Kuala Lumpur (VNA) – Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim highlighted the importance of ethnical journalism in artificial intelligence (AI) era while addressing the Malaysia Journalism Night 2026 and the MPI-PETRONAS Malaysian Journalism Awards 2025 held in Kuala Lumpur on July 17.
He stated that while AI is becoming increasingly accessible and offering many opportunities to enhance capabilities in various industries, its development and use must be guided by integrity and sound moral principles. He emphasised that Malaysian journalism must prepare to face the challenges posed by technological advancements by improving capabilities and skills in all sectors.
Anwar said that Malaysia needs to rely on knowledge, skills, and talent to drive technological progress, with a focus on digital adaptability and literacy, while ensuring that technological advancement does not erode the country's values and identity.
The PM also warned against the misuse of AI to promote ideologies or manipulate information, emphasising the need for responsible governance as technology continues to evolve. He argued that Malaysia must master technology and digitalisation while continuing to uphold its values and ethics.
At the event, President of the Malaysian Press Institute (MPI) Datuk Yong Soo Heong also affirmed that the core values of journalism —truth, integrity, and public trust— must be upheld despite the increasing role of AI in newsrooms.
According to Yong, while AI can help speed up newsroom processes and improve productivity, it cannot replace editorial judgment, field experience, integrity, and the humanistic values that underpin trustworthy journalism.
To prepare journalists for the evolving media landscape, he stated that the MPI will continue to enhance training in reporting, editing, digital journalism, data analytics, cybersecurity, and the ethical use of AI./.
