KUALA LUMPUR: New Communications and Multimedia Minister Gobind Singh Deo said he will work towards achieving broadband connections that are “double the speed, half the price” for Malaysians.
He said the public has been complaining about the quality of broadband in Malaysia, which is said to be inferior to broadband in developed countries.
Gobind, who began his first day in charge of the ministry yesterday, said he will look at various aspects of the matter, including problems faced by telecommunications companies.
"If we look at broadband in other countries, the service provided differs greatly from what we (in Malaysia) have, so there is no reason why we cannot emulate other systems.
“That's one thing I will try to do, (which is) also part of the 100-day plan," he said during a special programme broadcast live on RTM last night.
He said he will also be holding a meeting with telecommunications companies to discuss the matter.
Meanwhile, Gobind said he is also committed to ensuring freedom of the press, which also includes criticism of the government.
He said accurate news reports without bias would be able to better shape the minds of the people, thus leading Malaysia towards becoming a developed nation.
"In Pakatan Harapan (PH) we are advocating the upholding of the principle of freedom for all parties, and an important aspect of this is the media," he said.
Gobind said Malaysian citizens are also mature enough to watch debates on television to gain a better understanding of the issues at hand.
"If we want to have a debate, I don’t think there is a problem with that. We are actually debating (with each other) every day, even at the coffee shop," he quipped. – BERNAMA