Malaysia’s ambitious move to centralize data, known as the Pangkalan Data Utama (PADU), has sparked significant debate. The initiative aims to streamline government services and enhance policymaking by consolidating vast amounts of personal and socioeconomic data. PADU promises to simplify interactions between citizens and government services, offering policymakers a rich dataset for effective governance.
The PADU initiative has raised concerns about state autonomy and data sovereignty, with Sarawak pausing its participation. The decision reflects fears of losing control over citizens’ data and skepticism about its potential political use. Data integration poses technical challenges, requiring robust institutional frameworks and regulations. The initiative has ignited intense public discussion, highlighting the need to balance innovation with individual rights.
