Generalizability: Audio And Visual Recording Documentation, Digital Forensic Authenticity From Abroad and the GLC.

Kuala Lumpur - The lack of skilled resources in terms of "digital forensics" in Malaysia is clearly a major factor in the use of foreign expertise to produce case materials or evidence for court proceedings. 

Digital forensics skills are very important in terms of cybersecurity aspects because its help organizations identify the cause and scope of security breaches, determine attack methods and measure the damage suffered.

At the same time, it also becomes a major trigger for political groups to clean up 'their' credibility and eradicate 'their' group who use dirty tactics.

Overseas forensic services are becoming a significant trend.

Flash back at the 'Elmina Crash' on August 17, 2023, Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Foke is considering the decision to send the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) box belonging to the Beechcraft aircraft that crashed in Elmina City to the manufacturer in Florida, United States.

The main purpose is to reproduce the recording data after the analysis laboratory in Singapore reportedly failed to obtain the voice recording of the last 30 minutes before the incident, from the CVR's 'memory puck'.

As a result, on August 29, 2023, the last 30 minutes of voice recording was successfully obtained after being taken to Florida and sent back to the investigation team in Kuala Lumpur for analysis.

Most recently, May 1, 2025, former Deputy Speaker of the Dewan Negara, Datuk Seri Mohamad Ali Mohamad, took drastic steps by conducting forensic tests on voice recordings allegedly belonging to Melaka Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Utama Ab Rauf Yusoh, at three international locations, namely in London, Bangkok and Jakarta, through a globally recognised company.

Previously, Mohamad Ali lodged a police report at the Dang Wangi District Police Headquarters, asking the authorities to investigate a viral audio claiming that Ab Rauf was the main mastermind behind his arrest by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) on corruption charges.

Former Tangga Batu UMNO Division Chief, Mohamad Ali said that the "viral audio on social media" was evidence of the reason he was detained for four days and stressed his confidence in the professionalism of the police in conducting a fairer investigation.

The same approach, yet varied circumstances, contrasting positions as Government and Opposition, and, most significantly, differing political background.

The validity of Digital Forensics abroad according to the country's constitution.

In general, technology-based investigations initially faced severe challenges, due to inconsistent technological paradigm shifts.

This creates several issues, including those studied by Findley and Scott, 2006; Risinger, 2008: The Multiple Dimensions of Tunnel Vision in Criminal Cases, is the lack of reliable and complete evidence, parallel construction of facts, lack of access to evidence and data that is too old on released/suspected persons for the analysis process.

Focus on datafication, for example computer surveillance is the most intrusive investigative measure, as it infringes on the right to privacy, data protection and telecommunications confidentiality, and in addition disrupts the integrity and confidentiality of computer systems.

However, in Malaysia, the Amendment to the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 [Act 588] which came into effect on February 11, 2025, was explained by the Minister of Communications, Fahmi Fadzil, as not threatening freedom of expression.

Fahmi stressed that Article 10 of the Federal Constitution protects the right to freedom of expression "subject to law."

This includes the principle of confidentiality in line with the Official Secrets Act 1972 (Act 88) which prohibits the dissemination of information categorised as official secrets.

The question is, has the action of a "few politicians" who use overseas digital forensic services for personal gain violated Malaysian law?

It is clear that it has violated the Foreign Jurisdictional Immunity Act 2024 (Act 853) which focuses on ensuring national security including increasing investor confidence in entering Malaysia.

Digital Forensic Competence in Malaysia Through a Capability Analysis of the Royal Malaysian Customs Department.

In Malaysia, Digital Forensics Laboratories have long been established in every enforcement organization, which has clearly provided positive effectiveness, such as in the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM).

The RM8.5 million JKDM Digital Forensics Laboratory, equipped with the latest technology, is responsible for conducting analysis of digital evidence.

According to JKDM Director-General Datuk Anis Rizana Mohd Zainudin, the newest asset consists of several main components including a computer forensics laboratory, telephone, audio, video and documents.

Overall, the JKDM successfully cracked down on 7,215 smuggling cases with a seizure and tax value of RM 1.644 billion last year, in addition to recording the highest net revenue collection of RM65.57 billion.

Interestingly, the JKDM also collaborates with other enforcement agencies including CyberSecurity Malaysia (CSM), Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM), Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM), Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) through the establishment of the Digital Forensics Working Group (KKFD).

GLC Digital Forensics, the Unsung 'Heroes' Who Should Make Improvements.

From the perspective of the Government-Linked Companies (GLC) Sector, among those responsible for Digital Forensics skills is LGMS Berhad which delivers cybersecurity services to local, regional and international clients from different industries.

Established in 2005, Rumors says that LGMS Berhad's healthy profit figures offered no surprises to investors. Nevertheless, the statutory profit figure does not provide the complete picture, and have identified certain factors that could raise concerns for shareholders.

On May 21, 2024, LGMS Bhd is said to stand to benefit greatly from the National Cyber ​​Security Bill while driving demand for cybersecurity solutions in Malaysia.

Approved by the Senate on April 3, 2024, the bill seeks to enhance the nation's cybersecurity and safeguard Malaysia's digital infrastructure against cyber threats.

As a closing, what is the point of profit for a country if the use of overseas digital forensic services becomes a trend. Added to this vested interests, especially politicians, whether in the government or opposition bloc.