Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim called on Muslim scholars and communities to actively engage with artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, warning that failing to gain technological expertise could leave societies vulnerable to foreign influence and technological subjugation.
Speaking at an award ceremony on Sunday in Kozhikode, located in the southern Indian state of Kerala, Anwar stated that societies lacking a deep understanding of modern technological advances risk being weaponized by external forces. He emphasized that without comprehensive knowledge of digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and modern sciences, developing societies will struggle to maintain self-determination and protect their intellectual and economic sovereignty.
Balancing Technological Mastery with Ethical and Moral Frameworks
Addressing an audience of religious scholars and academic leaders at the Markazu Saquafathi Sunniyya in Karanthur, the Malaysian leader stressed that technological acquisition must not occur at the expense of faith, ethics, or cultural heritage.
Anwar cautioned that foreign cultural and moral values can be embedded within new digital platforms and automated tools. He warned that when communities lack the technical capacity to develop and shape these technologies independently, they risk undermining their foundational ethical principles. He expressed concern over the apparent hesitation among some religious scholars to grapple with artificial intelligence, noting that while global technology executives actively debate the societal hazards of frontier systems, broader religious and civic institutions must also contribute to shaping ethical frameworks for technological deployment.
Recognition of Service and Regional Diplomacy
During the event, Anwar was presented with the inaugural Excellence Award instituted by the Sheikh Abubakr Foundation in recognition of his public service, contributions to Islamic scholarship, and efforts toward international dialogue. The honor was conferred by Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliyar, the Grand Mufti of India and a prominent Sunni scholar, who also presented the prime minister with a commemorative handwritten manuscript of Sahih al-Bukhari.
The Malaysian prime minister traveled to Kerala to engage with regional leaders and academic institutions directly following his participation in the BRICS Leaders’ Summit held in New Delhi. Discussions between Malaysian delegates and Indian scholars focused on developing balanced approaches to artificial intelligence that harness technical progress while safeguarding human dignity, moral values, and social equity.
