{
  "id": 16411192,
  "title": "Anwar explains Waze review, says Malaysia cannot ignore security risks",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/25/anwar-explains-waze-review-says-malaysia-cannot-ignore-security-risks",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-25T02:06:42.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/10/25/anwar-explains-waze-review-says-malaysia-cannot-ignore-security-risks/240496"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim explained the government's review of the Waze navigation application for civil servants, emphasizing national security and sovereignty concerns. Anwar, the Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman, clarified that the decision was not a blanket ban but aimed to mitigate risks associated with monitoring government officers' movements, particularly those dealing with national security. The prime minister highlighted the Israeli-based company's involvement and the potential legal jurisdiction issues that could arise from disputes with such companies. Anwar also addressed Malaysia's sovereignty, stressing the nation's right to determine its stance, including on the issue of Palestine. The government would further assess if existing alternatives, like the local navigation app TuJu, adequately address the concerns before deciding on a blanket ban. Anwar acknowledged the shortcomings in the initial measures but acknowledged the importance of not leaving security considerations to external parties. He also reaffirmed the government's commitment to not increasing the price of RON95 petrol, despite global crude oil price hikes, to support low- and middle-income groups. Anwar announced the 21 candidates representing PH in the Melaka state election, scheduled for November 14.",
  "summary": "MELAKA, Oct 25 — The government is taking into account national security and sovereignty concerns in considering a...",
  "key_points": [
    "Prime Minister Anwar reviews Waze app for civil servants",
    "Concerns over national security and sovereignty",
    "Government to assess alternatives before blanket ban"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Prioritizing national sovereignty over digital convenience signals a shift toward stricter oversight of foreign-owned technology to protect the movement and data of sensitive government personnel.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}