Anwar: Tech Progress Must Not Sacrifice Media Ethics and Identity

KUALA LUMPUR, July 17 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged media practitioners not to lose sight of foundational values, ethics, and national identity amid the rapid global race to embrace advanced technology.

Speaking at the Malaysian Press Night (MWM) 2025 and the Malaysian Press Institute (MPI)-PETRONAS Journalism Awards 2026, Anwar emphasized that the warning is crucial as the nation risks losing its direction if it fails to remain vigilant against the core challenges brought by technological disruptions.

While stressing that freedom in information technology, digital platforms, and artificial intelligence (AI) must be vigorously upheld, the prime minister maintained that these emerging fields should never be devoid of strong moral values—an issue he stated deserves greater focus from columnists.

“I believe the government, through Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), has a shared responsibility to support the media. We will listen to views and accept criticism with an open mind because, in this matter, the country cannot afford to be divided,” Anwar stated.

Reflecting on global communication dynamics, the prime minister noted that history has demonstrated how Western dominance of the global media landscape enabled it to continuously shape historical narratives based on its own geopolitical agendas.

He cautioned that the modern world is now confronting a new iteration of power that actively seeks to challenge the freedom and sovereignty of individual nations by monopolizing technology. This control, he added, is frequently utilized to advance ideological or cultural values that are entirely alien to local Malaysian societies.

“Previously, the concept of the ‘captive mind’ was associated with political and colonial influence. Today, it is driven by technology, including digitalisation. As countries strive to master emerging technologies, they also face the challenge of navigating this technological transition,” the prime minister explained.

Anwar went on to commend the collaborative efforts of MPI, backed by the strategic support of PETRONAS, alongside the Malaysian Media Council (MMC) for driving structural media innovation and reforms designed to prevent the country from becoming trapped in a ‘captive mind’ narrative.

Concluding his remarks, the prime minister expressed deep appreciation to media practitioners for their enduring commitment to their professional responsibilities. He thanked journalists for upholding the tenets of press freedom and democracy across Malaysia by delivering constructive criticisms, unique perspectives, and policy recommendations alongside daily news coverage.

The high-profile event was also attended by Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil, MPI President Datuk Yong Soo Heong, Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) Chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, Bernama Chief Executive Officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, Bernama Editor-in-Chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj, and Bernama Deputy Editor-in-Chief (News Service) Mohd Shukri Ishak.

-NMT