Former Finance Minister and Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng has raised concerns after discovering that artificial intelligence technology was used to create a fake video impersonating him. The manipulated clip, which falsely portrays him endorsing an investment scheme, has begun circulating online, prompting Lim to warn the public about the rising threat of digital impersonation.
Speaking at a recent press conference, the Air Putih assemblyman clarified that he has never been involved in promoting or soliciting investments of any kind, as his career has always been rooted in politics, not business. The video in question appears to be a deepfake, combining AI-generated visuals and audio to mimic his likeness and voice.
Lim explained that the fabricated content likely originated from a real interview he gave more than ten years ago. While the original footage was in English, the doctored version was altered into Mandarin — a significant clue, as Lim pointed out that one of the other individuals featured in the video, Datuk Dr Ooi Kee Beng of the Penang Institute, does not speak Mandarin, making the dubbing clearly suspicious.
The incident marks at least the fifth known instance where scammers have used digitally manipulated videos to impersonate Lim, often with the intention of luring unsuspecting individuals into fraudulent schemes. He believes public trust in well-known figures is being exploited by these cybercriminals to increase the perceived legitimacy of their scams.
Lim has since reported the case to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), urging authorities to investigate and take appropriate action. He also called on the public to remain vigilant, advising that any investment-related claims involving his name should be cross-checked against official channels and verified statements.
The incident adds to growing concerns about the misuse of AI-generated media, particularly as it becomes increasingly difficult for ordinary viewers to distinguish between authentic and fabricated content.
Information Source: The Vibes
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