AI technology: Recommendations for the government

SHAH ALAM - Former religious affairs minister Datuk Dr Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakrihas has a few recommendations to the government with regards to the development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology

The former Federal Territories Mufti said among the recommendations was creating a set of guidelines for AI technology in accordance with local culture, manners and morals that are in line with Islamic law.

He said the enactment of laws specifically related to AI whether in regards to copyright or intellectual property issues should also be looked into.

"The first recommendation is to create an appropriate guideline. Here the role of the Malaysian Islamic Religious Affairs National Council (MKI) and the Malaysia Muzakarah Committee under the supervision of the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) can be an essential guide for Muftis to get a comprehensive picture of the matter and prepare in advance from a legal point of view.

"The second recommendation is, I'm confident that the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry through the Malaysian Intellectual Property Organisation (MyIPO) with the cooperation of the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) has sufficient expertise to examine the matter more deeply

"Furthermore, I see Cyberjaya as a strategic place for the development of Malaysia's Silicon Valley and I see the formation of the Malaysian Research Accelerator for Technology and Innovation (MRANTI) which has combined two agencies under the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry namely Technology Park Malaysia Corporation (TPM) and the Malaysian Global Innovation and Creativity Centre (Magic) whichhave the potential to contribute towards strengthening the country's technology commercialisation agenda especially in AI," he said through a series of Al-Mawaqi posts shared on Facebook on Monday.

Zulkifli added a study report from a university abroad published in 2017 recommended that ethics, privacy and safety must be addressed well to ensure the benefits of AI technology could be disseminated as it begins to be involved in human lives in various dimensions.

The rules provided must provide guidance for AI developers to respect human rights, welfare and the law.

He said there were several matters that must be emphasised whether AI's achievement can have a great impact or harm to the community

"With the introduction of AI technology it would surely have an impact towards the ecosystem and human nature. It's very important considerations with full research is made to ensure human interests are protected in addition to avoiding harm," he said.