SHAH ALAM, April 1 — The Cabinet today announced the setup of the Communications Command Centre that will provide daily updates on the government’s response to the global energy crisis and escalating tensions in West Asia.
Unity Government spokesperson Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the committee, established under the National Economic Action Council (MTEN) and chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, will hold daily press conferences at 4pm.
“The committee will meet regularly, possibly on a near-daily basis, to coordinate the government’s communications, particularly on its response and the measures taken by relevant agencies in addressing the energy crisis and the ongoing West Asia conflict,” he said in a post-Cabinet meeting press conference today.
Fahmi, who is also communications minister, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will also chair a meeting with state leaders tomorrow to discuss the global economic crisis and its impact.
He said several issues will be deliberated and possible measures explored, with updates to be provided after the meeting.
“God willing, there will be several press conferences tomorrow afternoon, the first by Fadillah, and possibly a statement by the prime minister after the meeting,” Fahmi added.
He said the Cabinet today tasked Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan and Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir to brief the Parliamentary Special Select Committee on Finance and Economy on the government’s measures to address economic and financial issues linked to developments in West Asia and the global energy crisis.
He said the Cabinet also ordered Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar to review issues surrounding business licence applications that require coordination across multiple agencies, which has reportedly been a process much too lengthy.
“The chief secretary has been instructed to examine the matter and report to the Cabinet on efforts to reduce bureaucratic red tape, particularly for industries and sectors that may be affected by the global energy crisis.
“The Cabinet was also informed by Foreign Minister (Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan) that all ASEAN meetings scheduled for this year would be held online. Among the earliest meetings to be conducted virtually will be the one involving ASEAN health ministers (in August),” he explained.
On the work-from-home (WFH) policy, he said the Cabinet was told by Shamsul Azri that it is being reviewed, with an announcement on the matter to be made soon.
Fahmi urged the private sector to consider suitable approaches to flexible work, taking into account lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, which was when companies were pushed to introduce WFH policies.
