Kuala Lumpur:Muslims must embrace new technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), to remain competitive in the rapidly advancing global landscape, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stated.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar emphasized the importance of balancing technological advancements like quantum computing, AI, and digitalization with strong faith, morals, and personal character. He cautioned against the risk of falling behind for those who do not embrace AI as a new field of knowledge, while also stressing that understanding AI does not mean adopting foreign practices, particularly from Western countries, wholesale.
Anwar highlighted the need to preserve values, suggesting that while pursuing knowledge in AI and other fields, it is crucial to stay grounded in the strength of 'turath,' which refers to legacy and heritage. He made these statements during the 66th International Quran Recital and Memorisation Assembly (MTHQA) at the World Trade Centre.
In attendance at the event were Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Dr. Zulkifli Hasan, Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil, and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar.
Anwar also remarked that economic growth and modernisation, including digital transformation, require peace and consensus among people of various races and religions. He noted that the Quran guides Muslims to understand and respect one another's differences to foster genuine harmony. He advised that the pursuit of change should focus on bringing goodness and mercy, and that dakwah should be driven by compassion rather than boasting.
The 66th MTHQA, taking place from October 6 to 10, features the theme 'Madani Dihayati, Ummah Diberkati' and includes 50 participants from 38 countries, with 25 in Quran recitation and 25 in Quran memorisation. Malaysia is represented by Mohamad Cik Hasnul Taqiyuddin Cik Sazali and Nur Syakura Mohamad Musa in recitation, and Muhammad Izzul Afnan Sazali and Dina Hadfina Mohd Umarul Hisyam in memorisation.