Can the nation afford to wait for the promised broadband any longer?

The answer to the question is "NO".

I refer to the blog article of YB Lim Kit Siang as per URL (http://blog.limkitsiang.com/2009/10/30/broadband-penetration-vs-broadband-quality-vs-hsbb/#more-6479)

I think Lim Kit Siang has been very sincere, accurate, and patriotic in his approach on the broadband infrastructure issue.

The broadband infrastructure is like the highways or roads that would enhance the value of our society tremendously. Unfortunately, our internet linkage or infrastructure is very 'backward' compared to our neighbouring countries likes South Korea, Thailand, Singapore or Hong Kong.

In the early 70s, we are at par with all these countries in terms of economy strength and basic infrastructures; today we are losing in almost all the key areas of the economic foundation of a nation. We started early with the Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) in the early 90s, and today we are way behind in this area of development, and it's just too shameful to mention all the negatives but just on one most important aspect of the ingredients - the internet connectivity infrastructure or the broadband infrastructure.

What has gone wrong over the years on the telecommunication infrastructure in the country?

Why other countries are able to pursue better technology in anticipating with the growth of the infrastructure?

What happens to the MSC initiatives started in the early 90s?

Have we been on track or off track on our endeavour to move into the so-called knowledge economy or society?

PM Najib has just mentioned in his 2010 budget before the close of October, 2009 that the nation is gearing towards a high income society in the years to come. The basic ingredient in making this a reality is definitely has to be built on a very good quality of broadband infrastructure, and of course not forgetting a quality human resource as well.

There seems that huge sum of money had been invested over the years, and the return or performance has not been encouraging. We are facing with, not only the Penetration issue, but also the Broadband Quality issues, and we are plagued by the slowness of our only telecommunication manmoth unable to deliver as it should. The whole country is under sieged by its dismal or under performance, and lack of aggressiveness.

The economy of our nation now compulsorily requires the inclusion of ICT value in order to make us competitive, and grow. The ICT is the answer, and an important ingredient in the survival of a nation or business in the near and far future.

The broadband infrastructure, the equivalent to the road system, will empower the nation to a new horizon if implemented appropriately. The infrastructure is as important as the current traditional infrastructures. A progressive government needs quality network infrastructure badly, so are the businesses, and indeed, the societies. Even the kids are demanding a good broadband infrastructure, and if the government is serious in wooing the youngsters votes in the next election, it's better work harder on this matter immediately. This issue is more relevant to them and they will appreciate the government more than talking other issues.

Ask any net users, one should know that their woes are as serious as the consumers in other traditional infrastructures such as electricity, water, hospital, road...etc. The use of ICT devices are everywhere and these gadgets require a solid broadband infrastructure to sustain its application.

And, the government is fully responsible for this infrastructure. Let's hope that their frustration in the use of these ICT devices will not transforming into anger against the government.

To be honest, the government, through it's agents, has not been doing it right, and the new generation of citizens are desperately need it now. Try to ask a youngster if they can afford not to go on line in any day, and one will understand immediately the criticality of the broadband infrastructure to them.

People First, Performance Now!(?)

Time may not be on our side any more if we keep on doing it at the present management structure and pace.