PAS MP worries that AI can become ustaz

Summary

• Kuala Kedah MP Ahmad Fakhruddin Fakhrurazi has expressed concern that artificial intelligence (AI) will be used for religious teachings.

• Fakhruddin, who is an ustaz, asks if Jakim has plans to safeguard Islam if AI presents threats.

PARLIAMENT | Ahmad Fakhruddin Fakhrurazi (PN-Kuala Kedah) has expressed concern that artificial intelligence (AI) technology will be used for religious teachings.

In his speech on the royal address, the PAS lawmaker asked if the Islamic Development Department (Jakim) has plans to safeguard Islam if AI becomes a threat.

“I bring this up because it is not impossible for AI to become an uncertified ustaz or ustazah to teach the public one day, especially (in matters) related to aqidah (faith) and fiqh law,” he told the Dewan Rakyat.

Fakhruddin, who is an ustaz, said he was worried that Islamic religious comprehension would be threatened by the use of AI.

According to Malaysiakini checks, several religious online platforms have started using AI technology.

This discourse comes amid the government’s push for more widespread AI use as part of the national agenda.

AI enhancement

Earlier today, Bernama reported the Education Ministry as saying that RM9 million has been allocated to send teachers abroad for leadership and AI courses.

Similarly, air force chief Asghar Khan Goriman Khan urged troops to master technology-based skills, especially AI.

In December, the Digital Ministry launched its National AI Office, which aims to champion Malaysia’s AI agenda as well as position the country as a regional leader in technology.

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