USE OF AI IN DRAFTING OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE WILL ENHANCE ADMINISTRATIVE EFFICIENCY – SEMUA

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 10 (Bernama) -- The use of artificial intelligence (AI) to prepare draft responses for official correspondence, as announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, will  enhance administrative efficiency in a pragmatic and forward-thinking way, ensuring strong governance.

Munsyi Muda Bahasa Kebangsaan Secretariat (SEMUA) welcomed the announcement, noting that this initiative aligns with the country’s digital transformation goals and will assist in preparing government letters and Cabinet papers, which will then be reviewed and finalised by public servants and ministers.

“AI will serve as a productivity tool, not a decision-maker, allowing civil servants to focus on policy analysis and strategic considerations,” SEMUA said in a statement.

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SEMUA emphasised that the use of AI in the public sector is guided by clear policies, such as the National AI Action Plan 2026-2030 and the establishment of the National AI Office(NAIO), adding that this ensures ethical, secure, and responsible implementation of AI.

Regarding data security, SEMUA stressed that AI must operate within closed, sovereign systems with human oversight and access control.

Despite concerns about misuse, SEMUA believes the issue lies in governance, training, and disciplined use, highlighting that AI has the potential to strengthen decision-making and improve public service quality.

On Jan 5, the prime minister directed ministries and departments to expedite online processes as part of bureaucratic reform, including using AI to draft letter responses, which would then be refined by officials,

-- BERNAMA