KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has called for the strengthening of bilateral and multilateral cooperation among members of the APEC Telecommunications and Information Working Group (APEC TEL) to counter negative acts which threaten the stability of governments.
This was conveyed at the opening session of APEC TEL’s 44th meeting (APEC TEL 44) here yesterday.
Information Communication and Culture Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Kamaruddin Siaraf said those with negative intent did not have any barrier in cyberspace and had joined hands in expressing their dissatisfaction through acts which amounted to criminal breach of the law in economies, such as Malaysia.
He said Malaysia took comfort in the fact that its friends in other economies had every intention to assist the country in trying to mitigate such criminal action.
“Unfortunately, diplomatic stances which have helped to foster close relationship between economies and ensured our continued friendship, while respecting each other’s need for protecting the privacy of our citizens, may now be an impediment in our collective efforts to counter such negative acts.
“Perhaps, it’s time for APEC TEL to consider ways to deepen our collaboration while maintaining the balance of privacy and respect for one’s citizens,” said Kamaruddin.
About 220 delegates from 17 of 21 APEC economies, including officials and representatives from international organisations, as well as telecommunications and information communication technology (ICT) companies, are attending APEC TEL 44 from Sept 22 to 28.
The meeting is jointly hosted by the information communication and culture ministry, as well as the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission.
At APEC TEL 44, member economies and their partners are discussing matters related to telecommunications and ICT policy and regulation, ranging from liberalisation to green ICT and disaster management, as well as consumer protection.
Cybersecurity is a major focus for APEC TEL in trying to strengthen the network infrastructure within the APEC region.
Increasing issues faced in relation to privacy and security have made it necessary for APEC TEL to maintain cybersecurity as an agenda at their bi-annual meetings in order to streamline with the overall APEC objective to promote trade, investment, liberalisation and
economic growth in the region.
“Malaysia recognises the importance of the work of APEC TEL to nurture the environment to meet APEC’s overall objectives.
“Your support for Malaysia as the new vice chair of APEC TEL is very much appreciated,” said Kamaruddin. — Bernama