Gobind Appoints 13 MPs As Friends Of Ministry To Strengthen Digital Agenda

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 25 (Bernama) -- Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo today announced the appointment of 13 Members of Parliament (MPs) as Friends of Ministry (FoM), a newly introduced initiative aimed at strengthening the national digital agenda.

The appointed MPs are Ganabatirau Veraman (Klang), Syerleena Abdul Rashid (Bukit Bendera), Jimmy Puah Wee Tse (Tebrau), Zahir Hassan (Wangsa Maju), Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong (Ayer Hitam), Azli Yusof (Shah Alam), Datuk Matbali Musah (Sipitang), and Datuk Anyi Ngau (Baram).

Also appointed were Dr Kelvin Yii Lee Wuen (Kuching), Young Syefura Othman (Bentong), Ahmad Johnie Zawawi (Igan), Lee Chuan How (Ipoh Timor), and Roy Angau Gingkoi (Lubok Antu).

The appointment ceremony, held at the Ministry of Digital in Putrajaya, followed the Cabinet’s approval of the initiative on Feb 21 this year with the proposal originally mooted by the Government Backbenchers Club.

According to Gobind, the FoM aims to empower the role of backbenchers in the Dewan Rakyat and act as a bridge between the Ministry and elected representatives, particularly on issues concerning government policies and programme implementation.

“The FoM will serve several key functions, including acting as policy communicators at the grassroots level to help the public understand government policies and their benefits and building a positive narrative to foster a good perception of the Unity Government's administration.

“The FoM members will also provide input and research to support the ministry with useful information, suggestions, and studies, especially for parliamentary debates,” he said in a statement today.

Gobind added that FoM members would also serve as a communication medium to explain the objectives and benefits of digital initiatives to the public and support digital-related bills and motions in Parliament.

He also reiterated the Ministry of Digital’s commitment to ensuring the FoM operates effectively, including providing comprehensive and up-to-date information, prioritising their involvement in policy planning, and maintaining strong engagement through regular meetings and dialogues.

“The Ministry will also provide a platform for participation in its programmes and guarantee access to resources, training, and reference materials,” he said.

-- BERNAMA