KUALA LUMPUR: The Dewan Rakyat was told today that the National Cyber Security Agency will implement a comprehensive security strategy by midyear to address cyber threats.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail said the strategy would be executed through resource mobilisation and infrastructure development of the National Cyber Security Workforce.
Dr Wan Azizah was replying to a question by Ahmad Fadhli Shaari (Pas-Pasir Mas) on efforts put in place by the government to combat cyber threats that could also endanger the nation's sovereignty.
It was reported that the Communications and Multimedia Ministry was working on increasing online security to, among others, protect personal information of internet users.
"Growing dependence on useful technology, at the same time, can pose threats and new challenges to national security management.
Dr Wan Azizah said setting up of National Cyber Crisis Management Plan was also part of the proactive measures taken in the event of cyber attacks.
Among others, she said the crisis management plan outlined strategies to cushion impact of attacks and increase response rate needed to resolve the threat.
Later at the lobby, Dr Wan Azizah defended Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Redzuan Yusof's position in raising matters concerning Lynas Advanced Material Plant (LAMP).
She said Redzuan was looking into the economic and entrepreneurship aspect, although the issue was mainly under the purview of Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change Ministry head by Yeo Bee Yin.
She was commenting on the ongoing spat between Redzuan and Kuantan member of parliament, Fuziah Salleh, who is also the Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department.
"Thus, the disagreement between the two should be seen as a 'healthy debate' in an effort to find what is best for the country," Dr Wan Azizah told reporters.
Fuziah had lambasted Redzuan over his locus standi for making claims that the cabinet had allowed LAMP to continue to operate due to its investment value, as opposed to the former and Yeo's protest against the plant following its alleged accumulated waste residues.
Redzuan had also told Yeo to be "responsible over her statements" concerning the pre-conditions placed on Lynas' licence renewal, which include the removal of water leach purification residue.
Yeo has yet to respond to Redzuan's statement.
At the same venue, journalists mobbed AirAsia X Bhd chairman Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz and AirAsia Group Bhd chief executive officer Tan Sri Tony Fernandes who were present for a meeting at Parliament House.
The meeting was purportedly over the possibility of AirAsia revisiting a share swap deal with Malaysia Airlines Berhad (Mas) to save the ailing national carrier.
Rafidah, who is also a member of the National Economic Action Council, however, refused to divulge anything about MAS or the meeting.
"No, no, no, don't talk about Mas with me. Let us not talk about Mas, just talk about AirAsia.
"AirAsia itself has many stories. There is no need (to talk about Mas), thank you.
"AirAsia is AirAsia, not related to Mas, not even siblings."
Recently in an interview, Fernandes was quoted as saying that Mas could be revived. However he is not keen on taking over the national carrier.