PUTRAJAYA: As Malaysia aspires to lead in digital transformation and artificial intelligence (AI), its ambitions must be grounded in strong moral values and a deep sense of history, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim
The Prime Minister said that the country's push towards high-tech goals will only succeed if we appreciate moral values and understand our history.
"In supporting Malaysia’s high ambition to become a leader through digital transformation and AI, I always stress that there must be inner strength.
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"Our future generation must be trained in various disciplines, including history, culture, language, religion, and above all, good values," he said in his speech when launching the National Historians Council at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC) here on Monday (Sept 8).
Also present at the event were National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang and Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul,
Anwar said one of the greatest challenges to the country is building a national narrative that overcomes barriers, as well as strengthens historical awareness and literacy among young people and society in general.
"We have institutions such as the National Archives and our museums. Yet the way history is explained and presented must become more engaging.
"Too often, I see exhibitions where school children come to visit, but little effort is made to guide them with captivating explanations.
"We must nurture their curiosity, provide simple materials, booklets, leaflets, images, that they can take home and reflect upon," he said.
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The Prime Minister added that a civilisation cannot stand on technology alone.
"It must be upheld by culture, by history, by values of excellence. And the civilisation we seek to build is not just any civilisation, but a Malaysian civilisation.
"The vision of Madani must ensure that our values, our perspectives, and our identity are deeply lived and appreciated," he said.
Anwar added that history must also be taught with regard to ethics and morality.
"But it must not deviate from the truth and integrity of history.
"Our role is to truly present data so that history becomes empirical. Because I see that sometimes discussions in the country today, where we focus a lot on digital, AI, semiconductors, and new technologies, often (neglecting) the role of history," he said.
