Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has stressed that the development of artificial intelligence (AI) must be anchored in humanity, integrity and moral responsibility, rather than being driven solely by technological efficiency and economic gain.
He said rapid technological advancement should not come at the expense of human values, but instead be used as a tool to strengthen dignity, social justice and global well-being.
Delivering a lecture titled “Humanity in a Human-Machine Civilisation”, Anwar noted that the world today is facing challenges far beyond technology, including ongoing conflicts, wars, inequality and oppression despite the growth of AI systems.
He said while Malaysia supports technological progress, including AI, there is a need to ensure that such innovations serve humanity rather than diminish it.
Anwar warned that as machines become increasingly integrated into homes, schools, hospitals, offices and public institutions, societies must ensure that human values remain central.
He added that systems must be designed to serve people and enhance humanity, not erode it or replace essential human qualities.
The Prime Minister further emphasised that institutions must remain accountable to the people, and society must continue to uphold values that cannot be replicated by machines, including conscience, compassion, mercy, responsibility, integrity and empathy.
The lecture was delivered at the University of Tokyo, where he reiterated the importance of balancing innovation with ethical responsibility in the age of artificial intelligence.
