close to six years after his stint with MCMC ended. He had served as MCMC chairman from April 2006 until May 2009.
Before joining MCMC, Halim was secretary-general of the Ministry of Energy, Water and Communications where he served for six years.
“I am happy to announce that Datuk Seri Dr Halim Shafie has agreed to come on board again,” Ahmad Shabery told Bernama.
“His tenure will be for two years and I have assigned specific tasks for him to achieve. These include looking at good governance, which is in line with the government’s efforts for all ministries and agencies.”
“Among others, Halim will be working on decoupling the role of the chief executive officer (CEO) from the role of chairman of MCMC. I feel this is important for MCMC in ensuring continuity and the balance of power within the organisation,” he added.
According to the minister, Halim was also expected to review the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 towards a healthy cyber space.
“What happened during the East Coast floods last year should be prevented from happening again. Although the law is not likely to prevent it fully, we hope that people will think carefully before they share information which is unverified,” said Ahmad Shabery.
In a crisis situation, this sort of irresponsible behaviour might cause chaos and make relief work more difficult, he added.
Halim, who is also the chairman of the Multimedia University, is well placed to assist Ahmad Shabery in advancing the minister’s digital agenda for the nation. -- Bernama