Malaysian prime minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stated that adopting Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital technology would not lead to widespread job losses but provide unprecedented opportunities to enhance productivity.

He stated that historically it has been known that industrial revolutions and technological advancements sparked anxiety among the people of a nation but ultimately what transpired was that it actually created opportunities.

Datuk Anwar added that Malaysia must embrace digital transformation at an extraordinary speed to avoid being left behind and the government, businesses and civil society must strive to achieve the nation’s ambitious digital goals.

The prime minister added that the country cannot succeed as a digital nation if it remains bound by archaic bureaucratic approaches and therefore rapid and decisive changes are necessary to ensure the digital goals are realised.

Datuk Anwar further stated that Malaysia’s motivation to become a high income nation hinges on digital innovation and the integration of AI and digital technology must extend across all sectors including health, education and transportation.

He told the media that digital transformation was no longer an option but that it is imperative for economic progress and pointed out that achieving high incomes for Malaysians can only be realised if the nation is driven by digital innovations.

-THE MALAYSIA VOICE