Kuala lumpur: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called upon Muslims in Malaysia to enhance their understanding of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), while maintaining a strong adherence to traditional values and the teachings of the Quran. He emphasized the importance of acquiring new knowledge to navigate current global challenges, ensuring Muslims remain grounded in their religious principles.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar highlighted the need to balance the pursuit of technological mastery with the preservation of Islamic values during his speech at the 1447H/2026M National Quran Recitation and Memorisation Assembly (MTHQK). He stated, "We must reach for the skies through mastery of new knowledge such as AI and information technology, but at the same time, the foundation of tradition and Islamic values must not be abandoned." Anwar stressed that such preparation is essential to overcoming obstacles that impede progress.
The event was attended by several notable figures, including Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Zulkifli Hasan, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, and Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar. Anwar addressed the global situation, referencing conflicts in Gaza, southern Lebanon, and attacks on Iran as lessons on the necessity of preparedness in knowledge and technology. He pointed out that the continuous violence by the Zionist Israeli regime indicates the need for strong faith, character, and technological capability among Muslims to prevent further setbacks.
Anwar further underscored the need for reform in the national education system to ensure it remains rooted in tradition while exploring new fields and technologies. He also commented on how colonial systems in the Muslim world dismantled traditional strengths without building new ones.
The MTHQK 2026, themed 'Kalam Ilahi Tradisi Diwarisi', features 108 contestants, including 14 male reciters (qari), 14 female reciters (qariah), and 80 participants in the memorisation category, competing over six days. The competition includes recitation and three hafazan (memorisation) categories. This year's event incorporates digitalisation efforts with the introduction of the eMTHQ system as the competition's main management platform and the application of AI in the 'ibrah' segment. Improvements to the competition format for both recitation and memorisation categories aim to increase the challenge level for participants.