Anwar calls for AI laws to protect local arts scene

The Star

5 days ago

Hot off the press: Anwar with (from left) Kuala Lumpur City Hall chief assistant director (architect) Noor Fazlina Rosley, Dr Wan Azizah, Zunar and Amirudin at the book launch in Shah Alam. — KK SHAM/The Star
SHAH ALAM: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has directed two ministries in his Cabinet to protect local creative works from falling prey to the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) technology.
He said both the Communi­cations Ministry and the Digital Ministry must formulate laws that protect the copyright and authenticity of these works, as well as shield them from vagaries such as plagiarism.
If the proliferation of AI technology is not properly regulated, it would negatively impact a multitude of artistic fields and endeavours, he said at the launch of political cartoonist Zunar's autobiography here yesterday.
'It will not only affect cartoonists but also artists, painters, filmmakers and poets.
'Sometimes it (AI) stifles an artist's capabilities and creative capacity,' added Anwar.
He said in pursuing measures to protect local creativity, both ministries must also ensure that the nation does not duplicate the mould set by the outside world, but instead cultivate values from within the country to prevent the loss of values and identity.
He said the nation's current policies on AI do not separate technology from local values.
'If we want to ensure that AI also emphasises values and what is consistent with our faith, religious beliefs, culture and diversity, our children must be trained in this field,' he said.
On another matter, Anwar said there must not be any political interference in matters pertaining to the judiciary as it (the judiciary) must remain independent.
However, he said, some of those currently professing to champion the judiciary were once party to political oppression and injustice, adding: 'There must be a clear separation of powers and shared responsibility to save the country.'
He also pointed out that the judiciary, which is a noble institution, has also at times been tainted by corruption and abuse of power as shown by history, adding that this was captured and illustrated in Zunar's works.
On Zunar's autobiography titled Melukis Dengan Hati: Biografi Perjalanan Seni 50 Tahun Karya Zunar, Anwar said Zunar's work had captured incidents such as the 1MDB scandal.
Also at the event were Anwar's wife and Bandar Tun Razak MP Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and Communica­tions Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil.