Malaysia insists on the need for defence force to tackle crime - Saifuddin

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 27: In addressing an increasingly complex crime landscape, including radicalism, human trafficking, organized crime and Cybercrime (CEC), Malaysia needs to move from a reactive approach to the ability to detect and prevent early.

Interior Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said if crime is increasingly driven by artificial intelligence (AI), then national defense should also be strengthened with the technology.

"The principle must be clear. AI can help humans make decisions, but it cannot replace human judgment.

"The rule of law remains the foundation for all prevention and enforcement measures, supported by competent institutions, integrity in public service, accountability and people's confidence in the administration of justice", he said.

He said this while delivering the National Statement at the 15th United Nations (UN) High-level Segment of Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Saifuddin Nasution said the Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN) is now moving in line with the National AI Action Plan 2026-2030 which provides a nationwide framework towards responsible, credible and inclusive use of AI across government, industry and society sectors.

He said at the same time, technological advances are also changing the nature and scale of threats and stressing that cybercrime without borders cannot be tackled by a single country.

"For this reason Malaysia continues to strengthen international cooperation, including through the United Nations Convention Against Cybercrime signed by Malaysia on 25 October 2025, as well as reaffirming our commitment to the goals of the convention", he said.

He said Malaysia also supported the Abu Dhabi Declaration as a step forward to strengthen crime prevention, build more responsive justice systems, strengthen trusted institutions and expand international cooperation.

Ending the National Statement, Saifuddin Nasution also delivered Malaysia's Declaration of Justice which aims to strengthen the modern legal sovereignty framework and empower people by 2030.

"In an effort to advance crime prevention and criminal justice, Malaysia pledges by 2030 to strengthen a modern, equitable and inclusive framework of legal sovereignty; protect vulnerable groups through victim-based approaches and take into account trauma; and promote digital innovation responsibly in national crime prevention, and continue to protect the people, national sovereignty and human dignity", he said.

Meanwhile, Saifuddin Nasution also held a bilateral meeting with Interior Minister of the Government of Bahrain General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa.

He said the meeting also discussed enhanced cooperation in tackling terrorism and extremism, risk sharing, drug enforcement and detection, as well as border management and security to counteract cross-border threats.

Among the main topics also discussed is the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, which will take place at Sepang International Circuit from 2 to 4 October.

"Malaysia is proud to welcome Bahrain and the international motorsport community to Sepang. This prestigious event is not only about motorsport, but also serves as a bridge to strengthen the good relations and ties between Malaysians and Bahrain.

"Malaysia values Bahrain as a partner in maintaining public order and international peace. I hope this momentum can be sustained at the technical level and translated into real security cooperation for both countries", he said. - TVS