Malaysia Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim, stated that since digital transformation is now a key pillar of national development, the nation would not just consume Artificial Intelligence (AI) but work to build capabilities and compete in the global digital market.

Anwar commented that Malaysia would not just be a bystander in the arena of AI, but ensure its benefits are shared across society in line with the core Madani values of fostering economic advancement and prosperity.

He believed that greater equalities are set to arise in the country if digital transformation is driven merely by the quest for material goals, and this would definitely be counterproductive as it could create even more social inequalities.

Anwar stated that shared prosperity cannot be a mere slogan chant, but the efforts in technological advancement must be people-centric and must help bridge the digital divide between urban and rural communities.

Policies on AI and other technology usage must be clear and the nation must adapt and learn to keep pace with new technologies by being pliable, possessing great speed and efficiency, otherwise Malaysians would be lagging behind other countries.

However, Anwar cautioned that the changes that evolve and take place should not widen the gap between those who are wealthy in urban settings and the poor in rural communities but benefits in AI and other technological consumption must benefit everyone.

-THE MALAYSIA VOICE