Kuala lumpur: Waqf institutions and Islamic dakwah movements in the country must embrace modern technology, including digitalisation and artificial intelligence (AI), to ensure they remain relevant amid global modernisation, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He emphasized the importance of balancing technological mastery with the strengthening of faith, moral character, and humanitarian values to prevent progress from eroding society's identity and moral principles.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar warned of the dangers associated with the rapid advancement of technologies such as AI, information technology, and quantum computing, particularly when these developments occur without the foundation of values and moral character. He highlighted the challenge of maintaining humanity, dignity, and ethics amidst technological progress. "That is why I say that while we reach for the skies, we must remain firmly rooted to the ground," he remarked, stressing the importance of faith, beliefs, moral character, culture, language proficiency, identity, and an understanding of national and local history.
During the closing ceremony of the 2026 International Waqf Dakwah Convention at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Anwar commended organizations like the Malaysian Islamic Welfare Organisation (PERKIM) and the Regional Islamic Da'wah Council of Southeast Asia and the Pacific (RISEAP). He praised their progressive and prudent approach to dakwah, which aims to strengthen the unity of the ummah and combat Islamophobia.
Anwar also expressed his support for modernizing the waqf ecosystem. He acknowledged the resolutions adopted at the convention, stating that the proposals would be studied by the government before being submitted for consideration by the Cabinet and the Conference of Rulers. The 2026 International Waqf Dakwah Convention concluded with the adoption of three key resolutions focusing on the establishment of a working consortium to strengthen waqf institutions, the use of technology and digitalisation in waqf management, and the enhancement of the waqf ecosystem through effective governance and strategic collaboration among stakeholders.