Malaysia launches AI adaptation guidelines for public sector

Malaysia’s Ministry of Digital has launched the Public Sector AI Adaptation Guidelines, a key initiative to help government agencies adopt artificial intelligence (AI) responsibly.

The 158-page guidelines provide an overview of AI, ethical principles, roles and responsibilities of stakeholders, risk management, adaptation methods, and self-assessment templates to help identify the scope and impact of AI within the public sector.

Speaking at the launch on February 27, Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said the guidelines lay the foundation for responsible and ethical AI use in the public sector, with accountability, transparency, and fairness as its core principles.

He said State employees must not allow AI to become a ‘black box’ that makes decisions without a strong system of checks and balances. At the same time, they must continuously adapt to AI advancements, build workforce capabilities, and ensure that every AI-assisted decision is always made in the best interest of the people.

The guidelines were developed by the National Digital Department (JDN) in collaboration with the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) and are available online at https://www.jdn.gov.my.

Gobind said that feedback on the adaptation of the guidelines would be gathered every three months to ensure continuous improvements, expressing hope that the input received will enhance competency and address emerging challenges.