Malaysia mulling AI-focused laws, says Azalina

Malaysia mulling AI-focused laws, says Azalina

The law minister says she has written to digital minister Gobind Singh Deo to propose a meeting on the matter.

azalina
Law minister Azalina Othman Said said Malaysia has no specific laws focused on AI. (Facebook pic)
BANGI:
Malaysia is studying the development of artificial intelligence (AI)-focused legislation to address legal complexities in the digital age, says law minister Azalina Othman Said.

Azalina said she had written to digital minister Gobind Singh Deo to propose a meeting between the legal affairs division (BHEUU) and the digital ministry to initiate a discussion on drafting new AI laws.

“I have written to Gobind about looking into more AI (specific) laws for our country. There should be a meeting between BHEUU and the digital ministry,” she said at a press conference after BHEUU’s monthly assembly and the launch of the National Legal Academy here today.

She said Malaysia had no specific laws focused on AI because, unlike traditional technologies, AI operates on an entirely different platform.

Azalina said that so far, the only comprehensive AI legislation in the world was the European Union’s AI Act, which sets out clear definitions, responsibilities, and categories of AI risks.

Azalina also highlighted Malaysia’s progress in judicial digitalisation, including initiatives like voice-to-text systems and online filings.

“We want the court to be more efficient. So the court is taking in more digital documents, but we want more to be done. We want it to apply not only in Putrajaya but also elsewhere, especially at district courts,” she said.

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