PM Calls for Faster Development of Strategic Technologies as AI Reshapes Cybersecurity Landscape
PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called for Malaysia to accelerate the development of strategic technologies and strengthen home-grown technological capabilities, warning that rapid advances in artificial intelligence are transforming the country’s cybersecurity landscape.
Chairing the National Cyber Security Committee meeting at Perdana Putra, the Prime Minister said Malaysia must respond proactively to increasingly sophisticated cyber threats by investing in domestic expertise, strengthening technological resilience and safeguarding the nation’s digital sovereignty.
Anwar said the emergence of next-generation Frontier AI models, including Anthropic Mythos, illustrates how rapidly evolving artificial intelligence technologies are creating new challenges for governments worldwide. He stressed that Malaysia cannot afford to lag behind as technological developments continue to reshape cybersecurity, digital governance and national resilience.
According to the Prime Minister, the country’s long-term competitiveness will depend on its ability to master strategic technologies through innovations driven by Malaysian expertise. He emphasised that local researchers, engineers and technology professionals should play a leading role in developing solutions capable of meeting future national requirements.
While encouraging technological advancement, Anwar said innovation must continue to reflect Malaysia’s values, cultural identity and national interests. He noted that technological progress should not be pursued independently of the principles that underpin the country’s social and institutional development.
A key focus of the meeting was strengthening Malaysia’s cryptology capabilities, which the Prime Minister described as a fundamental component of protecting sensitive government data, strategic communications and the country’s broader digital sovereignty.
Discussions also examined measures to reinforce the protection of the National Critical Information Infrastructure (NCII), improve national preparedness for post-quantum cryptography (PQC) challenges and enhance resilience against emerging cyber risks linked to the misuse of artificial intelligence technologies.
Anwar said cyber threats are becoming increasingly complex as AI and quantum computing continue advancing at a rapid pace, making it essential for Malaysia to modernise its cybersecurity strategies before future risks become more difficult to manage.
He added that protecting digital infrastructure has become a strategic national priority as government services, economic activities and critical sectors become increasingly dependent on secure digital systems.
According to the Prime Minister, the country’s ability to safeguard information systems, communications networks and critical infrastructure will play a decisive role in determining Malaysia’s future economic competitiveness and national security.
As global digital transformation accelerates, Anwar said Malaysia must continue strengthening its technological capabilities while ensuring cybersecurity remains an integral pillar supporting sustainable economic growth, public trust and long-term digital resilience.
