Anwar Ibrahim urges Muslim world to master AI and preserve values

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has called on the Muslim world to master artificial intelligence and emerging technologies to avoid becoming dependent on foreign powers. Speaking at the Markazu Saquafathi Sunniya in Kerala, India, Anwar warned that a lack of knowledge and understanding regarding AI could leave Muslim societies vulnerable to outside influence and being “weaponised by foreign forces”.

Anwar emphasized that technological advancement must be balanced with the preservation of religious, moral, and Islamic heritage. He noted that Muslim scholars and societies have not been sufficiently attentive to the challenges posed by AI, even as global leaders express concern over its societal impact. He advocated for a framework where expertise in technology is paired with a strong grounding in faith and ethics.

To address these challenges, Anwar expressed support for a proposal to establish an Asia forum dedicated to studying how societies can utilize AI while ensuring their core values and faith remain intact. He also highlighted the importance of the Malaysia MADANI approach, which integrates human values and respect within a moral framework.