Only Malaysia gives out free computers - Awang Tengah

LAWAS: Malaysia is probably the only country in the world dishing out free computers to its people. Probably none can rival the government’s move to distribute 1Malaysia netbooks to its people in a concerted effort to reduce the digital divide and create a knowledge-driven economy, said Second Minister of Resource Planning and Environment Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan. He said this at a presentation ceremony to present 1,865 netbooks to the third batch of community leaders, non-governmental organisations and members of the public in Lawas parliamentary seat. “The opposition Uttar Pradesh state of India won the election with a promise to give free computers to the people in its manifesto and it remains to be seen whether that can be delivered, but we in Malaysia are giving away free computers,” he said. Awang Tengah pointed out that even developed countries such as economic superpower United States, European nations, Japan and South Korea did not give out free computers to their citizens. “There is no country where the government gives away free computer except the caring BN in Malaysia led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak at national level and Chief Minister (Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud) in Sarawak,” he said. He disclosed that the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) in collaboration with the Sarawak state government had given out over 100,000 units of netbooks throughout the state, saying that under Phase 3B of the project, some 11,400 recipients, including primary and secondary school students, would receive the netbooks. Awang Tengah, who is holding the watching briefing on communication and multimedia in Sarawak, said the tangible benefits were already felt in rural communities, particularly in Bario where the Kelabit community had their own tele-centre which they used to promote the highlands as an eco-tourism destination. He, however, warned that ICT could cut both ways and could be abused by people to spread lies and slander against the BN government and its leaders. “Our people should be wary of the propaganda and slanderous lies spread by irresponsible quarters to create rifts and splits among the people that would take a long time to heal and is detrimental to the economy, unity and social harmony,” he said. Also present at the function were Lawas MP Datuk Henry Sum Agong, Lawas district officer Mohd Supaih Hamdan and an MCMC Sarawak region representative.