JOHOR BARU: Several international technology companies have expressed their interest in helping Malaysia move forward in the information technology sector.
Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said he had recently met with representatives from Microsoft, Google and Amazon to discuss the matter.
"They not only want to help us to move forward in the sector but also to turn Malaysia into a regional hub for information technology," said Muhyiddin.
The prime minister revealed this during a question and answer session at a townhall meeting with federal and state-level civil servants at a hotel here today.
He, however, stressed the importance of ensuring a good internet connectivity in order to attract the interest of investors.
"We have to make sure we have good internet connection nationwide."
Muhyiddin mentioned the story of Veveonah Mosibin, a girl from Sabah who had to take an online examination on a tree to get a more stable internet reception.
"Her struggle is symbolic of the current internet connectivity issues in Malaysia. The government has the political will to change this with new policies in the future," said Muhyiddin.
Earlier in his speech, Muhyiddin proposed the setting up of a task force to review the civil service delivery system in order to help with a faster recovery of the country's economy.
He said this was important because the recovery process of the economy, which was badly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, would be stunted by unnecessary bureaucracy.
"I am worried that if there are no new measures taken, the economic recovery will not be as fast as we had hoped.
"In front of Datuk Seri Zuki Ali (Chief Secretary to the Government), Datuk Hasni Mohammad (Johor Menteri Besar) and Datuk Azmi Rohani (Johor State Secretary), I would like to propose the formation of a special task force to study how the existing system can be reviewed," said Muhyiddin.
However, he said any changes should not compromise on the procedures regarding finance.
"If there is no change in our work flow, we will fail to revitalise the economy, which will affect the people," said Muhyiddin.
The prime minister is currently on a two-day official visit to Johor beginning today.