KUALA LUMPUR: Expectations for Budget 2027 remain high despite limited resources, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Speaking at the International Future Conference 2026, Anwar acknowledged the heavy demands facing the upcoming national budget, which he is set to present in early October.
“We are dealing with issues of knowledge, new technology versus tradition, societal concerns, and inequity. To that end, I will present a budget with high expectations despite our limited resources,” he said during his keynote address on Monday (Sept 28).
Anwar emphasized that while Malaysia’s true challenge lies in mastering new technologies and navigating the future, the country remains bogged down by racial division and zero-sum identity politics.
“We must acknowledge the importance of new technology and the future,” he said, adding that advancements such as artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation must be anchored in ethics, culture, and core societal values.
“For Malaysia, technological advancement must never become detached from the society it is meant to serve. We should pursue capability with confidence, but never at the expense of judgment, dignity, or a clear sense of who we are becoming,” Anwar noted.
He called for a holistic approach to future studies, drawing inspiration from Islamic intellectual traditions that historically integrated science, philosophy, and ethics.
Anwar also highlighted Malaysia's growing prominence on the global stage, noting that the nation stands out among Muslim-majority countries as a primary hub for semiconductor manufacturing, AI data centers, and tech investments.
The two-day conference addresses critical global challenges, including AI development, the digital economy, space technology, climate change, energy transition, and socioeconomic governance.
