KUALA LUMPUR: A deputy minister was requested to provide written response to questions raised by lawmakers owing to his inaudible replies in Dewan Rakyat on Thursday (Sept 30).

       "I can't hear or understand what the deputy minister is saying and he should provide a written reply.

       "We have been waiting here for his answers but we are unable to understand him," said Dr Maszlee Malik (Ind-Simpang Renggam) in the Dewan Rakyat.

       Maszlee interjected when Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Economy) Datuk Eddin Syazlee Shith was responding to a question raised by Nik Mohamed Abduh Nik Abdul Aziz (PN-Bachok).

       Nik Mohamed who wanted to know what was being done to ensure the country's digital economy remains competitive.

       Maszlee suggested that the deputy minister provide his answers in written form to lawmakers who had raised question on the matter.

       Eddin, whose voice sounded raspy and muffled, admitted he was not feeling well.

       Dewan Rakyat Speaker Datuk Azhar Azizan Harun requested Eddin to provide his replies in writing within the next five days.

       Earlier, Eddin told Nik Mohamed that there are plans to further develop nation's digital infrastructure under the 12th Malaysia Plan.

       Among them, he said, were public and private investments totalling RM28bil to improve the current 4G network.