Padu: Why the need to gather excessive info?, Premier asks
If extensive information is disclosed without relevance to financial matters, we see no justification for acquiring such in-depth details.
Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg
KOTA SAMARAHAN: Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg feels that the Central Database Hub (Padu) should not gather excessive information unrelated to the financial status of the people.
He said the people of Sarawak are keen to know the need for Padu to require so much of their personal information during registration.
“If extensive information is disclosed without relevance to financial matters, we see no justification for acquiring such in-depth details,” he told reporters after attending the state-level Nuzul Al-Quran celebration at the Al-Muttaqin Mosque here Wednesday night.
He said there should be limits set by the Personal Data Protection Act to safeguard personal information so that they align with constitutional provisions that protect freedom and liberty.
Abang Johari said individuals have the right to withhold certain personal details, especially those unrelated to income and economic circumstances.
“Under the Personal Data Protection Act, there must be a limit for us to disclose our personal (details). It is in line with the laws of the country, in terms of freedom and liberty. You have the right not to disclose your personal well-being... but if it is related to income and also the economic situation, of course the data is more relevant,” he explained.
Abang Johari also said the Ministry of Economy is expected to meet with Sarawak government representatives next week on the issue of Padu registration. However, he said he has not received detailed information about the meeting apart from State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki confirming that Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli is coming to Sarawak.
“It depends on when the delegation from the Ministry of Economy will come because of course YB Rafizi wants to know more why we asked for Padu (registration) to be postponed. We also want to get other information (about Padu) especially regarding privacy,” he said.