Malaysia's Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim with MITI's Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz and Perak's Chief Minister Datuk Seri Saarani Mohammad witneesing Exchanging of MOU during the ASEAN-GCC Economic forum 2025 at Mandarin Oriental hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, —AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star.
KUALA LUMPUR: While nations must adopt artificial intelligence (AI), it has to be done without forgoing human values and dignity, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“Can we avoid AI? No, we can’t, but it is our challenge, particularly for 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.
Speaking at a panel session at the Fortune Asean-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Economic Forum 2025, Anwar said the Malaysian 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 values cannot be dictated by one particular society or particular values. This needs to be resolved through education and critical thinking,” he said.
While bullish about the technology, Anwar said concerns about values are real, and realising that 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.”
Anwar said the perception that globalisation is dictated by technology and supremacy of the West must be debunked, pointing out that Mecca, Madinah, Oman and the Melaka Sultanate were cosmopolitan centres even before the era of modern globalisation.
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 by 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.
Chinh stressed the need to harness AI 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 in 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.
