11/06/2026

THURSDAY | JUNE 11, 2026

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Speak up for free trade, nations urged o Anwar says countries must openly oppose punitive tariffs and discriminatory policies

Putting people at heart of AI

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has reaffirmed its commitmenttoahuman-centredfutureofworkatthe 114th International Labour Conference (ILC), as artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly transforms the world of work and raises concerns over rights, equality and inclusion. Speaking at the plenary session of the conference in Geneva, Switzerland, onTuesday, Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan stressed that technology only progresses when it advances decent work and human dignity. “The question is no longer whether AI will transform our societies, because it already has. The real challenge is whether we can shape this transformation in a way that remains fair, inclusive and centred on human dignity, while ensuring that no one is left behind,“ he said in his speech posted on Facebook. Ramanan said Malaysia’s approach was guided by the Malaysia Madani framework, which emphasises compassion, justice and humanity in development. “Our Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reminded us that technology without values will only widen inequality and deepen division,”he said, adding that the future must remain people-centred rather than driven solely by algorithms, machines or markets. Ramanan said Malaysia, with a workforce of more than 17 million, remained focused on ensuring every worker is equipped and protected to thrive in an AI-driven economy. He highlighted several national initiatives, including AI and digital technology training programmes under the Centre for Instructor and Advanced Skills Training, aimed at strengthening workforce readiness. In parallel with these efforts, he said the Occupational Safety and Health Master Plan 2026-2030, which integrates emerging technologies to address new workplace risks arising from AI, automation and digitalisation. “Through these efforts, Malaysia’s Digital Risk Assessment System has already benefited nearly 270,000 users nationwide, reflecting our commitment to building safer and future ready workplaces,” he said. To strengthen industrial justice, Ramanan said the Malaysian Industrial Court has modernised its operations through AI-supported technologies and real-time digital recording systems, replacing manual note-taking. Ramanan added that labour courts are also being upgraded with digital recording systems in phases, with full implementation expected by 2030 in Peninsular Malaysia to enhance efficiency and fairness in industrial justice. To support industry adaptation, he said the AI and Cybersecurity Training Tax Deduction under the MyMahir-National AI Council for Industry ecosystem would help employers, particularly small and medium enterprises, invest in upskilling and reskilling workers. – Bernama KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has congratulated Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his historic milestone of becoming the country’s longest-serving elected prime minister. In a Facebook post, Anwar said the achievement reflects Modi’s years of dedicated public service and leadership in advancing India’s development, prosperity and standing on the global stage. “Heartiest congratulations to PM Modi on this historic milestone of becoming India’s longest serving elected prime minister.” Modi has been serving as prime minister since May 2014. Anwar said Malaysia values its close and long standing friendship with India and looks forward to continuing cooperation to strengthen bilateral ties and expand opportunities for the peoples of both countries. “I wish PM Modi continued success and the people of India continued peace, progress and prosperity.” – Bernama Modi sets record as longest-serving PM

participation in BRICS does not mean abandoning its strong trade and investment ties with the US. Malaysia will continue to deepen cooperation with BRICS, as well as the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which he described as a vibrant grouping with significant progress in technology and energy transition. Earlier, Anwar Ibrahim was accorded an official welcoming ceremony at the Japanese Prime Minister’s Office in Tokyo, marking his first official visit to Japan since taking office. Upon arrival, Anwar was warmly received by his Japanese counterpart, Sanae Takaichi, and presented with a guard of honour, as the national anthems of Malaysia and Japan were played in tribute. Anwar was then introduced to Japanese Cabinet ministers and senior government officials, after which he introduced the Malaysian delegation to Takaichi. Following the ceremony, both leaders proceeded to a bilateral meeting to discuss matters of mutual interest and enhance regional cooperation. This visit is Anwar’s first official trip to Japan since becoming Malaysia’s 10th prime minister in November 2022, although he previously made two working visits in 2023 and 2024. – Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR: Sovereign countries should not be timid in defending free trade and opposing punitive tariffs or discriminatory policies, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He said as a sovereign interdependent country, Malaysia took its position on tariffs very clearly and has been appealing to countries to be more affirmative and pronounced in their views on free trade and multilateralism. “Do we agree that there should be punitive tariffs or discriminatory policies? (No,) we don’t. Do we support free trade? (If yes), then say it as a policy. “Of course, you know the limits, but you (still) have to say it. Otherwise, you are not contributing to this new thinking,“ he said during a question-and-answer session following his keynote address at the Nikkei Forum in Tokyo, Japan yesterday. Anwar was asked how Asean could effectively address protectionist policies by major powers and internal differences among member states, including whether engagement He said the country is positioning itself to move beyond traditional growth sectors by embracing digitalisation, AI and other emerging technologies, while strengthening its role as a regional semiconductor hub. “(As for) semiconductors, we are more fortunate, because now Malaysia has become the semiconductor hub in the region, not only for the low-end but also more high-end (products). “We are talking about packaging and advanced packaging. That is where collaboration with Japanese industries and support from the Japanese government are critical,” he said during a question-and answer session following his keynote address at the Nikkei Forum in Tokyo, Japan, yesterday. Anwar said Malaysia is also focusing on developing capabilities in quantum technologies, noting that the country is learning from international partners that are further ahead in the field. Beyond technology, he said, energy transition would be another key driver of Malaysia’s next phase of growth, supported by the country’s existing strengths in the energy sector. “We are fortunate we have Petronas. Then we have this thinking of the Asean (power) grid, which I promoted very strongly and is supported by the Vietnamese government, Laos and now Singapore, and we are also working with Sarawak,” he said. While these are new areas, he noted that there are stages of growth even with regard to old technologies. Anwar said Malaysia would continue to maintain its traditional growth engines while simultaneously pursuing new areas and disciplines to accelerate economic transformation and achieve high-income nation status. He also highlighted that political stability, strong institutions and a clear policy direction remain essential in supporting the country’s long-term development agenda. “Our duty is to ensure that reforms take place gradually, to fortify and strengthen. And this means, with the political stability which we are fortunate (to have), then we should start embarking on clarity of policies.” – Bernama

with groups such as BRICS – comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa – form part of a broader strategic diversification. Anwar said it is of critical importance for Asean to continue engaging vibrantly and aggressively with all countries while maintaining its centrality and independent stance. In Malaysia, he said the country enjoys excellent relations with the United States, its largest trading and investment partner. However, Malaysia disagrees with the unilateral imposition of tariffs. “Did I say it to President Donald Trump? Of course, although very politely during the (Asean Summit) meeting Malaysia hosted. We expect the same from other countries, so that we can build consensus. “Of course countries will have their own priorities but it is not a zero-sum game,” he said, adding that it is not true that he is tilting towards any particular country, as perceived by some in the media. Anwar emphasised that Malaysia’s

‘Japan key to M’sia’s tech ambitions’ KUALA LUMPUR: The Japanese government and industries’ support is critical to helping Malaysia build its capabilities in advanced technologies, particularly semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing and advanced packaging, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Anwar shaking hands with Takaichi during an official welcoming ceremony at the Prime Minister’s Office yesterday. Anwar said Malaysia is positioning itself to move beyond traditional growth sectors by embracing digitalisation and AI. – BERNAMAPIC