AI Cannot Replace Journalists' Roles, Says Fahmi Fadzil

Artificial intelligence cannot replace the essential role and tasks of journalists, according to Malaysian Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil. He stressed that all parties, particularly media practitioners, must ensure AI's use is controlled to protect the future of the journalism industry.

Fahmi recounted an instance where he rejected an entity's request to use the Media Innovation Fund for developing an AI application. "Gentlemen, ladies and gentlemen, do you know what my answer was? I asked them to leave. I don't want to entertain applications like this. For me, journalists are very important. We cannot replace journalists with AI," he stated during the Malaysian Media Residence 2.0 2026 opening ceremony in Seberang Jaya.

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Gentlemen, ladies and gentlemen, do you know what my answer was? I asked them to leave. I don't want to entertain applications like this. For me, journalists are very important. We cannot replace journalists with AI.

He further explained that without journalists, news cannot be produced with quality and accuracy. Journalists rely on human judgment, fact-checking, and an understanding of context, differentiating them from AI. "So, for me, journalists are very important, they cannot be replaced by AI because the function of a journalist is to be a witness, to gather information, primary sources based on discipline, experience, ability, to process and turn it into news," Fahmi added.

The Ministry of Communications is also concerned about the challenges facing media organizations, including staff reductions due to economic pressures and industry landscape changes. Fahmi urged members of the Malaysian Media Clubs Coalition (GKMM) to inform his ministry about these issues so that appropriate assistance can be considered.

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So, for me, journalists are very important, they cannot be replaced by AI because the function of a journalist is to be a witness, to gather information, primary sources based on discipline, experience, ability, to process and turn it into news.