Kuala lumpur: The Artificial Intelligence (AI) Governance Bill, which is currently being drafted by the Digital Ministry, is expected to be presented in Parliament by the end of this quarter or by the first quarter of next year at the latest, Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo announced.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Gobind stated that the draft Bill has been finalized following comprehensive workshops and engagement sessions conducted to gather input from various stakeholders. The draft is now in the phase of being submitted to the Cabinet for approval. Gobind expressed optimism that the Bill would be tabled in Parliament within the projected timeline, while speaking to reporters during the inauguration of "Scars of War - An International Photography and Art Exhibition" at the Lin Xiang Xiong Art Gallery.
The exhibition, starting today and spanning two months, aims to merge humanitarian documentation with contemporary art to highlight the ongoing impacts of armed conflicts. It features works by photographers Alison Locke, Cory Wright, Giovanni Diffidenti, and Werner Anderson, along with original pieces by Prof Lin Xiang Xiong.
Previously, the Digital Ministry, via the National AI Office (NAIO), initiated engagement sessions throughout July to refine the AI Governance Bill. This effort is part of the government's strategy to introduce and strengthen the governance framework that will underpin the proposed legislation.
Gobind elaborated that AI governance encompasses more than just legislation. It includes standards, regulations, and laws. Certain issues, already addressed through the establishment of MY-AI Standards, are being tackled in collaboration with SIRIM Berhad. He noted that while some AI-related issues require regulation, they do not necessarily need formal legislation and can be managed through quicker regulatory actions.
Gobind emphasized the importance of establishing regulations due to the rapid evolution of AI technologies, which may present new challenges. Additionally, AI Malaysia's formation is part of the strategy to ensure legal compliance and facilitate enforcement actions in case of violations. Efforts are underway to develop an enforcement framework concurrently with the Cabinet submission process, aiming for robust governance and enforcement mechanisms once the Bill is enacted.