GENEVA, Switzerland: Malaysia's bid for re-election as an International Telecommunication Union (ITU) council member for the 2027-2030 term has received positive feedback from the agency's secretary-general Doreen Bogdan-Martin.

Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said Bogdan-Martin commended Malaysia's role as an ITU council member, particularly for actively raising issues that contribute to improvements in the agency's governance and administrative matters.

"I see this as a positive sign. On the government's part, we will continue to engage with ITU member states to emphasise that Malaysia's participation as an ITU council member has been beneficial and should be sustained," he told the media after a meeting with Bogdan-Martin here on Wednesday (July 9).

He said Malaysia's role as an ITU council member enables the country to participate in discussions on telecommunications standards and policies, including matters related to 5G technology and emerging technologies such as 6G, while also sharing its experience in implementing 5G.

"Whether it involves a single network or dual network approach for 5G, we are able to present our experience clearly, helping other countries better understand and identify standards that suit their respective needs," he said.

Additionally, Fahmi said they also discussed the possibility of ITU's involvement in programmes organised by Malaysia, such as the M360 Asean, which will be held for the first time in Kuala Lumpur in September 2026.

"This presents an opportunity and offers recognition to Malaysia's efforts in advancing the telecommunications sector, while facilitating discussions at both the South-East Asian and global levels," he said.

Malaysia is currently serving as a member of the ITU Council for the 2023-2026 term, allowing the country to participate in shaping the ITU's strategic policy direction and representing the interests of the Asian region in telecommunications and digital infrastructure.

The ITU is the United Nations specialised agency for telecommunications and digital technologies. It is responsible for allocating the radio frequency spectrum, developing international standards to ensure the interoperability of communication networks and working to bridge the global digital divide. – Bernama