KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 1 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today said the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) into educational contexts is essential for fostering new ways of thinking.
However, he emphasised there is a danger that students may rely too heavily on AI-generated answers, which could prevent them from developing deeper cognitive skills.
“We cannot merely be a nation that borrows or imitates. We must strive for progress and explore new disciplines that can provide valuable insights.
“It is also crucial to acknowledge that there are limitations in using technology. If we do not engage our critical thinking and simply rely on the answers provided by AI, we risk becoming powerless,” he said during a dialogue event at Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM) here.
He then went on to say that the lack of face-to-face interaction stemming from reliance on gadgets poses a significant issue that may lead to lack of meaningful social interactions.
He said students need training to balance their technology use with healthy interpersonal relationships, including communication with family and friends.
“Dependence on gadgets has resulted in diminished face-to-face communication. This affects mental health due to reduced interaction and the misinterpretations that arise. Families should meet and communicate more frequently.
“Reliance on gadgets cannot replace the values of humanity and our relationships with family and friends,” he added.
Anwar also emphasised on the importance of reading, as many students today prefer quick information through technology, which can lead to shallow understanding.
He explained that engaging in deep reading and analysing complex texts is vital for grasping broader contexts and meanings, especially in the case of religious texts like the Quran, which require careful interpretation.
“We need to thoroughly examine books rather than merely extract fragments. This is a dangerous approach.
“For instance, in the study of the Quran, there are texts, verses, interpretations, and commentaries that require deep understanding,” he said
