SALUTATIONS

1. Yang Berbahagia Dato' Mohd Shaiful Ibrahim Deputy Director-General of Public Service (Operations)

2. Yang Berbahagia Tuan Fabian Bigar Secretary-General, Ministry of Digital

3. Yang Berusaha Dr. Fazidah Abu Bakar Director-General, National Digital Department

4. Yang Berusaha Tuan Anuar Fariz Fadzil Chief Executive Officer, Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation

Distinguished Heads of Departments,

ICT Consultants and Chief Information Officers of the Public Sector,

Heads of Government & Private Sector Agencies,

Media Partners,

Esteemed Guests.

Good afternoon, Salam Perpaduan, and Salam Malaysia MADANI.

1. Today, we gather here for an important occasion – the Launch of the Public Sector Artificial Intelligence (AI) Adaptation Guidelines. This is not merely the unveiling of a document but a significant step forward in reforming public service to be more efficient, responsive, and inclusive, in line with the aspirations of MADANI.

2. I extend my highest appreciation to the team from the National Digital Department (JDN) and MDEC, both agencies under the Ministry of Digital, for their hard work and dedication in developing these guidelines and making today’s launch a reality.

IMPORTANCE OF AI IN THE NATIONAL AND PUBLIC SECTOR

3. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept but a present-day reality. With AI, we can accelerate data processing, enhance analytics, and improve service delivery efficiency to the people. In developed nations, AI has been leveraged to predict public needs, optimize resources, and streamline administrative processes. Malaysia must not be left behind.

4. At the national level, efficient and ethical AI adoption will not only boost government efficiency but also attract investor confidence and position Malaysia as a regional digital hub. For instance, many leading clouds service providers have started establishing data centers in our country, positively impacting economic growth, talent development, and data sovereignty.

5. Through initiatives such as the National AI Roadmap 2021-2025 and the establishment of the National AI Office (NAIO) on 12 December 2024, the government remains committed to utilizing AI for enhanced service delivery, data-driven decision-making, and bolstering cybersecurity.

6. Therefore, we want our public sector to move forward in tandem, not just keeping up with AI advancements but leading them. AI can help public sector agencies reduce bureaucracy, expedite government services, and, most importantly, ensure that decisions are based on solid data and facts.

Esteemed Guests,

AI ETHICS AND GOVERNANCE

7. As we embrace AI, we must also ensure proper governance and regulation. Without clear ethical guidelines, AI can be misused, posing risks to data security, privacy, and human rights.

8. The guidelines launched today will serve as a foundation for responsible and ethical AI use in the public sector. Accountability, transparency, and fairness must be the pillars of AI governance. AI should not operate as a "black box" making decisions without robust checks and balances.

SIGNIFICANCE AND FUTURE IMPACT OF AI ADAPTATION GUIDELINES IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR

Esteemed Guests.

9. The Public Sector AI Adaptation Guidelines are not the end but the beginning. With these guidelines, we can further accelerate AI adoption in the public sector, ensuring its responsible and fair implementation for the benefit of all segments of society, while upholding social justice and inclusivity.

10. We must continuously adapt to AI advancements, build workforce capabilities, and ensure that every AI-assisted decision prioritizes the people’s interests.

11.Speaking of citizen-centric services, besides the development of these AI guidelines, the Ministry of Digital is also committed to providing the best digital services, not only for public servants but for all Malaysians.

12. On 6 December 2024, the Malaysian Government took a crucial step by approving the establishment of GovTech Malaysia, an initiative set to transform the nation’s digital landscape. Today, I am proud to launch GovTech Malaysia’s first product which MyGOV Malaysia, a one-stop digital government application that will revolutionize how citizens interact with the government.

13.At the initial stage, the MyGOV Malaysia application will focus on services for civil servants as a preliminary step to ensure that the application functions smoothly and meets user needs. However, we are not stopping there. As early as June 2025, this application will be expanded to all Malaysians, and services for the business sector will be introduced as early as October 2025. This will enable users to access various public services easily and quickly through their smartphones or devices. Services such as tax payments, permit applications, document renewals, and many more will be accessible with just a few clicks.

14. With the launch of this application, government service processes will become more efficient, transparent, and easily accessible. Citizens will no longer need to spend time waiting in long queues at counters or traveling long distances to government offices. This application will also support the government's initiative to enhance the efficiency of public services and strengthen the digital culture among Malaysians. Among the service categories offered through MyGOV Malaysia are real-time information updates, status checks, payments, and direct applications for various government services.

15. I also fully understand the concerns of citizens who often have to fill out the same forms repeatedly when dealing with the government. Therefore, we will simplify processes within the MyGOV Malaysia application, such as automatic form filling. This technology will reduce inconvenience by enabling forms to be completed quickly and efficiently, without the need to repeatedly enter the same information.

16. In addition, we will introduce an Intelligent AI Chatbot within this application, providing 24/7 assistance. This chatbot will not only support users but also reduce the workload of public officers handling government service counters, in line with the directive of the Chief Secretary to the Government. This is a crucial step to ensure that public services remain responsive and efficient.

17. Today, I am pleased to announce the soft launch of MyGOV Malaysia, which, in its first phase, will offer services for civil servants from eleven selected agencies. This trial phase aims to test and ensure that the application continuously meets the needs of the people.The official launch and expansion of this application to all Malaysians are expected to take place in the second quarter of 2025, with more additional services that will bring significant benefits to the entire nation.

18. With all these efforts, MyGOV Malaysia is not just an application—it is a symbol of the government's commitment to making life easier for the people, enhancing the efficiency of public services, and accelerating the nation’s digital transformation. This is the future of digital governance—fast, convenient, and effective!

OFFICIATION

Distinguished Guests,

19. In conclusion, I once again hope that with the launch of the Public Sector AI Adaptation Guidelines today, it will serve as an important reference to ensure that AI adoption in the public sector is carried out responsibly, ethically, effectively, and in line with MADANI values. At the same time, it will also act as a catalyst for public service reform.

20. I am confident that through collaboration between the public sector, private sector, academia, and the community, Malaysia will continue to progress as a leading nation in AI adoption—not only to enhance government efficiency but also to bring benefits to the people and the national economy.

21. With that, I am pleased to officially launch the Public Sector AI Adaptation Guidelines.

Thank you.

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