KUALA LUMPUR: Artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technology are vital to the future of education, but their use must be balanced with the cultivation of moral values, humanity and character among students, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
In a video shared on his Facebook page, the Prime Minister said that while AI possesses knowledge and intelligence, it lacks the values, character and humanity that must be nurtured and embodied by human beings.
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“We are moving in that direction (the use of technology), but there is a caveat: we must ‘reach for the skies while remaining rooted to the earth’. Why? Because while AI is important, it also presents certain issues.
“It (AI) possesses knowledge, but it lacks humanity and moral depth. It has no values, no character and no humanity. It is merely intelligence,” he said.
Anwar made the remarks in response to a student’s question about whether all schools in the country could adopt technologies such as tablets, laptops and AI in the future.
Earlier today, at the Parliament building, he met and interacted with students from schools in Pasir Gudang and Pontian, Johor.
The Prime Minister said the nation was moving towards integrating technology into education, but the progress must be accompanied by an awareness of technology’s limitations and the importance of preserving human values.
Anwar emphasised that intelligence alone was insufficient if not coupled with values and character, adding that education must continue to focus on developing well-rounded individuals.
“Is technology important? Yes, it is. A lack of intelligence is dangerous, but if we focus solely on intelligence, human values are lost.
“Therefore, as we move in that direction (the use of technology), we must remain mindful of how we can continue to stay truly human,” he said.
The Prime Minister also emphasised the importance of the concept of akal budi (intellect and moral character) in Malay culture, which links the capacity for thought with ethical conduct and demonstrates that an individual’s intelligence should not be measured solely by their knowledge.
In this regard, he encouraged students to cultivate the habit of cherishing their parents and expressing affection in their daily lives.
Anwar noted that simple gestures such as hugging and kissing one’s parents, or showing them appreciation, could help foster values of love and humanity. These values must be preserved even as society continues to advance technologically.
“Could we perhaps start a new culture? Hugging and kissing one’s parents? I once saw someone return home and kiss his father; the father was puzzled, wondering, ‘What does he want from me?’ simply because such a practice had never existed before. Show appreciation, express affection. There is absolutely no harm in it,” he said.