KUALA LUMPUR – Sarawak is still awaiting a meeting with Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli to discuss concerns involving the Central Database Hub (Padu), says Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg.
“So far, no. We are still waiting (for a meeting),” he said when asked by reporters at the state government’s Aidilfitri open house in Kuching today.
Abang Johari said last month that Rafizi would discuss with Sarawak concerns pertaining to Padu this month.
Previously, Abang Johari expressed concerns about Padu collecting extensive financial-related data from the public.
He believes that people should have the right to withhold personal information, particularly those unrelated to income and financial status, adding that the Personal Data Protection Act should impose limits on the acquisition of personal information, ensuring alignment with constitutional provisions protecting freedom and liberty.
These concerns were also shared by senior Sarawak government official Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, who questioned the necessity of Padu’s data collection, considering the existence of e-Kasih, a data hub launched in 2007 to help the government plan poverty alleviation programmes.
Karim also raised concerns about data privacy and the potential hidden agendas behind the introduction of the central database.
Sarawak suspended registrations for Padu just before the March 31 deadline set by the government.
On March 23, Rafizi was reported as saying that ministry officials would hold a meeting with the Sarawak government next week to discuss matters regarding the Padu registration exercise.
Rafizi said this was due to the directive by the state government to suspend Padu registrations and updates in the state. – April 11, 2024