Malaysia has proposed that the security systems and ICT offences prevention methods be made uniform to ensure effective implementation of laws related to ICT.

The proposal was made by Information, Communications and Culture Minister Rais Yatim at a Ministerial Forum on ICT at the Marina Bay Sands Convention Centre in Singapore today.

The minister said Malaysia had taken part in the international-level forum related to the ICT industry and the issues involved, which is held seasonally, with other countries a number of times.

What Rais sees as an important issue for Malaysia this time is ICT security, including the offences prevention methods, which he believes should be made uniform in all countries to ensure authenticity and the countries' sovereignty.

"I mention authenticity because many quarters are unsure of this. They assume that the Internet, computers and online telecommunications technology are not governed by law or linked to the security of the respective countries.

"So, our delegation has come here to debate on this together, how we should start and pay serious attention to security issues, including the rule of law of the respective countries."

Rais said the latest development in the outside world was that the developed countries already had some prime measures to deal with the issue so that the future of the industry could be ensured.

"We are also here to see the new developments in the telecommunications industry, as well as the Malaysia pavilion set up with the cooperation of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission and telecommunications companies.

"Here too, we see we can generate thinking and new ideas on how we can cooperate regionally, as well as benefit from the new ideas and developments to improve Malaysia's performance in this sector.

"We are proud that the telecommunications sector in Malaysia has generated more than RM40 billion in revenue yearly and the figure is increasing.

"Therefore, we will give special attention to new windows to ideas and products so that in the two days in Singapore, we can enhance regional and global cooperation and place Malaysia in a position to be proud of," Rais added.

- Bernama