Technology use must align with the law, says Digital Minister

THE application of technology must be in line with existing laws to ensure a sustainable digital ecosystem, said Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo during the ASEAN-GCC Economic Forum 2025 on Wednesday.

"It is important that the use of technology does not contradict existing laws," he told reporters after the event.

Gobind emphasised that constructive dialogue between the government and stakeholders is essential to prepare a legal framework that matches the pace of technological advancement.

"We need to assess technology and consider the potential for legal conflicts. That’s why, at the National Artificial Intelligence Office (NAIO), we have a unit dedicated to examining these issues. Relevant parties can engage with them if they face such challenges," he said.

His remarks follow Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s earlier call for new legislation to enable artificial intelligence (AI) to operate independently of existing national legal frameworks.

Anwar noted that while current laws are designed to safeguard national sovereignty, new legal provisions are necessary to facilitate the transformation brought by emerging technologies. - May 28, 2025