Domestic Laws Related To ICT Security Must Be Respected - Malaysia's Minister

SINGAPORE, June 20 (Bernama) -- The implementation of domestic laws with regard to information communication technology (ICT) must be respected by all including other countries, said Malaysia's Information, Communications and Culture Minister Dr Rais Yatim. He said these laws should not be misunderstood merely to impose censorship on the Internet, considering that it (censorship) was aimed at ensuring the continued survival and sovereignty of a nation. Rais said Malaysia hence stressed that security aspects of information communication technology (ICT) be emphasised to ensure this. He said it was unfair for a country without early preparations in facing ICT security risks and threats to receive materials from outside that could destroy its information technology facility. "So, we have given some examples and some other countries did the same yesterday to stress that this forum in Singapore must continue to be held to see how the world convention can set standards or best practice to overcome the problem." Rais said this at the end of the Ministerial ICT Forum, here, Tuesday. He cited the proposal for a country's administration division to have cyber security experts to ensure a strong defence system to thwart the actions of irresponsible quarters. His opinion was agreed upon by several representatives from developed countries like the United States who suggested that certain methods be identified in preparation for the future. These include the drawing up of a convention with standards and expertise to assist countries and the world's ecosystem protect themselves. -- BERNAMA