Calicut: The Muslim world must embrace artificial intelligence (AI) and new technologies while ensuring that faith, moral values, and Islamic heritage remain firmly preserved, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Speaking before around 2,000 attendees, including Islamic scholars and students, Anwar emphasized the importance of understanding AI and modern technology to avoid vulnerability to external influences.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar highlighted the risk of being colonized and used as tools by foreign forces without sufficient knowledge and understanding of AI. He delivered these remarks at the 'Gathering of Honour for the Prime Minister of Malaysia' event at Markazu Saquafathi Sunniya, also known as Jamia Markaz, in Calicut.
He further noted that the challenge facing Muslim societies was not merely to acquire knowledge and expertise in AI but also to ensure that technological advancement was guided by faith and moral values. Anwar warned that technology was not value-neutral and could impact societal values, ethics, and beliefs if not approached with care.
The Prime Minister underscored the importance of preserving the turath (Islamic scholarly heritage), urging the Muslim world to maintain focus on the Quran, Sunnah, and works of prominent Islamic scholars while embracing new knowledge and technology. He pointed out that Islamic heritage emphasized tolerance, wisdom, and constructive engagement, including relations with followers of other faiths.
Anwar reiterated that Malaysia's MADANI approach was rooted in values of humanity, respect, and friendship among people of different races and religions, while remaining firmly grounded in the country's Islamic faith and moral framework.
During his visit to Keralam, Anwar acknowledged the state's historical ties with the Malay world and its significant role in spreading Islam and Islamic scholarship across the Malay Archipelago, including Singapore, Brunei, Indonesia, and the southern Philippines.
He expressed gratitude to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for facilitating his visit to Keralam, made in conjunction with his official visit to India to attend the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi. Anwar also anticipated discussions with Keralam Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan and the state Cabinet to strengthen relations between Malaysia and Keralam.
Anwar appreciated the cooperation of Keralam state authorities, security personnel, officials, and others involved in facilitating his visit to Jamia Markaz. He noted that their assistance, including that of non-Muslims, highlighted the importance of mutual respect and collaboration towards a common goal.
Earlier, Anwar received the inaugural Sheikh Abu Bakar Foundation Excellence Award, recognizing his over five decades of public service and contributions to education, Islamic scholarship, institutional development, international dialogue, and human well-being.