PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has sharply criticised certain quarters for questioning the independence of the judiciary under the current MADANI administration, stating that such critics appear to be ignorant of historical realities.
Speaking at the launch of ‘Melukis Dengan Hati: Biografi Perjalanan Seni 50 Tahun’ by celebrated cartoonist Zulkiflee Anwarul Haque, better known as Zunar, Anwar stressed that his government remains firmly committed to ensuring the judiciary remains free from political interference.
“Acts of oppression, abuse of power, and manipulated judges — and now, when people talk about the judiciary today, I consider some of them to be completely unaware of history,” he said.
“Some individuals who once colluded with all the injustices and tyranny of the past now want to talk about freedom,” he added.
Anwar underscored that the judiciary must remain a key pillar of the nation, and that past abuses should serve as a lasting lesson for all.
“For those of us who went through that, we believe and are convinced that it must be a lesson. The important thing is that the judiciary must remain a mainstay of the country, free from political interference.
“Our experience should make us more mature. Political meddling only leads to injustice against the innocent,” he remarked.
During the same event at Pustaka Raja Tun Uda, the Prime Minister also proposed introducing new legal provisions to protect the authenticity and copyright of local creative works, particularly in light of rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) technologies.
He noted that this protection must extend beyond cartoonists to include films, poetry and other forms of creative expression that are increasingly vulnerable to plagiarism and misappropriation via AI.
“This legal protection is to ensure that creativity and the artistic abilities of creators are not stifled by copyright disputes or questions over the authenticity of their works,” he said.
Also present at the event were the Prime Minister’s wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail; Minister of Communications, Datuk Fahmi Fadzil; Minister of Home Affairs, Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail; Selangor Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari; Director of the Selangor Public Library Corporation, Datin Paduka Mastura Muhamad; and Zunar himself.
Anwar further called for the development of more home-grown AI experts, to ensure that Malaysia’s AI policies and technologies align with national values and cultural norms.
“Everyone acknowledges that AI is a new technology, but we must understand that what AI generates is based on inputs and data largely shaped by Western countries, particularly the United States, as well as China and others,” he said.
“I share the concerns surrounding AI, but we will not set aside or separate cultural, religious, and value-based elements in our national policy on AI technology.” - July 22, 2025
