Master AI and New Knowledge Without Sidelining Faith, Creed and Morality – Anwar
KUALA LUMPUR: The development of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing and digitalisation must be pursued without neglecting the foundations of faith, morality and the character of Muslims.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the pursuit of AI and new knowledge should not involve wholly adopting or imitating foreign influences, particularly from the West, to the extent that Islamic principles of faith and the noble values of Muslims are sidelined.
“The challenge is how we use this new knowledge and technology — artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing and digitalisation — while remaining rooted in our faith, morality and character. We must uphold our values.
“In pursuing change and seeking new knowledge, we must not abandon the principles of our faith, morality and character, or allow them to be pushed aside from what it means to be a good Muslim,” he said.
He said this in his speech at the opening ceremony of the 66th International Al-Quran Recitation and Memorisation Assembly (MTHQA) at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL) here today.
Also present were Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan, Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar.
Anwar said that while embracing modern change, Muslims must remain committed to promoting goodness and compassion while continuously returning to the foundations of the Quran and pursuing deeper understanding of its teachings.
Elaborating, he also shared advice from prominent international Islamic scholars, including a former Grand Mufti of Egypt who recently visited Malaysia through programmes organised by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) and the Islamic Dakwah Foundation Malaysia (YADIM).
He said the scholar had reminded Muslims to deepen their understanding of the rich tradition of turath — the distinguished Islamic intellectual heritage developed over more than 1,400 years — and not to casually discard that legacy in pursuit of new influences.
“The scholars reminded me that if we uphold Islam correctly, we can embrace new ways of thinking and learn about AI and other new fields, but we must remain grounded in the strength of our turath, our legacy and our intellectual heritage so that we do not stray from that spirit.
“We must cultivate a deeper understanding and not allow views that encourage people to rush to judgement without being equipped with profound knowledge to spread,” he said.
The 66th MTHQA, which runs from today until October 10 under the theme ‘Madani Dihayati, Ummah Diberkati’, brings together 50 participants from 38 countries, comprising 25 participants in the Quran recitation category and 25 in the memorisation category.
Malaysia is represented by Mohamad Cik Hasnul Taqiyuddin Cik Sazali and Nur Syakura Mohamad Musa in the recitation category, while Muhammad Izzul Afnan Sazali and Dina Hadfina Mohd Umarul Hisyam are representing the country in the memorisation category.
Berita Harian