KUALA LUMPUR: In the ever-evolving landscape of telecommunications, Malaysia's recent decision to introduce a second 5G network has sparked widespread concern, suggesting a drift towards a monopolistic future in the sector.

Under the administration of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, already facing scrutiny for its opaque interactions with Huawei and Chinese investors, the nation seems to be venturing down a familiar, perilous path that echoes previous policy missteps.

This strategic move has reignited a vital debate regarding the role of government oversight in ensuring equitable internet access. The scars of the 4G spectrum auction, tainted by collusion among telecom giants and exorbitant prices, linger in the public consciousness.

Adding to the complexity is the role of Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB), a contentious entity in this narrative, whose involvement has only intensified scepticism given the nation's dismal 5G penetration rate.

One can't help but question whether this latest development might pave the way for a scenario where the telecom behemoths collude, inevitably leading to inflated costs and a shrinkage in competitive dynamics.

The transparency of Anwar's dealings, particularly the Huawei meeting, adds layers of complexity to this issue. The looming specter of a private duopoly in the 5G network realm is a distressing echo of monopolistic tendencies of yore, potentially stifling innovation and placing an undue financial burden on the Malaysian consumer.

Furthermore, the rationale behind introducing a second 5G network amidst these pricing dynamics remains shrouded in ambiguity. The prevailing apprehension is that this move is less about enhancing consumer services or reducing costs, and more a tactical play by telecom corporations to solidify their market dominance.

This approach threatens to establish a duopoly or monopoly in the 5G domain, reminiscent of past scenarios where limited competition led to inflated prices and stagnated innovation – a situation that looms large in the ongoing discourse surrounding Malaysia's 5G prospects.

In the broader context, a comparison with global 4G prices offers a window into the potential implications of this decision.

Malaysia's 4G data rates, while relatively low on the global scale but took over a decade to achieve 90% penetration rate nationwide, goes to prove that the telecom sector does not have consumer interest at heart, choosing to line the pockets of their shareholders.

However, the introduction of a second 5G network, against this backdrop, raises more questions than it answers about the intentions of telecom giants in a market already wary of monopolistic control.

As Malaysia stands at this pivotal technological crossroads, the government's decision to gamble on a second 5G network could be a historical repetition of misjudged policies. This high-stakes scenario leaves the welfare of consumers precariously balanced.

Will this strategy usher in a technological revolution, or regress the nation to the challenging times of telecom monopoly?

The unfolding narrative of Malaysia's ambitious yet fraught 5G journey holds the answer to these pressing questions, as the country navigates its way through the complex web of technological advancement and market dynamics.

* Ahmad Zaim Ahmad Tawfek used to assist a few Ministers in shaping the right and progressive economic, youth and foreign policies for Malaysia.

** The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the position of Astro AWANI.