PUTRAJAYA, 5 Nov 2008: The government managed to save RM32 million in expenditure through the implementation of open source software (OSS) in government agencies and departments, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Sidek Hassan said.
He said the saving for the first phase of the project, involving OSS implementation in 15 agencies and departments, was RM10 million.
Some RM22 million was saved in the second phase which involved the installation of OpenOffice software on 10,682 computers and the use of 174 products from the open source competency centre, he said.
He said the increase in the OSS usage would enhance the ICT service and help to develop the local ICT industry.
“This will contribute to the country’s gross domestic product and help propel the country’s development,” he said when opening the Malaysian Government Open Source Software Conference (MyGOSSCON) 2008 at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre here.
His text of speech was read out by Malaysian Administrative Modernisation and Management Planning Unit Director-General Datuk Normah Md Yusof.
Mohd Sidek also said that it was important for government departments and agencies to find ways to minimise expenses.
“It is the responsibility of all department heads to plan and implement all projects, including ICT projects,” he said, adding that the OSS application would not only benefit government departments and agencies but also private and public higher learning institutions. — Bernama
