Anwar apologises for Waze ban, cites national security priorities

KUALA LUMPUR — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim acknowledged the controversy surrounding the ban on Waze, a popular GPS navigation application, saying the move was driven by overriding concerns related to national security. The decision to restrict the app had drawn public attention due to reported links between the ban and geopolitical considerations. In clarifying the government's position, Anwar indicated that security imperatives had guided the policy, emphasizing that such matters required prioritization above other considerations. The Prime Minister's remarks sought to address widespread questions about the reasoning behind the restriction, which had generated significant debate among users and observers in Malaysia. The government's stance reflected its approach to balancing technological access with what officials characterized as essential safeguarding measures for the nation.