PM Anwar: Adopt AI, but remain rooted in faith and heritage

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 7 — In an address at the 66th International Quran Recital and Memorisation Assembly, Malaysia's Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim emphasized the importance of adopting new technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), while maintaining a strong foundation in faith and heritage. Anwar stressed that the key challenge today revolves around harnessing technological advancements, such as quantum computing, AI, and rapid digitalization, all the while staying true to core values.

He cautioned that those who fail to embrace AI might risk falling behind, but cautioned against blindly copying or entirely adopting foreign concepts, especially those from Western countries.

Anwar highlighted the necessity of preserving the nation's legacy and heritage ("turath") throughout the pursuit of change and knowledge acquisition in AI and other fields. At the event, he was joined by Dr Zulkifli Hasan, Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil, and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar.

Addressing the significance of economic growth and modernization, Anwar stressed that these goals could not be achieved without fostering peace and consensus among people of diverse races and religions. He referenced the Quran's teachings on respecting differences to achieve true harmony, emphasizing the importance of driving positive change through compassion rather than a desire to showcase one's knowledge or intelligence.

Anwar underscored that harmony could only be achieved through consensus, both among Muslims and non-Muslims in the country, as no nation can pursue economic development and growth without unity and peace.