KANGAR: Mastering Artificial Intelligence (AI) is essential to ensuring that the technology is driven by local values and morals, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said it is paramount for Malaysians to master the technology so that its usage is not dictated by those who own the knowledge, particularly the Western countries.
"If we fail to master the AI technology, we will lose out because all sectors, including government administration, military, police, immigration, the private sector, and agriculture, will be controlled by AI," Anwar said in his keynote address at the "Perkampungan Sunnah" gathering at Masjid Alwi here this evening.
Present were Perlis Menteri Besar Mohd Shukri Ramli, Information Minister Fahmi Fadzil, state Mufti Datuk Dr Asri Zainul Abidin and Arau member of Parliament Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim.
Anwar added that during his meeting with tech giant Microsoft's chief executive officer Satya Nadella yesterday, he has pointed out that it is crucial that the values, religion, culture, and morals of people in the country are being dictated by the AI originated from the West.
He said Satya has informed him that it is entirely up to Malaysians to master the technology and ensure that AI software is being used based on local values.
"This is something like during the early days when computers were invented, there were fears about the threat of pornography.
"We can't fend off everything, but we have to build internal resistance to reject the negative element. The same goes with AI," he said.
He stressed on the importance of Malaysians to mathematics and science in order to have a good grasp on AI.