KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will not remain merely a consumer of artificial intelligence (AI) but will work with partners to build capabilities and compete confidently in the global digital economy, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said the country has made significant strides in its digital transformation, which is now a key pillar of national development.
He said the government is prioritising AI in this agenda while ensuring its benefits are shared across society.
“Following our Madani core values, our emphasis is on the people, as we aim to foster economic advancement and prosperity with equity and social justice.
“Pursuing digital transformation driven merely by the quest for material progress will be counterproductive if it leads to greater social inequities.
“Hence, our efforts must be people-centric and must help narrow the digital gap between urban and rural communities and between the wealthy and the poor.
“Shared prosperity cannot remain a slogan; it must be realised through clear policies and effective action,” he said in his keynote address at the launch of the Huawei AI Lab and Innovation Centre yesterday.
Anwar said Malaysia must keep pace with new technologies through agility, speed and efficiency; otherwise, it will be left behind.
The country, added the Prime Minister, must ensure such changes do not widen the gap between the wealthy in urban areas and the poor in rural and remote communities.
“We must also ensure that new technologies, including AI, do not erode our identities, values and moral principles,” he said.
Anwar stressed that while AI presents significant opportunities, it also requires strong governance as it reshapes industries, jobs and decision-making.
As such, Malaysia is strengthening its policy framework, including the establishment of the National AI Office to drive coordination across government, industry and society, he said.
Anwar added that the country will remain open to international partnerships but would retain control over key decisions involving technology and data.
“While the technology may come from anywhere, the rules will be made in Malaysia,” he said.
Meanwhile, on the development of the political situation in Negri Sembilan, Anwar said there will be no state election despite the uncertainty.
Any move to dissolve the state assembly, he said, hinges on the Yang di-Pertuan Besar, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir.
“Not likely (for a state election). It depends because it is up to the Tuanku (Muhriz) and, of course, the assembly sitting,” he added.
