‘Friendly advice’ or veiled threats on Malaysia’s 5G rollout?

[superadmin]

I read with amusement a recent Financial Times article with the headline “EU and US warn Malaysia of ‘national security’ risk in Huawei’s bid for 5G role”.

The highly regarded UK financial newspaper was referring to the US and European Union (EU) ambassadors to Malaysia writing letters to the Malaysian government last month “warning Malaysia” over risks to national security and foreign investment as it finalises a review of its 5G rollout.

The envoys alleged that Huawei, the Chinese telecommunications equipment maker blacklisted by Washington, had “lobbied heavily” for another chance at a role in building Malaysia’s 5G network.

The two envoys were referring to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s order to review the RM11 billion 5G network contract awarded by Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB) – a special purpose vehicle under the finance ministry – to Swedish telecommunications equipment maker Ericsson under the previous administration.

- More -