Nations must decide own digital future, not be dictated to, says Fahmi

Doha, Nov 8— Malaysia's Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil has warned against "technology colonialism", stating that technologically advanced nations should not dictate the development and deployment of digital infrastructure in other countries. He emphasized that every nation has the right to determine its own technological direction due to the growing influence of geopolitical rivalries and competing technology ecosystems on global telecommunications development.

Fahmi stressed that nations must retain their sovereignty and the freedom to make domestic policy decisions. He drew on Malaysia's experience with 5G network rollout as an example, noting that the country initially adopted a single wholesale network model, despite recommendations against it, and later transitioned to a dual-network model. He described this transition as a challenging task that involved navigating diplomatic sensitivities while balancing domestic priorities against international technological standards.

Fahmi highlighted the importance of international cooperation, particularly in building trust and achieving interoperability among different telecommunications networks. He stressed that ASEAN's consensus-based approach, where there is no central parliament and a strong emphasis on respecting member states' national sovereignty, presents its own unique dynamics.

Fahmi also highlighted the importance of assisting emerging nations in bridging digital divides, especially as the telecommunications sector prepares for quantum migration and quantum-safe communications. He urged greater focus on practical adoption of existing networks before shifting attention entirely to sixth-generation (6G) technologies.