Unwise to claim Mukhriz co-founded firm monopolizing NFCP - MCMC

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) said it is unwise for certain parties to claim that Opcom Holdings Berhad (Opcom) is monopolising the National Fiberisation and Connectivity Plan (NFCP) project.

"Opcom happens to be a fibre optic manufacturer. There are many other fibre optic manufacturers.

"We (MCMC) don't buy fibre optic. It's Telcos. They go through multiple sources of purchasing, acquisition and so on. So it's just an accusation and it's unwise," MCMC chairperson Al-Ishsal Ishak (above) told reporters in Cyberjaya this afternoon.

The NFCP aims to provide nationwide digital connectivity at improved speed yet affordable to the people at the expected cost of RM21.6 billion across five years.

On Tuesday, the Edge reported that Opcom's share price had spiked. It said this could be linked to the speculation that the firm would be a beneficiary of the NFCP.

According to Opcom's Bursa Malaysia filing on Aug 13 this year, the company's deputy CEO Chhoa Kwang Hua co-founded the firm with Mukhriz Mahathir in 1994.

In July this year, it was reported that Mukhriz, who is the son of Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Kedah menteri besar, disposed of 72,600 shares in Opcom, leaving him with 34.89 million shares or a 21.64 percent stake.

A month earlier, his brother Mokhzani had stepped down as Opcom's executive chairperson and other positions due to personal reasons.

Mokhzani had replaced Mukhriz after the latter had resigned as the chairperson and managing director of Opcom following his appointment as deputy international trade and industry minister in 2009.

Meanwhile, Al-Ishsal reiterated that the NFCP is not a mega project.

"I think the perception came from the value of this so-called mega project.

"The value (RM21.6 billion) comes from the Universal Service Provider (USP) fund and capex collected from Telcos," he said.

He further explained that there is no room for monopoly in executing the plan as it is based on progressive policies and certain guidelines.

"We have proven that through progressive policies and guidelines, we were able to provide benefits to various stakeholders.

"Our goal is to stimulate competition, not drive monopolies. Through competition, we have better service and more resilient companies," he added.

Al-Ishsal noted that in June, the World Bank had recognised MCMC's effort.

"World Bank recognised that our policy intervention led to affordable and faster broadband in Malaysia," he said.

He explained that MCMC is in the midst of working with state governments and various stakeholders to improve connectivity.

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