Economic Adviser at the Office of the Vice President, Professor Sharif Mahmud Khalid, has called for a bipartisan and inclusive approach to the passage of the Cybersecurity (Amendment) Bill, 2025. He stressed the importance of broad consultation with digital experts and civil society to ensure a balanced and effective law.
Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, Professor Khalid cautioned that cybersecurity policy must be crafted through consensus and technical expertise, not political expediency. “With such legislation, I will always call for bipartisan legislation,” he stated. “The cybersecurity network in the country. professionals, civil society organizations, and others whose work directly relates to this ought to be consulted to see the way forward.”
He explained that drafting legislation is often one of the most complex stages in lawmaking, as the language used must accurately capture the intended purpose. “Sometimes legislation is a very difficult process, and the most difficult stage is drafting. The intent is not always reflected on paper, which is why you need fellow astute drafters to help,” he added.
Professor Khalid further emphasized that cybersecurity laws should be strong enough to counter emerging digital threats while remaining precise to avoid misinterpretation and unintended consequences.
His comments come as the proposed Cybersecurity (Amendment) Bill, 2025, continues to generate public debate, with stakeholders urging Parliament to prioritize transparency, collaboration, and accountability in its passage.
