KUALA LUMPUR: The Communications Minister and Deputy Minister were not involved in selecting U Mobile Sdn Bhd as the mobile network operator (MNO) that will implement the country’s second 5G network. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil stated that the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) independently evaluated eligible MNOs through a tender process. This evaluation considered various factors including business and technical plans, customer satisfaction, complaint rate records, and performance in implementing other infrastructure initiatives.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Fahmi Fadzil emphasized that MCMC ensured compliance with the shareholding condition, which restricts foreign equity ownership to no more than 49 percent. U Mobile has reduced its foreign ownership to 20 percent, thereby meeting the ownership requirements. “So, from the aspect of ownership, whether foreign or local shareholding, (this) does not violate the conditions for the decision made,” he explained during the
Minister’s Question Time session in the Dewan Rakyat.

In a statement released on November 1, MCMC announced U Mobile’s selection as the second 5G network service provider. The company is permitted to collaborate with other ecosystem partners, subject to MCMC’s approval. U Mobile also issued a separate statement, affirming its decision to reduce foreign majority shareholding to 20 percent, to ensure greater Malaysian dominance and encourage participation from local investors, aligning with its commitment to the national agenda.