Sarawak Minister: PADU is Akin to “stripping citizens naked” Due to Its Need for Detailed Personal Info

Since the launch of the Central Database Hub (PADU) on 2 January, its implementation has been rocky with many Malaysians being sceptical about registering and updating their information on the database.

As of  21 March, only 6.73 million out of 30.08 million have updated their info on PADU, despite the closing date for the database being just a mere 10 days away.

The Sarawak Government has reservations about PADU

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Now, PADU is also facing some potential backlash from Sarawak as it was revealed that the Sarawak Government has reservations about the requirements for citizens to complete registration on the database. 

As shared by The Borneo Post, Sarawak Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah today told reporters that Sarawak is seeking clarification from the Federal Government on PADU and to request a review for PADU registrations in the state. 

Dato sri abdul karim rahman hamzah

Abdul Karim revealed that the Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law, MA63 and State-Federal Relations) Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali has been tasked with seeking clarification and review on PADU from the Federal Government.

Abdul Karim added that the Sarawak Government had discussed PADU during a Cabinet meeting and had asked the Federal Government for its registration requirements to be modified for Sarawak. 

The Sarawak Minister clarified that the state is not against PADU and will support it if it has good intentions.

However, he warned that if the database has ulterior motives, they would not be happy about it.

Abdul Karim believes that PADU is akin to ‘stripping yourself naked’

On a personal note, Abdul Karim said that he believes that PADU’s need for detailed personal information such as bank accounts and housing loans is akin to ‘stripping citizens naked’.

He asserted,

“Personally, I believe there must be a slight change for the state. For PADU, I see something like what we have before – e-Kasih. Why do you keep on wanting to change, 2 to 3 years the system keeps changing.”

“The moment you fill in, you ‘strip yourself naked’. Practically everything, your bank account, your house, everything. I don’t think that is a proper way to treat your citizens.”

Abdul Karim further stressed that if PADU is meant to help the poor, then let those receiving government aid fill that in but don’t go overboard and say everybody must fill it in.

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So, what do you guys think of the Sarawak Minister’s statement? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!

Also read: “Is that a threat?” – Rafizi Ramli Bashed for Telling M’sians to Register for PADU or Lose Out on Govt Aid