Cyberattacks: Nation Must Adopt Proactive Approach – PM Anwar
KUALA LUMPUR: The government is strengthening the nation’s cybersecurity preparedness by focusing on its ability to anticipate and prevent attacks amid increasingly complex and sophisticated cyber threats.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said a proactive approach must take precedence over reactive measures to ensure the country is prepared to face threats targeting various sectors, including banking and critical institutions.
“We must build the capability to anticipate attacks. Do not wait to react. We need to be prepared to anticipate them in advance,” said Anwar, who also moderated the 14th Malaysia MADANI Scholars Forum here last night.
Also present were Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu; Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abd Kadir; SD Guthrie Berhad Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and President Mohd Haris Mohd Arshad; and PNB Research Institute CEO Dr Sarena Che Omar.
Anwar said cyber threats were no longer confined to developing countries, as advanced European nations with sophisticated security and economic infrastructure were also facing serious attacks.
In this regard, he said the government had convened a National Security Council (NSC) meeting to assess existing expertise and capabilities in addressing cybersecurity threats.
In addition, detailed briefings were provided to Members of Parliament, while Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar held meetings with ministry secretaries-general, directors-general and senior officials to coordinate comprehensive preparations against potential cyber intrusions.
Anwar said thorough preparations were essential because cyberattacks could take various forms, not all of which could be detected at an early stage.
Commenting on the forum, the Prime Minister said it served as an important platform for gathering views, criticism and suggestions from various parties to help the government evaluate and improve national policies and programme implementation.
He said the monthly forum provided an open platform for academics, researchers, private-sector industry players and government administrators to share their perspectives transparently, including expressing views that differed from the government’s positions.
“We conduct this forum in a relaxed and informal setting. I listen to the views of my colleagues, then we summarise the discussions and bring relevant matters to the Cabinet,” he said.
Anwar said the approach also enabled the government to obtain different perspectives from experts and stakeholders before making decisions, ensuring that policies took into account the realities and challenges on the ground.
He said the views presented at the forum should not be confined to academic discussions but must be translated into concrete actions and improvements in public administration.
The Prime Minister said open discussions were also important for identifying weaknesses in existing policies and finding more effective solutions in the interests of the people.
The 14th Malaysia MADANI Scholars Forum focused on the resilience of the agricultural sector and food security, both of which are regarded as important elements of national security and economic resilience.
BERNAMA