KUCHING: Today’s youth must be equipped with sufficient knowledge to navigate increasingly challenging circumstances and the rapid advancement of technology, said Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
While acknowledging innovations such as artificial intelligence (AI), Fadillah cautioned that such technologies could also pose risks if people are unable to search for, communicate, and differentiate between true and false information.
He highlighted the dangers of deepfake content, which creates convincing but false portrayals.
“Some of you may have seen videos of me appearing to promote certain products, using my face, my voice, and even mimicking my way of speaking – but it was not me.
“This is why we must keep improving our knowledge, so that we can distinguish between factual information, truths, and the half-truths that are sometimes spread,” he said in his speech when officiating the ‘Kembara Segulai Sejalai Belia Sarawak’ at Darul Aqsa Mosque, Kampung Segedup, today.
Fadillah also cited the recent protests in Indonesia, where the demonstrations initially sparked by genuine issues were later fuelled by half-truths and misinformation, which in turn triggered public anger and unrest.
“This is what we must avoid. We need to ensure Malaysia remains peaceful and stable. Only then can we govern effectively and grow the economy. Without peace and stability, we cannot help the people,” he added.
Fadillah stressed that peace and stability are the foundations of good governance and economic growth.
He said that with stability, the economy can thrive, attract more investors, create job opportunities and secure funds to support the people.
“Peace and stability can only be achieved if our people are united. We must set clear life goals.
“If we want our nation to become developed and prosperous, our people must also aspire to be progressive and prosperous individuals.
“And how do we achieve this? By gaining knowledge, improving skills, and ensuring that we spread only positivity in life,” he elaborated.
The ‘Kembara Segulai Sejalai Belia Sarawak’ programme, organised by the Malaysian Islamic Youth Movement (ABIM) Sarawak, runs from September 5 to 14, starting in Kuching and concluding in Miri.
