{
  "id": 3727756,
  "title": "Govt must explain Datasonic acquisition U-turn, says PKR MP",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/27/govt-must-explain-datasonic-acquisition-u-turn-says-pkr-mp-3727756",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-27T11:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today-freemalays",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/08/27/govt-must-explain-datasonic-acquisition-u-turn-says-pkr-mp"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Petaling Jaya MP Lee Chean Chung has called on the government to clarify its decision regarding the potential acquisition of Datasonic Technologies Sdn Bhd. The Malaysian passport and national identity card supplier was asked to provide an indicative price for a possible acquisition. Lee, a PKR MP, expressed concerns about the inconsistency in the government's stance. He questioned which department or official within the finance ministry asked for the indicative offer and requested an explanation from the ministry. Additionally, Lee inquired why the ministry sought an indicative offer if it had already stated that it had no intention of acquiring Datasonic. On August 21, NexG, Datasonic's parent company, stated that the government was considering purchasing the firm, which was initially valued at RM7.5 billion. However, the following day, the National Security Council (MKN) announced that the government would not proceed with the acquisition, and would instead explore alternative strategies to ensure identity security while maintaining value for money. Lee emphasized that a potential acquisition of a listed company is not a matter to be treated lightly, with government officials asking for a price without explanation. He urged the finance ministry to clarify the facts and the decision-making process to avoid conflicting signals that may confuse the public and the market.",
  "summary": "Lee Chean Chung says the positions taken by the finance ministry and National Security Council appear to be inconsistent.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "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."
}