Dr. Muhamad Akmal Saleh, the chief of Umno Youth, has turned up the heat in the ongoing dispute with Seputeh MP Teresa Kok, humorously suggesting she should take legal action against ChatGPT. This challenge comes after Kok attributed recent controversy surrounding her statements on halal certification to errors made by the AI tool and exaggerated media coverage.
In a Facebook post that has since gone viral, Akmal sarcastically addressed Kok, referring to her as “Nyonya,” and said, “She initially blamed me for the issue. Now, it seems that ChatGPT is the culprit. Perhaps she should sue ChatGPT as well—I’m sure they’re eager for a courtroom showdown.” His comments reflect a growing tension in the political arena over the halal certification debate.
The controversy began when Kok’s remarks on halal certification caused a media stir. According to reports, Kok clarified that her comments were misrepresented due to a mistranslation by ChatGPT. She explained that her original statement, delivered in Mandarin, was translated into Malay by a colleague using ChatGPT under tight deadlines. The translation errors, she noted, led to a misunderstanding that was picked up and sensationalized by various media outlets.
In her clarification, Kok emphasized that her intention was never to criticize the halal certification process itself but rather to discuss the potential challenges and reactions it might provoke, both domestically and internationally. The misunderstanding, she said, stemmed from a mistranslation of the term “memalukan” (which means “to embarrass”), leading to the incorrect impression that she intended to disparage the country.
The situation escalated when the police interrogated Kok for two hours on September 10. She asserted that her remarks were aimed at evaluating the halal certification process and ensuring its effectiveness, rather than opposing it outright. The controversy was triggered by a proposal from Datuk Mohd Na’im Mokhtar, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs), which suggested that all food establishments not serving pork or alcohol should obtain halal certification.
Kok’s defense highlights the challenges and potential pitfalls of relying on AI tools for translations, especially in sensitive and high-stakes contexts. The incident has sparked a broader discussion about the reliability of AI technologies and their impact on public discourse.
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