SHAH ALAM, July 22 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today proposed legal provisions to protect the copyright and authenticity of local creative works in light of the rapid development of artificial intelligence technology.
Anwar said the Communications Ministry and the Digital Ministry must take immediate action to ensure local works of art are protected and not vulnerable to risks arising from the rapid advancement of AI technology, including plagiarism.
“On the issue of copyright, the protection is not limited to cartoonists but also covers films, poems and other creative works, which at times face copyright challenges due to the development of AI,” he said.
“This legal protection is to ensure creativity and the artistic abilities of creators are not stifled by copyright disputes or questions over the authenticity of their works,” he said at the launch of “Melukis Dengan Hati: Biografi Perjalanan Seni 50 Tahun Karya Zunar” at the Raja Tun Uda Library here today.
Also present were Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Bandar Tun Razak MP Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Selangor Public Library Corporation director Datin Paduka Mastura Muhamad, and cartoonist Zulkiflee Anwarul Haque, better known as Zunar.
Meanwhile, Anwar called for the development of more local AI technology experts to ensure AI development in Malaysia aligns with national values and societal norms.
He said that while the country’s existing AI policy has not neglected local values, the younger generation must still be trained to master the necessary knowledge, so that whatever AI produces reflects local perspectives.
“Everyone acknowledges AI is a new technology, but we must understand that what AI generates is based on input and data largely shaped by Western countries, especially the United States, as well as China and others.
“I share the concerns surrounding AI, but we will not set aside or separate cultural, religious, or value-based elements in our national policy on AI technology,” Anwar said.
— Bernama
