Anwar: Malaysia must embrace AI, quantum technology without losing cultural roots

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (left) engages in a friendly conversation with regional preacher Ustaz Abdul Somad Batubara during the 'Majlis Ilmu Madani (Madani Knowledge Gathering) with the Prime Minister at the Seri Perdana Complex today. — Bernama pic

First Published: Wednesday, 28 Oct 2026 8:06 PM MYT

PUTRAJAYA, Oct 28 — Malaysia must continue to master emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing, to remain competitive globally while preserving its religious and cultural identity, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said.

Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said technological advancement was essential to ensuring the country kept pace with global developments, but must be anchored in religious faith, moral values, culture and literature.

“If we fail to master technology, others will overwhelm us. That is the principle. In the past, we fell behind because others mastered technology while we did not.

“But reaching for the sky must go hand in hand with being rooted in the ground. And what keeps us rooted? Our faith, morals, values, culture and literature,” he said.

He was speaking at the ‘Majlis Ilmu Madani’ programme at Kompleks Seri Perdana here today, featuring prominent Indonesian preacher Ustaz Dr Abdul Somad Batubara as a guest.

Also present were Anwar’s wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan, and Westar Group founder and managing director Tan Sri Dr Syed Azman Syed Ibrahim.

Anwar said the culture of seeking knowledge must be strengthened to address the tendency among some individuals to raise problems without offering solutions based on knowledge and rational thinking.

He said a lack of in-depth understanding across various fields, including religion, could lead to tensions when people pass judgment on issues without sufficient knowledge or careful consideration.

“Even today, some religious teachers create problems. They learn a little about religion and immediately pass judgment, becoming ‘takfiris’ who declare others apostates or accuse them of hypocrisy,” he said.

Takfir refers to the practice of one Muslim declaring another Muslim an infidel or apostate. 

He said the government would continue to strengthen religious education institutions, including traditional religious learning and the study of turath, or the Islamic intellectual heritage.

Anwar said the government also organised the monthly Madani Scholars Forum for senior leadership, including Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, to encourage informed discussion on such issues.

“The forum is sponsored by a conglomerate, and we invite people to discuss these matters. We believe that without adequate preparation in knowledge and understanding, including in preaching, religious studies and jurisprudence, tensions will arise,” he said.

The Majlis Ilmu Madani programme, held at the Prime Minister’s official residence, is part of efforts to foster a society that values knowledge and appreciates the importance of proper conduct and good character.

Anwar conceived the programme after becoming Prime Minister in November 2022. It has since been expanded to venues nationwide. — Bernama