Policy Statement by H.E. Datuk Amar Leo Moggie,
Minister of Energy, Communications and Multimedia, Malaysia

Reforming ITU - Meeting the Challenges of the 21st Century

Mr. Chairman, let me congratulate you on your election as Chairman of this 16th Plenipotentiary Meeting of the ITU.

1. Also, I would like to congratulate the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) under the stewardship of Secretary-General Utsumi for successfully convening the 16th ITU Plenipotentiary Conference here in Marrakech. Let me also express my sincere appreciations to the Government and people of the Kingdom of Morocco for the excellent arrangements made for hosting this very significant conference.
2. Since its inception more than 130 years ago, the ITU has played a pivotal role in promoting dialogue and harnessing consensus on critical issues concerning the development of the global telecommunication sector. As we move into the new millennium, the advent of convergence in technology and services will bring about rapid and drastic changes not only to the telecommunication sector worldwide, but also the economic and social well-being of people from the developed and developing economies. The process of globalization, spurred by the rapid development of ICT, has led to increasing flow of information and knowledge affecting how people live and work, and how global economy functions.
3. The challenge is how countries adapt to these changes. From Malaysia's own experience in moving towards a knowledge-based economy, allow me to emphasize the urgent need to create a robust and vibrant policy and regulatory framework in the communications sector that embraces technology convergence. A policy framework that reflects technological advancements and new services, will serve as the catalyst for stimulating the growth and the development of not only the ICT industry, but the overall economy of a country.
4. However, there are a number of challenges that must be addressed. A significant number of people still do not have access to basic communications infrastructure. For the developing economies, the biggest challenge will undoubtedly be, in narrowing the digital divide, without which any attempt to forge a knowledge-based economy and society will be futile. Within country, wireless technology will play an increasing role in providing access and connectivity. It is therefore important that developing countries participate actively in all the decision-making processes of the ITU relevant to the applications of frequencies: be it with the setting of standards or with the allocation of frequencies.
5. Emerging issues arising from the proliferation of Internet and online services also require urgent attention of ITU. This includes the need to address the call for greater info-security; to arrest the misuse of the Internet, and the issue of domain name that gives assurance of maintaining national sovereignty in a globalized world.
6. A resolution was passed at the last Plenipotentiary Conference to implement processing charges for satellite network filings submitted to the Radiocommunication Bureau after 7 November 1998. Consequently, the Council at its 1999 session approved a decision on the implementation of cost recovery for satellite filings. However, it is imperative to note that when applying the principle of cost-recovery, due considerations must be given to the needs and capability of countries in paying the cost, to ensure that it will not impede the development of satellite communication services in these countries.
7. ICT and particularly, the Internet, is becoming an important means for countries to enhance their socio-economic well-being including in education, healthcare and the public services. However, developing countries are finding it increasingly difficult to keep pace with the advances in ICT because of the heavy upfront financial requirements to put in place the necessary bandwidth, technology and the related software. In this regard, industry should recognize the potential of economies of scale and give support through cheaper infrastructure and software costs. There is also a need for a fair and supportive Internet charging arrangement between the developed and developing economies.
8. The digital divide between member states will be further aggravated unless we can address these challenges.
9. In this context, the ITU reform must go beyond just addressing management issues. ITU must begin to play a more active policy and developmental role, taking cognizance of regional views when formulating policies to address global issues.
10. Increasing its regional presence is yet another area that we hope ITU can give greater emphasis to. For effective implementation of ITU's work programmes, there is a need to have greater decentralization and a more active role at the regional levels. This could be achieved through giving greater autonomy for regional offices and empowering them to promote closer integration with other regional telecommunications organizations and forums.
11. Finally, I wish to reiterate that Malaysia is committed to share and co-operate with the ITU secretariat and the regional offices to make ITU an eminent international body that plays an important role in enhancing development of all member countries. We have put in place a policy framework for convergence and leverage on the ICT in our effort to uplift the social and economic well-beings of our people. We have seen some moderate success. We would be most happy to share our experience with our fellow ITU members.

Mr. Chairman, it is for this reason that Malaysia is offering its' candidacy as a member of the ITU Council.

Thank you very much.