Malaysia Hopes For GCSA To Be Set Up Soon

BANGI (Selangor, Malaysia), Jan 30 (Bernama) -- Malaysia hopes the establishment of the Global Cyber Security Alliance (GCSA) could be expedited in efforts to strengthen its cyber defence capabilities, especially involving the Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII). Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Dr Maximus Ongkili said the formation of the GCSA is currently being discussed among several countries. "However, a decision on the matter has yet to be made, but I hope it can be realised within the next few months," he told reporters after launching the ministry's Innovation Day. The setting up of the GCSA was agreed upon during a National Information Technology Council (NITC) meeting chaired by Prime Minister Najib Razak on Aug 23 last year. Ongkili said Malaysia, which heads the GCSA, will invite members of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Asean Regional Forum and developing countries to participate in the GCSA. He said the GCSA will act as a platform for its members to share information on cyber security in their countries. He added that emphasis on cyber security in Malaysia is needed following cyber attacks by anonymous hackers allegedly based abroad last year. In another development, Ongkili clarified that his ministry continues to be committed in actively determining the development of science, technology and innovation at the global level. -- BERNAMA