KUCHING: Morality and ethics are paramount in newswriting and reporting, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said artificial intelligence (AI), while powerful, lacks the human authenticity and emotional depth essential to responsible media.
“The very word itself is already artificial, which hasn’t got that natural touch. Therefore, the differences are there. In trying to convey messages, you have to have the parameter of moral ethics.
“In writing and reporting, ethics is paramount, and it is a profound expression of trust that connects you with who you want to connect with.
“That’s why we rely on journalists to have certain moral ethics in their writing of what we call sincere data and observation,” he said.
Abang Johari said this in his speech during the opening ceremony of Sarawak Media Conference (SMEC) 2025, themed ‘Artificial Intelligence: Shaping the Future of Media and Journalism’ held at a hotel here today.
He also pointed to the growing prevalence of deepfakes as one of the major challenges facing society today.
“Deepfakes now is a real challenge faced by society because, as you know, you can create it. And then through that creation, the message passed is artificial and not genuine.
“There must be technology to verify whether it is genuine or not,” he added.
