Malaysia should become an observer to Europe’s AI committee to gain early access to key information and deliberations on the new AI framework convention.
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia should seriously consider applying for observer status to the Artificial Intelligence Committee of the Council of Europe following the adoption of its Framework Convention on AI and Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law.
Chairperson of the Parliamentarians for Global Action Malaysia National Group M. Kula Segaran said such a move would enable Malaysia to have a voice during the crucial formative years of the framework convention before its formal entry into force.
He noted that the European Union and 16 other countries are currently negotiating the convention’s finer details, which must be ratified before Malaysia can consider signing it.
“However, the gateway to this is for Malaysia to be an Observer State where we can enjoy priority access to key information, thinking and deliberations,” Kula Segaran said in a statement.
The deputy minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) recently chaired a Regional Asia-Pacific Webinar on Responsible AI attended by the Council of Europe’s AI Committee legal officer Vadim Pak.
Kula Segaran described the framework convention as the first-ever international legally binding treaty in its field aimed at ensuring AI systems align with human rights, democracy and the rule of law while supporting technological progress.
No ASEAN country has yet become an observer to the Council of Europe’s AI Committee, meaning Malaysia would be the region’s first if it proceeds with the application.
He highlighted that South Korea, a global AI leader, recently initiated the process to become an observer state to the same committee.
Malaysia’s recent invitation to join the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime, also prepared within the Council of Europe, makes seeking observer status a logical complementary move consistent with the government’s AI governance priorities.
The MADANI Government has taken proactive steps including introducing the Online Safety Act 2025 to promote safe internet use and safeguard against harmful AI applications.
The National AI Office established by the Digital Ministry oversees implementation of the AI Technology Action Plan 2026-2030 focusing on technology, talent, governance and infrastructure.
“With all the efforts taken by various ministries on safeguarding, regulating and governing AI, it is an opportune moment for Malaysia to seriously consider being an Observer State,” Kula Segaran concluded. – Bernama
