KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia must adopt artificial intelligence (AI) without forgoing human values and dignity, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“Can we avoid AI? No, we can’t, but it is our challenge, particularly for the national leadership, to ensure that the education (and the) inculcation of values (to tell) what is right (from) what is wrong, what is just (from) what is oppressive,” he said during a panel session at the 2025 Fortune Asean-GCC Economic Forum here on Wednesday (May 28).
Anwar said the government would resolve issues of digital sovereignty by putting the necessary legislation in place.
“I am determined to push as hard as possible, but I'm also aware that our understanding of our values and knowledge base cannot be dictated by one particular society or particular values,” he said.
This needs to be resolved through education and critical thinking, he added.
While Anwar is bullish about the technology, he said concerns about values are also real.
He said while AI cannot be replaced, it must be coupled with the right values to protect the country – its society, identity, faith and character.
“What is generally considered to be the failure of a global political system now? It's a deficit in value. People don't honour human dignity. There is no concern about justice or fairness,” he said.
On how AI can uplift collaborations between Asean and the GCC, Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, who was also part of the panel session, said it can begin with considering the unique characteristics of both regions.
“Asean is dynamic and has a diverse culture, excellent workforce and large market whereas the GCC has abundant energy supplies, a diverse source of financing as well as a wide range of advanced technologies and expertise.
“These characteristics are complementary. They can connect businesses across both sides and their economies.
“At the same time, businesses play a decisive role, whereas the government facilitates such efforts,” he said.
He stressed the need to harness AI’s benefits while minimising the risk.
“We need to encourage robust and effective AI growth to the best of its capabilities. We should not fear AI," he said.
He also said challenges raised through the use of AI cannot be managed by any single country or individual, but collectively.
“Multilateralism is needed to effectively manage AI. Apart from ensuring continuous growth in the field, we must be able to safeguard national sovereignty in such developments,” he said, hoping for more developed countries to assist less developed ones in fostering AI growth.
“Only then can we truly achieve inclusive development, where no one is left behind,” he said.
G42 group chief executive officer Peng Xiao, who was also speaking in the panel session moderated by Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, said Malaysia and Vietnam must reposition themselves in the global supply chain.
He said Malaysia can leverage its semiconductor industry while Vietnam has some of the best engineers in the world.
"We are now living in the age of building intelligence factories," he said, adding that the days of manufacturing are over.
