Anwar said Malaysia must balance its pursuit of artificial intelligence (AI), innovation and economic competitiveness with justice, dignity and inclusivity.
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called for economic development to be guided by humanity and moral purpose, warning that growth and technological advancement are meaningless if they leave people behind.
Speaking at the launch of the Humane Economy Global Discourse 2026 today, Anwar said Malaysia must balance its pursuit of artificial intelligence (AI), innovation and economic competitiveness with justice, dignity and inclusivity.
He said the world is facing a crisis of values, pointing to conflicts such as the war in Gaza, widening inequality, climate challenges and the erosion of humanity in global discourse.
“We are talking about reclaiming humanity in 2026. What is growth for? What is prosperity worth if it leaves people without dignity? What is innovation worth if it produces greater exclusion?” he said.
Anwar stressed that economic policies should not be measured solely by investment, exports, productivity or fiscal discipline, but by whether they improve people’s lives.
“The economy is a means, not an end in itself. Its purpose is not merely to produce higher numbers or greater consumption, but to enable people to live with dignity, security, purpose and hope,” he said.
He acknowledged that while Malaysia must remain competitive and open to investment, development must be rooted in moral values and benefit all segments of society, including workers, farmers, fishermen and small entrepreneurs.
Anwar said concerns over the cost of living, job security and whether technological advances such as AI would empower or replace workers are universal issues that governments must address.
He also revealed that Malaysia is expected to launch its National AI Office this week or early next week as part of the country’s efforts to embrace technological advancement.
However, he stressed that technology and digital transformation must not come at the expense of humanity.
“We must strive for new technology and AI while remaining rooted in our traditions, culture and values,” he said.
Anwar said the Madani framework adopted by the government seeks to ensure that economic policies, including the national budget, semiconductor strategies, energy transition and digital transformation, are aligned with restoring the moral purpose of governance and development.
He said principles such as sustainability, innovation, prosperity and justice must be reflected in policies and institutions rather than remaining mere slogans.
“Sustainability means we do not pass environmental, financial and social burdens on to future generations. Innovation must enhance human capabilities rather than deepen exclusion,” he said.
Addressing young Malaysians, Anwar urged them not to succumb to cynicism and reminded them that no great civilisation was built on infrastructure and wealth alone.
*”No society rises merely because it has highways, buildings, technology or financial resources. It rises when it has a serious understanding of justice, knowledge, responsibility and the future.
“This will not win votes in Negeri Sembilan, but it will save a generation,”* he added.
He called on Malaysians to play their part in nation-building, saying teachers must teach with purpose, businesses should invest in people, and citizens must care for their communities.
“The human economy we seek is one that creates wealth without losing wisdom, innovates without abandoning compassion, competes without destroying solidarity, and grows without leaving humanity behind,” he said.
