Anwar: Malaysia must embrace AI, quantum technology without losing cultural roots

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim emphasized that Malaysia must embrace emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing while preserving its religious and cultural identity. Anwar, who serves as Finance Minister, stressed that technological progress is crucial for keeping the nation competitive globally, but it should be anchored in religious faith, moral values, culture, and literature.

He warned that failure to master technology could result in others overwhelming Malaysia, as was the case in the past. Speaking at the 'Majlis Ilmu Madani' program at Kompleks Seri Perdana, Anwar's wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan, and Westar Group founder Tan Sri Dr Syed Azman Syed Ibrahim were also present.

Anwar stressed the importance of strengthening the culture of knowledge-seeking to address issues when people pass judgment without sufficient understanding or rational thinking. He highlighted that some religious teachers often create problems by making hasty declarations about others, labeling them as apostates or accusing them of hypocrisy.

The government plans to enhance religious education institutions, including traditional religious learning and the study of Islamic intellectual heritage, known as turath. The government also organizes the monthly Madani Scholars Forum to encourage informed discussion on such matters. The forum, sponsored by a conglomerate, invites senior leadership, including Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, to discuss these issues.

The Majlis Ilmu Madani program, held at the Prime Minister's official residence, aims to foster a society that values knowledge and appreciates good character and conduct. The program was initiated by Anwar after becoming Prime Minister in November 2022 and has since been expanded to various locations nationwide.