Latest news with #Taufiq


The Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Human qualities remain core of journalism in AI era
KUALA LUMPUR: Human qualities must remain the central focus in the adaptation and use of artificial intelligence (AI) in newsrooms to ensure that the integrity and core values of journalism are preserved. Astro Awani editor-in-chief Ashwad Ismail said that while AI brings greater convenience and efficiency to newsroom operations, it cannot replace the role of journalists as storytellers and custodians of truth. 'Technological advancements are important, but the foundation must remain rooted in human qualities. The core philosophy is how AI can enhance our qualities as journalists and improve the journalism we produce,' he said. 'This technology will come and go, but what truly strengthens us is our core philosophy - our people and the quality of our journalism,' he said when appearing as a guest on the Bernama TV's Ruang Bicara programme titled 'Kewartawanan Era Baharu: Keseimbangan AI dan Etika' (Journalism in the New Era: Embracing AI, Safeguarding Ethics), held in conjunction with the National Journalists Day (HAWANA) 2025 celebration last night. Also featured on the programme were The Jakarta Post editor-in-chief Taufiq Rahman and media expert Sayed Munawar Sayed Mohd Mustar. Ashwad emphasised that the integration of AI in journalism must be guided by clear ethical principles to ensure it remains aligned with the profession's core mission, truth and social responsibility. 'When we acknowledge that there must always be a man behind the machine, it becomes clear that strong principles and proper guidance are essential in how we approach, use, and even embrace AI,' he said. Meanwhile, Taufiq noted that while AI can serve as a valuable tool for tasks like data compilation and document processing, editorial decisions must ultimately remain in human hands to preserve the integrity of news judgment. 'Media is an industry of truth. What we report, what we write, is all about the truth. I still doubt whether AI today is capable of fully understanding the nuance or subtlety in journalistic content,' Taufiq said. He added that in Indonesia, the Dewan Pers (Press Council) issued guidelines on the use of AI in journalism in January, which among other things, emphasise the importance of labelling AI-generated content to ensure transparency. 'If a news item, photo, or video is produced by AI, it must be clearly labelled. We cannot mislead the public by presenting it as the work of journalists,' he said. While acknowledging that some media organisations still operate with basic equipment, he stressed that this should not be seen as a disadvantage, but rather as a testament to their commitment to uphold ethical principles that have been the foundation of journalism for centuries. Meanwhile, Sayed Munawar noted that journalistic ethics remain as relevant as ever, even in the rapidly evolving era of AI, as ethics themselves are not new, only the context of their application has shifted with technological progress. 'Ethics is still a relevant issue. What has changed is the context, such as the balance between privacy and intrusion. Now we face the question of AI, but the core ethical principles remain unchanged. With AI, processes may become faster, more accurate, and better guided. 'If it is a tool, AI remains just that, a tool. Like an axe, it won't function without someone wielding it. But what AI lacks is wisdom. The real question is how far we want to use this tool, and for what purpose. Even a blunt axe can be used as a hammer, that's creativity,' Sayed Munawar added. The three-day HAWANA 2025 celebration, which runs until tomorrow, is organised by the Ministry of Communications, with the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) serving as the implementing agency. The HAWANA 2025 celebration's main event will be officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL) today. The date May 29 was gazetted as National Journalists' Day to commemorate the publication of the first edition of 'Utusan Melayu' newspaper on May 29, 1939, honouring the contributions and services of media professionals as vital agents in shaping an informed society.


The Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
AI in Newsrooms Must Uphold Ethics, Say Media Experts
KUALA LUMPUR: Human qualities must remain the central focus in the adaptation and use of artificial intelligence (AI) in newsrooms to ensure that the integrity and core values of journalism are preserved. Astro Awani editor-in-chief Ashwad Ismail said that while AI brings greater convenience and efficiency to newsroom operations, it cannot replace the role of journalists as storytellers and custodians of truth. 'Technological advancements are important, but the foundation must remain rooted in human qualities. The core philosophy is how AI can enhance our qualities as journalists and improve the journalism we produce,' he said. 'This technology will come and go, but what truly strengthens us is our core philosophy - our people and the quality of our journalism,' he said when appearing as a guest on the Bernama TV's Ruang Bicara programme titled 'Kewartawanan Era Baharu: Keseimbangan AI dan Etika' (Journalism in the New Era: Embracing AI, Safeguarding Ethics), held in conjunction with the National Journalists Day (HAWANA) 2025 celebration last night. Also featured on the programme were The Jakarta Post editor-in-chief Taufiq Rahman and media expert Sayed Munawar Sayed Mohd Mustar. Ashwad emphasised that the integration of AI in journalism must be guided by clear ethical principles to ensure it remains aligned with the profession's core mission, truth and social responsibility. 'When we acknowledge that there must always be a man behind the machine, it becomes clear that strong principles and proper guidance are essential in how we approach, use, and even embrace AI,' he said. Meanwhile, Taufiq noted that while AI can serve as a valuable tool for tasks like data compilation and document processing, editorial decisions must ultimately remain in human hands to preserve the integrity of news judgment. 'Media is an industry of truth. What we report, what we write, is all about the truth. I still doubt whether AI today is capable of fully understanding the nuance or subtlety in journalistic content,' Taufiq said. He added that in Indonesia, the Dewan Pers (Press Council) issued guidelines on the use of AI in journalism in January, which among other things, emphasise the importance of labelling AI-generated content to ensure transparency. 'If a news item, photo, or video is produced by AI, it must be clearly labelled. We cannot mislead the public by presenting it as the work of journalists,' he said. While acknowledging that some media organisations still operate with basic equipment, he stressed that this should not be seen as a disadvantage, but rather as a testament to their commitment to uphold ethical principles that have been the foundation of journalism for centuries. Meanwhile, Sayed Munawar noted that journalistic ethics remain as relevant as ever, even in the rapidly evolving era of AI, as ethics themselves are not new, only the context of their application has shifted with technological progress. 'Ethics is still a relevant issue. What has changed is the context, such as the balance between privacy and intrusion. Now we face the question of AI, but the core ethical principles remain unchanged. With AI, processes may become faster, more accurate, and better guided. 'If it is a tool, AI remains just that, a tool. Like an axe, it won't function without someone wielding it. But what AI lacks is wisdom. The real question is how far we want to use this tool, and for what purpose. Even a blunt axe can be used as a hammer, that's creativity,' Sayed Munawar added. The three-day HAWANA 2025 celebration, which runs until tomorrow, is organised by the Ministry of Communications, with the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) serving as the implementing agency. The HAWANA 2025 celebration's main event will be officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL) today. The date May 29 was gazetted as National Journalists' Day to commemorate the publication of the first edition of 'Utusan Melayu' newspaper on May 29, 1939, honouring the contributions and services of media professionals as vital agents in shaping an informed society.

Barnama
2 days ago
- Barnama
Human Qualities Remain Core Of Journalism In AI Era
KUALA LUMPUR, June 14 (Bernama) -- Human qualities must remain the central focus in the adaptation and use of artificial intelligence (AI) in newsrooms to ensure that the integrity and core values of journalism are preserved. Astro Awani editor-in-chief Ashwad Ismail said that while AI brings greater convenience and efficiency to newsroom operations, it cannot replace the role of journalists as storytellers and custodians of truth. 'Technological advancements are important, but the foundation must remain rooted in human qualities. The core philosophy is how AI can enhance our qualities as journalists and improve the journalism we produce,' he said. 'This technology will come and go, but what truly strengthens us is our core philosophy - our people and the quality of our journalism,' he said when appearing as a guest on the Bernama TV's Ruang Bicara programme titled 'Kewartawanan Era Baharu: Keseimbangan AI dan Etika' (Journalism in the New Era: Embracing AI, Safeguarding Ethics), held in conjunction with the National Journalists Day (HAWANA) 2025 celebration last night. Also featured on the programme were The Jakarta Post editor-in-chief Taufiq Rahman and media expert Sayed Munawar Sayed Mohd Mustar. Ashwad emphasised that the integration of AI in journalism must be guided by clear ethical principles to ensure it remains aligned with the profession's core mission, truth and social responsibility. 'When we acknowledge that there must always be a man behind the machine, it becomes clear that strong principles and proper guidance are essential in how we approach, use, and even embrace AI,' he said. Meanwhile, Taufiq noted that while AI can serve as a valuable tool for tasks like data compilation and document processing, editorial decisions must ultimately remain in human hands to preserve the integrity of news judgment. 'Media is an industry of truth. What we report, what we write, is all about the truth. I still doubt whether AI today is capable of fully understanding the nuance or subtlety in journalistic content,' Taufiq said.


New Straits Times
06-06-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Sg Petani MP slams PN over race politics
KUALA LUMPUR: Sungai Petani MP Dr Taufiq Johari has criticised Perikatan Nasional (PN) for what he calls a cynical use of unity rhetoric, following a Pas leader's defence of Dr Mahathir Mohamad's new alliance aimed at "restoring Malay power". "Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man must know that Dr M's proposal for all Malay-based parties to come under a single, broad coalition is a desperate and provocative move," he said in a statement. Taufiq, a PKR lawmaker, also accused PN of political opportunism, saying the coalition is attempting to present itself as a unifier of the Malay community despite a history of causing division. "They now pretend to champion unity, but both Dr Mahathir and Pas have repeatedly fractured the Malay community in the past," he said. Taufiq is an emerging leader in PKR party led by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. PKR represents a multiracial party, and Anwar has pledged to protect the rights of all races in the country while promoting economic growth, with a special action plan to uplift the poor. Taufiq said the unity government under Anwar is a broad-based coalition with strong Malay leadership alongside representation from diverse communities and regions. On Wednesday, Dr Mahathir announced the formation of a new loose coalition — comprising Pas and Bersatu — to rally the Malay community in what he described as an effort to save it from political and economic decline. The event was attended by PN chairman Muhyiddin Yassin, opposition leader Hamzah Zainudin, and Pas deputy president Tuan Ibrahim. Taufiq urged Malays not to fall for their rhetoric and not to be tricked by the "deceitful and irresponsible claims." "What does Mahathir even mean by "restoring Malay power?!


New Straits Times
26-04-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
JB PKR chief demands probe into predecessor's 'unofficial results' claim
JOHOR BARU: Johor Baru Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) division chief Mohamad Taufiq Ismail has lodged an official protest against his predecessor over a premature declaration of party election results and the use of a self-issued statutory declaration (SD) to justify them. In a letter addressed to PKR Election Committee chairman Dr Zaliha Mustafa, Taufiq accused Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir of undermining the party's internal electoral process by publicly declaring himself as having secured 949 votes for the division chief's post, ahead of any formal announcement from the central election body. Earlier, Akmal, who is deputy energy transition and water transformation minister, said he would lodge an official protest with the PKR election committee following his unexpected defeat in the race for the Johor Baru PKR division chief's post on April 20. Taufiq described the move as "irresponsible and misleading", saying it gave the impression that the Johor Baru results were final and endorsed, despite no confirmation from the party's central election committee. "Even during general or state elections, the Election Commission (EC) only declares results after full verification by all polling and counting agents. "Jumping the gun like this will cast doubt on the integrity of the party's election system," he said in the letter, which was shared with members of the media, today. He also took issue with Akmal's alleged production of a sworn statement on April 23, claiming that all votes were recorded. He supported the SD with screenshots of signed voter lists and a self-created version of Borang 14, which was the official vote tabulation form. Taufiq claimed that this action posed a serious threat to voting secrecy, accusing Akmal of displaying a printed copy of "recommended candidate's list" and influencing voters at polling stations. "This not only breaches party campaign ethics but erodes public trust in the process. Members may now fear that their votes are traceable, undermining democratic freedom within the party," he said. He further highlighted the potential legal implications, saying the move might violate the principles of vote confidentiality protected under Malaysian law, and called for the matter to be formally investigated by the central election committee. Taufiq warned that Akmal's actions could be weaponised by political opponents and damage the party's credibility ahead of future internal and public elections. "We urge the central election committee and the central leadership council to intervene and take appropriate action in line with the party's constitution to protect the integrity of the party's electoral system," he said. Taufiq said he was waiting for a formal response from Dr Zaliha, adding that party members deserved transparency and justice without fear of manipulation.