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New Straits Times

[UPDATED] Anwar: Islamic values key to navigating AI, digital age

PUTRAJAYA: Pondok schools must master modern technological advancements, including artificial intelligence (AI) and digital innovation, to ensure they are not 'swallowed' by technological changes. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said in the pursuit of AI mastery, its content and knowledge must not stray from the foundations of aqidah (faith) and akhlak (ethics). Anwar said students from pondok institutions must also pursue Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and integrate into the mainstream education system, in addition to their traditional studies, to face future challenges. "But times have changed. We must now ensure compatibility between the ulama and the umara (government), there are new knowledge disciplines, which have long been defended by the pondok (institutions). "If not, students from pondok institutions will be left behind in mastering new strategies and technologies. "Malaysia is among the countries spearheading AI development. But I realise, if AI is not embedded with values, not applied by morality, and enlightened knowledge, our AI is an AI made in America or the West," he said. Anwar said this during his speech at the 2025 Malaysia Bermunajat programme at Masjid Putra here today. Present was Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar. He said that in a world increasingly driven by AI, digitalisation and economic competition, pondok remains the last line of defence for aqidah and knowledge. At the same time, Anwar said Malaysia needs ulama who are articulate and well-versed, capable of delivering clarity and awareness to the people. "The pondok schools will serve as a line of defence, a protective wall safeguarding the Islamic faith and knowledge, which later fuels the spirit of independence. "They corrected our aqidah, preserved our culture as the foundation of education," he said.