Gobind: Data digitalisation policy signals shift to data-driven governance

KUALA LUMPUR: The launch of the Public Sector Data Digitalisation Policy (PPDSA) and the expansion of the Malaysian Government Central Data Exchange (MyGDX) mark a turning point in how public services are delivered, as Malaysia accelerates its shift towards data-driven governance.

Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said the initiatives represent more than administrative reform, describing them as the foundation of a new governance model anchored in data, trust and public interest.

“This is not merely the launch of a policy or a technological upgrade. It is the beginning of an era where data becomes central to how the nation is governed,” he said at the launch ceremony at the Seri Pacific Hotel here today.

“It reflects a major shift in the government’s efforts to build a digital nation that is centred on the people.”

Also present were Deputy Digital Minister Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong, the ministry’s secretary-general Datuk Fabian Bigar, and National Digital Department director-general Nik Zalbiha Nik Mat.

Gobind said the move towards a paperless public sector begins immediately, with dedicated teams tasked with ensuring the system remains resilient and adaptable to future technological changes.

“Technology evolves rapidly. We must ensure that digitalised data remains accessible regardless of how formats change in the future,” he said.

On the PPDSA, Gobind said the policy establishes clear governance over how data is shared across government, preventing ad hoc or unregulated practices that could expose the state to legal, security or reputational risks.

All data sharing, he said, will now be conducted for legitimate purposes, subject to formal approval processes, and governed by controls that reflect the sensitivity of the data involved.

“Ungoverned technology is open to misuse, and unregulated artificial intelligence can deepen existing inequalities,” he said.

“The Public Sector Data Digitalisation Policy, together with the Data Sharing Act 2025, provides the legal and ethical framework to ensure technological progress is balanced with accountability and the protection of fundamental rights.”

Gobind described MyGDX as a secure, end-to-end data-sharing ecosystem that underpins digital governance and enables integrated online public services.

He said the platform allows classified data to be shared more efficiently between agencies while reducing infrastructure costs and system integration complexities.

According to Gobind, the PPDSA and MyGDX function as a complementary ecosystem, with the policy providing strategic direction and governance, and MyGDX serving as the technical engine that translates policy into service delivery.

“This integration allows the government to deliver services that are more responsive, targeted and proactive, with real impact on people’s wellbeing,” he said.

He added that the reforms would significantly change how government services operate.

For civil servants, automated data sharing will reduce repetitive administrative tasks and allow officers to focus on higher-value work.

For the public, services will become faster and more seamless through the ‘Once Only’ principle, where citizens no longer need to submit the same documents repeatedly when dealing with multiple agencies, as government systems can now communicate in real time.

Gobind said the policy lays the groundwork for more efficient, transparent and responsive governance.

“It is a bold step forward in transforming digital service delivery — making it faster, more accurate and fairer for all,” he said.

He added that the initiative supports the aspirations of Malaysia Madani, where digital transformation is viewed not merely as technological progress, but as a means to improve wellbeing, ensure equal opportunities and strengthen the nation’s global competitiveness.