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Goverment agencies were told that they will soon be required to use local software and solutions whenever possible. This move is to give the Malaysian ICT (Informations and Communication Technology) companies a chance to flourish in the local market and strengthen their products before pushing it into the global markets.

Our Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said that a circular would soon be sent out, informing all government institutions to give preference to local software and solutions.

The Prime Minister also called on the agencies to make more use of electronic media such as emails, SMS (Short Message Service), and social networks such as Twitter and Facebook to maintain contact with the public. For example, public service announcements and warnings could be sent to the public via SMS.

The reaction to this were generally positive, and I do agree that we should provide an opportunity for our local IT companies to grow and move on to the global standard.

Speaking from a student's point of view, it would be interesting to use a software that is locally designed. However, due to assignment constrains, international softwares such as Adobe Photoshop, and Dreamweaver are still considered to be more dependable.

I do agree that this circular should begin with government agencies first, and when it is more stable and fully approved by the public, then it should be passed on to the other institutions such as high schools, colleges and universities.

As good as this will be for the country, this act might give the wrong impression to other countries, saying that Malaysia is intending to opt for protectionism. When this problem arises, I personally feel that the government should make an announcement to those countries explaining the real intention for this circular. That we do not intend to cut out softwares from other countries, but simply just giving our local IT industry a chance to grow globally.

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