Malaysia PM Anwar: Muslim World Must Embrace AI, But Remain Rooted in Faith and Heritage Kuala Lumpur - Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Tuesday said Muslims must embrace new technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), to avoid being left behind in the rapid pace of global development. Speaking in Kuala Lumpur on October 7, 2026, Anwar said the real challenge today is to harness technological advances such as quantum computing, AI and rapid digitalisation while remaining firmly rooted in the strength of faith, morals and personal character. "Muslims must embrace new technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, to avoid being left behind," Anwar said, according to Bernama. He stressed that Islamic heritage, or turath, including the Quran, Sunnah and works of prominent Islamic scholars, must not be forgotten while mastering new knowledge. Anwar warned that without understanding AI, the Muslim world risks being "colonized" digitally. He said Muslim scholars and societies cannot afford to remain detached from AI development, as a lack of knowledge could leave them vulnerable to external influences that undermine local ethics and faith. "There is no need to fear AI as it will not dehumanise us if we embrace it with values," he said, adding that Malaysia must master AI to remain globally competitive while strengthening human values which are the foundation of building a MADANI nation. "AI and technological advancement may enable us to reach for the skies, but we must not allow our religion, culture and moral values to be eroded," the Prime Minister noted. The Prime Minister made similar remarks in Kerala, India, last month, calling on around 2,000 Islamic scholars and students to master AI while safeguarding Islamic faith. Anwar also highlighted that Islamic heritage demonstrates tolerance, wisdom and constructive engagement between Muslims and followers of other faiths. Source: Bernama, Malay Mail