KUALA LUMPUR – PAS MP Ahmad Fakhruddin Fakhrurazi is worried that artificial intelligence (AI) could pose a threat to the proper understanding of Islam in the future.

During his speech in the Dewan Rakyat, Ahmad Fakhruddin questioned the Islamic Development Department (Jakim) on its plans to establish a policy framework to safeguard the nobility and dignity of Islam amid potential AI threats.

“I raise this issue because it is not impossible for AI to become an unauthorised ‘ustaz,’ teaching the public on matters of aqidah (faith) and fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence),” said Ahmad Fakhruddin (PN-Kuala Kedah), who is an ustaz himself.

He said that if Jakim does not take proactive steps, the future understanding of Islam could be at risk.

In June last year, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stated that the principles of “turath Islam” (Islamic heritage) must be applied in the development of AI in Malaysia, rather than relying entirely on Western models.

Anwar stressed that AI advancements should be refined with Islamic knowledge and legacy, including manners and morality, as current AI systems are primarily based on Western materials.

He said that Islamic intellectual traditions must be included so that AI in Islamic countries does not deviate from the Islamic moral system and values.

It was reported that the Education Ministry has allocated RM9mil to send teachers abroad for leadership and AI courses.

In December last year, the Digital Ministry launched its National AI Office, aiming to advance Malaysia’s AI agenda as well as position the country as a regional leader in technology.